iTunes update disables some iPod shuffles?

iTunes 6.0.1 appears to disable some iPod shuffles--both the 512MB and 1GB models--seemingly after performing the update. Apple's forum currently harbors many posts from angry Shuffle owners reporting green and orange blinking lights--in many cases with no response from the music player. Apple's System Profiler utility reportedly detects the Shuffle when connected, but numerous customers discovered that iTunes cannot see the player, and in one case five different versions of iPod Updater failed to recognize the device. Users report that that iPod shuffle charges normally, but that they receive messages suggesting that that there isn't enough room on the iPod to store more songs when using the "Autofill" feature--despite the fact that this feature is designed to replace songs outright. Many Shuffle owners are being told by representatives at various stores to send the devices back to Apple, and upon contacting Apple they are told that they must pay the shipping charges.

Apple hasn't acknowledge the problem on its forums, and some posters have already commented on the similarities between this apparent issue and the iPod battery issue which surfaced in September. The news comes hot on the heels of a class action lawsuit filed against Apple over the fragile iPod nano screens, some of which are prone to scratching and even cracking.

Filed under: iPod