CLASSIC IPOD FIRMWARE/SOFTWARE ON 5G IPODS?

Based on the fact when the late 2006 5th gen iPods (also called 5.5) were released with the new search feature, that feature was not made available to the earlier iPods, I say that CoverFlow won't be available for existing iPods.

It hasn't been Apple's policy in the past to add new features like this to older iPods.

Actually, it hasn't been Apple's policy to make any updates at all to the iPod firmware for 5G iPods. I've been quite amazed at how little function they have added to it. Every time I see someone ask for a feature they get pointed to the standard feedback site, which gets pretty old when you see there is ZERO development being done. All they ever do is a few bug fixes, and those come become the iTunes software is used for a new device that Apple puts out.

Well, other than games, scrolling index letter, higher resolution video support, gapless playback, and better backlighting adjustment (I don't think v1.0 of the firmware let adjust the backlighting at all, but I'm not sure) - on a 5G going from v1.0 to 1.2.1. I think there was something else, but I can't think of right now.

However, since the only real difference between a 5.5G and a 6G "Classic" is hard disk size and case design, Apple's marketing department will probably step in and keep 5 and 5.5G iPods from getting an update. Otherwise, there will be no reason for you to buy a new iPod (presuming, of course like me, you need the storage space the iPod Touch simply doesn't offer).

The only updates my 4G iPod ever got were for some minor file formal updates.

Personally, I'm intrigued by the iPod Touch, but the measly 16GB worth of storage is a deal breaker.

You know what would be great at least for a 5G update?

Some sort of THEMES SERVICE

i pictured this a while ago, imagine the normal 5G iPod GUI, but with white letters and a black background, pretty much like the iPod Touch or the iPhone, but without the fancy icons, and add some sort of transition effects, instead of the normal left or right scroll imagine some sort of vanishing or dissolution, that would be great!! 😉

well, i personally dont like the new GUI of the iPods, i consider it to be very crowded, who needs coverflow in that thing anyway???, its a cool effect but please, that's unuseful

First of all, please don't use all caps. That's equivalent to shouting. It's offensive and your post is difficult to read.

I could care less about new firmware. My iPod does exactly what I want it to do. No more, no less. I want to know if Apple will update my hard drive to the larger size!

I've got about as much chance of getting my wish as you do of getting yours.

I tried download and extracting the 6G firmware binary, then writing it to the iPod using dd on /dev/disk2s2. This works for restoring the firmware from the command line without iTunes (for the 5.5G anyways). Needless to say, it didn't work and I had to restore. Maybe there is some hardware difference preventing it from working, or similar to other releases, the firmware is encrypted and the 5.5G doesn't know what to do with. Or maybe it is something else entirely. In any event, unless Apple releases an official update, we're SOL.

it is quite impossible to do so as restoring the ipod, itunes will download firmware for ipod 5.5 G. Apple may release it on their download site, however, due do the different hardware between the 5.5G and the 6G, the installation should not work.

I've read a couple of posts on this subject. Many people keep saying that "apple doesn't owe us anything." While that is true, many of us have become used to apple supporting their products. I have a 2 yr old G5 DP that came w/ os 10.4. I EXPECT Apple to not leave me in the dust when 10.5 comes out (oops sorry for the all caps, I know that offends some too). Heck, my G3 was torn apart and upgraded ever chance I got, and even ran 10.4 before it died. My 5.5g iPod is 2 months old, and the new ones that look just like it have the cover flow and other enhancements that may not be owed to us, but it'd really make a lot of customers happy, and also into repeat customers. This is a +less than+ one generation difference, not like we're asking for video capabilities on a first gen monochromatic iPod.

Listen Guys......

This is my first encounter with Apple, and although I had 3 80Gb Ipod 5.5G's before i got one that worked properly, the support was excellent.

The main reasons for getting one were, the iconic nature of iPod, the ability to carry all my music, some video and a few games. The other reason I opted for an iPod was that I knew the platform was upgradeable and EXPECTED, as part of the high expense of purchasing the most up to date version of iPod, was that the firmware WOULD be upgraded to include fun and exciting new features, like skinning the GUI, like coverflow, etc. Having only recently bought mine, I've not seen any upgrades so far, everything was already loaded as standard.

Those idiots on here that slate Apple or say "they don't owe you anything" are wrong. We ALL paid a high price for this state of the art gadgetry. Therefore we DO expect "bang for our buck".

If Apple aren't/won't upgrade the firmware, why BOTHER making it upgradeable. And to say it's not compatible, if programmers can write a computer game for the Xbox 360, then convert it for a MAC/PC/PS3/Wii/PSP/DS, etc, etc, I'm VERY sure that this software could be adapted from 6G to 5.5G pretty easily. And saying that, I understand that the archetecture and tech on the 6G is fundamentally THE SAME as 5.5G units, just manufactured better/cheaper/quicker (no doubt!)

And if, like me you are excited about the prospect of user interface customisation and additional/new features, then instead of complaining it MIGHT NOT happen or NOT LIKELY, why aren't we all putting Apple under pressure to provide the upgrade?

After all, Apple's marketing machine ensures that the world knows it's sold millions of units, meaning millions of people to put the pressure on!

Remember...all it takes is ONE email!

*...many of us have become used to apple supporting their products.*

You're correct and Apple is still supporting the 5G iPods. Mine works exactly the way that it was designed to work and Apple support ensures that it will continue to do so.

*The other reason I opted for an iPod was that I knew the platform was upgradeable and EXPECTED, as part of the high expense of purchasing the most up to date version of iPod, was that the firmware WOULD be upgraded to include fun and exciting new features, like skinning the GUI, like coverflow, etc.*

How do you know that the platform is upgradeable and why on earth did you expect that the firmware would be updgraded?

From what I can see, the only real advantage to purchasing the new Classic model as an upgrade from the 5g model would be for the larger hard drive, not the new features, as they are just eye candy, at least as compared to the iTouch. So making the argument that they won't upgrade the 5G to things like "cover flow" because they want you to buy a new one to get the new software features doesn't make sense to me, because as I see it, the only real emphasis for desiring the new model is more a need for hardware and disk space, than a dire need for software. And another point, Apple has not said they will not offer it, it is solely conjecture that they won't, but my opinion is that eventually they will release it, so we'll see. But keep in mind, NOBODY knows for sure, one way or the other.

As for PhillyPhan.......please stop!!! Everyone here is quite aware of your opinions on the subject. Yes, the 5G iPod does exactly what Apple stated it will do, and Yes, Apple has made no promises about offering any upgrades. But on the other hand, it is reasonable to assume that Apple might release an update if said update is minor in scope, and there is precedent for it, maybe not necessarily with the iPod line, but with the company as a whole. And on a side note, why do you take such offense that Apple customers desire new features? I have only had mine for three months, personally I think it is reasonable to want minor new features without have to shell out another $350 for a newer model. I mean it is not like anyone had any advance notice that a new model was coming out, and therefore knowingly opted for an older model. Had I known, I would have waited the three months, so where is the harm in desiring a software upgrade? And while I am not privy to the inner workings and decisions at Apple, I highly doubt that they whole heartedly take your stance on what I am sure they see as "valued" customers.

Thankyou Kenneth!

PhillyPhan....everyone, including you are entitled to their own opinion. Its part of your human rights. However, after scanning these forums for various bits of information, I've noticed your moniker in many of them. From your curt and mainly rediculous responses, it's clear that you feel oppressed in some way. Maybe a bad experience with Apple, maybe a jilted former Apple employee I don't know, but please respect other peoples opinions, thoughts and questions. You question and belittle nearly every comment on here to the point of ridicule.

I certainly have no respect for a user who seems to HAVE to make some sarcastic or idiosyncratic comment to nearly EVERY comment placed. Oh and if you have nothing sensible or constructive to actually say, stop copy/pasting the users comments back to them. It just makes you appear petty, small minded and bitter.

What is SO wrong in wanting or expecting good customer care? Kenneth is right, NO ONE from Apple has said outright that an upgrade won't be provided and it seems only one or two people on these forums, but mainly you don't seem to want it! Sadly, I now look forward to it happening even moreso, if only to embarass and humiliate you.

Unless you're an iPod engineer, you don't know that this is even possible.

Remember... The 5g iPods are made up of hardware that's over two years old. It is quite possible that they are incapable of effectively displaying the user interface in the new Classic iPods.

Cheers!
-Bryan

*As for PhillyPhan.......please stop!!! Everyone here is quite aware of your opinions on the subject.*
So therefore I am not permitted to state my opinions?

*it is reasonable to assume that Apple might release an update if said update is minor in scope*
The operative word is "if."

*personally I think it is reasonable to want minor new features*
However, there are a lot of whiners that seem to believe that these new features are some sort of a constitutional "right."