iPod software updates adds a slew of podcasting features

Just I minor correction on my previous post - I just remembered that the new iPod minis (the ones after the 6GB was released - both the 4GB and 6GB models, you can tell the difference in that the new line has the hard drive capacity printed on the back) have a slightly different system inside - the PP5022 (the old minis did have the PP5020, though). The PP5022, however, is completely backwards compatible with the PP5020 (register values are the same) - so the firmware does not need to be changed in the least from the old minis - they can support both types of minis with the same firmware. Not really important, but I thought I'd point it out.

"I don't see how it could be any more trouble to update the 3rd generation than it is to update the 4th; their only real difference is battery life and the means of input, so the firmware and such should be almost exactly the same." (post 7) Actually, the 4g iPods are based on a totally different unit (the 4g, photo, and minis use the PP5020, while the 1g, 2g, and 3g all use the PP5002), so its not just the input that is different - the firmware is completely different and not compatible between the two in the least. That being said, it is well within their capabilities to modify the firmware for the other models in the same way (especially since they already have the code for the other firmwares - I would expect it to be rather easy to apply it to the older firmware), and the system differences is no excuse - I expect that they just want to give poeple another reason to upgrade their old models. "BUT TAKING AWAY THE iPOD'S ABILITY TO RECOGNIZE AND RESPOND TO SMART PLAYLISTS IS NOT FINE. Discovered this when I heard the same tunes come on on the homebound commute that I heard on the way to work -- tunes that my playlist previously would have set aside for a month or two or six depending on their star rating." (post 11) I assume you have a photo, mini, or 4g (because you were able to upgrade your firmware) - I don't know if anyone else has experienced this, but I have always found this to be the case with my 3g, or at least for a long time (6 months at least, I don't remember if it worked before that or not). I always have to connect my ipod to my computer and run iTunes to get smart playlists to update - I wasn't aware that 4g ipods used to do this. Just another way that Apple continues to not support any but the latest iPods. I support the company strongly (raised on macs), but I can't agree with their lack of support for older products - especially when its something as simple as a firmware update. I'm still waiting for a number of features on my 3g - features that I don't really expect ever to come (speed control on audiobooks, podcast support, etc.). I really hope that they will change this policy - its one of the few things that I strongly dislike about Apple.

The new Apple Podcast is so awesome. But I have a question? Are the podcasts updated on your iPod(in the car, on the plane) or do you have to do it while your iPod is in your computer via iTunes?

How do you get a podcast put into your podcast FOLDER on your ipod - instead of just being lumped into all the other songs as if it were a song?

Apple, yet again, gives with the right hand, while taking away with the left. Sure -- Add the fancy podcasting features to automate what I was able to do manually. Fine. BUT TAKING AWAY THE iPOD'S ABILITY TO RECOGNIZE AND RESPOND TO SMART PLAYLISTS IS NOT FINE. Discovered this when I heard the same tunes come on on the homebound commute that I heard on the way to work -- tunes that my playlist previously would have set aside for a month or two or six depending on their star rating. TUAW's recent collection of smart playlist ideas are now obsolete regarding the iPod between synch-ups with iTunes.

Whos gonna listen..Iwould ************************ **********EpicEmpire.com ************************

Does anyone know how to create chapters in a Pod Cast and add photos to the chapters as discussed?

to #5. I had a 3G 20gb and when the photos first came out I splurged and got the 40Gb photo...haven't looked back since...GIVE IN...the color screen is SO pretty to look at! And Album art is always fun.

So us 3rd generations were left in the dust? :-( I don't see how it could be any more trouble to update the 3rd generation than it is to update the 4th; their only real difference is battery life and the means of input, so the firmware and such should be almost exactly the same. I feel jipped :-

I reformatted my 3G 20 gig ipod with the new updater, and the only change was now there is a playlist called podcasts. It's horrible. All it does is dump all my podcasts into that folder. No separate sections for diffrent groups, just one folder with 20+ unarranged podcasts.