Fourth generation iPods have a flaw – either in hardware or software – that causes them to act strangely when playing enhanced podcasts. Fifth generation iPods also appear to suffer from this problem to some degree, but if you want video playback capability and you just ponied up the money for a 4G iPod only to have Apple announce the new models, then read on.
First some disclaimers. I don’t promise that this will work for you, and if Apple refuses to honour their replacement policy due to an influx of requests, don’t blame me. If Apple asks me to remove this post, I will do so. I discovered this “flaw” (or is it a feature?) with my 4th generation iPod and was issued a replacement iPod by Apple, but I will not be held responsible for any damages incurred by your attempts to “crash” or “lock–up” you iPod. So let’s get on with how this all works.
Notice that the word “Break” in the title is in quotes. That’s because you’re not really breaking anything. iPods merely have an issue with either hardware or software (I’m not sure which, and Apple doesn’t seem to know either, since they haven’t fixed the problem or acknowledged that it is a problem, and did issue a replacement unit when I discovered and reported the problem with my 4th generation iPod), that causes them to freeze or lock up during playback of enhanced podcasts. The problem is simple to replicate. Here’s how:
- Launch iTunes, enter the iTunes Music Store and subscribe to an enhanced podcast (enhanced podcasts feature chapter markers, rotating images, links and so on) like the iTunes New Music Tuesday podcast.
- Sync your iPod to iTunes so the enhanced podcast is loaded.
- Play the enhanced podcast on your iPod, pausing it after it’s moved to a new chapter marker or the image has changed.
- Leave your iPod paused until it shuts itself off.
- Try to turn your iPod back on. Chances are it won’t turn back on unless you reset it by holding down the Select and Menu buttons together.
- Call Apple Support and report the problem to them. If your iPod is still under warranty, Apple should issue you a replacement – and since they no longer manufacture 4th generation iPods, you should be given a 5th gen.
- If the iPod turns back on, download more enhanced podcasts and repeat steps 2 to 5.
That’s it. I have no idea whether this works with iPod Nanos, but from what I understand, it only works with color iPods (such as the 4G) that support enhanced podcasts. I’m not trying to “screw” Apple. I love my iPod and even my original Mac mini, and I fully intend to purchase a new Intel-based Mac workstation when they’re announced, but I thought I’d share my discovery with you, in the hope that you get your 4th generation iPod upgraded for free.
Update
Someone pointed out to me that there are comments on Digg about this How-To, implying that I’m lying about my results. I assure you, this is based on personal experience, and I have the documentation to prove it. I live in Canada and purchased my iPod 4G in July, so perhaps your experience will differ from mine, but suggesting I’m a liar based on your own feelings and opinions is just silly. I went through software update, reinstalling, etc. and after all the diagnostics were performed, I was issued a new iPod.