bluetooth music issues after iOS6 update

Alpine just posted the following on their Facebook page;

We would like to announce that the highly anticipated Bluetooth firmware update for Alpine decks CDE-133BT, CDE-135BT, CDE-136BT, CDE-HD137BT, CDE-HD138BT, CDE-W235BT and IVE-W530 being used with an Apple iOS 6 (and later) device has arrived. This update enables Bluetooth audio streaming control and song information display with Apple iOS 6 and later. If you need this update, please click the link below to download and carefully read the instructions. If you have any questions, please call our tech support team at (800) ALPINE-1.

To download this update: http://alpine-usa.com/feeds/promo/13hubtupdate

I'm using the CDE-133BT myself but I haven't tried this since I live in Europe and it seems this update is only for USA at this point. If anyone from outside the USA has tried to apply (or succesfully applied) this update already, please post about it here!

Requirements to update your CDE-133BT, CDE-135BT, CDE-136BT, CDE-HD137BT, CDE-HD138BT, CDE-W235BT or IVE-W530 head unit:

• A Windows 7 computer (connected to the internet) with Bluetooth connectivity. This includes built-in Bluetooth adapters or external USB Bluetooth adapters.
• The Bluetooth adapter must support File Transfer Profile (FTP).
• The Bluetooth firmware update file (Alpine provided).

So you need a Windows 7 computer to update for an Apple product? Really?

So, what do I do if I have Apple Mountain Lion, and no windows computer?

Really?

I have the update and just attempted it using their procedure on a Mac (ML).

I was able to connect to the head unit via Bluetooth and browse the device to the "Update" folder. I was unable to copy the file to the device. After about 450K of the 1.8MB i got "General Error." This persisted on several attempts.

I will try this again after a bit of investigation. I have screen shots and will post the procedure after I have successfully gotten the update to work.

I am a bit perplexed with this tho, the previous Alpine updates allowed for uploading the file to the head unit using a CD or USB Flash Drive.

http://alpine-usa.com/feeds/promo/13hubtupdate

Worked like a charm, just after the iOS 6 update, 🙂

Comon, it's just a file you copy over the bluetooth connection, I'm sure you'll figure out how to do this with your Mac Book.

And it's an update to change AVRCP from 1.3 to 1.4 on an Alpine product, not an Apple product.....

I did it, CDA-137BTi, France

At least you guys are getting updates. I emailed Sony about mine and they straight up said that my unit was not compatible with the iPhone 4S or the 5 as well as the Galaxy S3.

The Macs work for the Pioneer radios, Should work for the Alpines. Take a look back a few pages on this conversation. Someone posted Mac directions for the Pioneer update. I used an iMac myself to update my Pioneer.

I downloaded the Alpine update on my Mac, but am unable to expand the file. Stuffit usually does it, but won't work with this file, which has a .plf suffix. Any suggestions?

Also, I find it very strange and troubling that Alpine's fix for an Apple product is only available on Windows computers. What are these people smoking?

Clark Addison wrote:

I downloaded the Alpine update on my Mac, but am unable to expand the file. Stuffit usually does it, but won't work with this file, which has a .plf suffix. Any suggestions?

Also, I find it very strange and troubling that Alpine's fix for an Apple product is only available on Windows computers. What are these people smoking?

The .plf file is not compressed. It's a single file the head unit will use to update the firmware. Leave the file alone, just copy it to the head unit following the instructions.

You're not updating Apple but ALPINE !

And you can do it with your Mac too ... Copying a file, the dumbest person on earth can do it

Kinda tough without a laptop with Bluetooth..luckily my alpine dealer said they would do it for me..

I have a Macbook Air and an Alpine 138. I started following the directions as closely as possible, given the fact that it's not a Windows 7 machine. The devices got paired right away, but the Alpine won't connect to the computer, it just flashes "connecting" for a couple of minutes, then displays "failed." I selected the computer from the list of paired devices (it's the only one, since I deleted the iPhone as per the instructions) and selected "connect," but again the Alpine just flashed "connecting" for a couple of minutes and then stopped flashing but was not connected. I un-paired and re-paired, same result.

Anyone have any advice? I'm willing to try doing this with a Mac instead of a Windows 7 machine (since I don't have one of those), but if I can't connect...

Thanks,

Rich

This update is super frustrating to work with. I honestly don't think it's possible to do with a Mac. Reason is... you need to initiate the "FW UPDATE" mode. On my CDE-133BT, when I initiate this mode, I see "CODE 0000" and then bluetooth connectivity completely turns off. I can't even get this to work with Windows 7. I consider myself very computer literate (I work in IT) and this is just a big headache. I may have to call Alpine tomorrow as this is just simply rediculous.

Just got a reply through Facebook from Alpine UK, which says the following:

--

The European update is now available, please visit the Alpine Europe website and select your country. http://www.alpine-europe.com/

--

Haven't tried it yet, but hope this solves all of our Alpine/iOS trouble for most of us!