iPod Nano (1st Gen) Problem with Sync and Fix

[jadlow]

Just wanted to post here regarding a problem I had with my wife's iPod Nano (1st Gen). Sync was working fine with my iPod (4th Gen with Click Wheel) but would not recognize her Nano. When the Nano was connected, Sync would not recognize it as a USB device though it was clearly connected (and charging). I would also get the dreaded <USB Disconnected> error displayed even though it never connected.

 

After trying a couple of times with the Nano with no success, I finally broke down and called the Ford support line. I have to admit that the experience was a bit annoying, especially as a recently-departed 7 year employee of Ford Motor Company who is pretty technically literate and familiar with the existing Sync material. The first level operator was not very knowledgeable about Sync or MP3 players in general (she asked me which company made the Nano?). Eventually she took down all the info about my issue (iPod type, firmware, etc.) and passed me on to Tier 2 tech support after a rather long wait on hold. Though it is not exactly clear on the Sync site, only certain firmware versions of the various devices were actually tested with Sync. My wife's Nano was running firmware version 1.1 but the 1st Gen Nano was deemed compatible with firmware version 1.3.1 (the latest one for 1st Gen Nanos). So, the recommendation was to update the firmware to version 1.3.1. Unfortunately, this update took a bit of work as I had to upgrade to the latest version of iTunes before updating the firmware on the Nano. But, after the update to 1.3.1, Sync worked great with the Nano!! I wanted to pass this info on to other folks in the hopes that it helps others having similar problems.

 

One side note- I find it hard to think that most casual users will be happy in my situation. Many customers will simply look at the list of compatible players, see their device listed, and assume it will work. In my case, it was even worse as the Nano is a "Recommended" player. Perhaps it should be made more clear that you may need a particular version of the firmware in addition to a compatible player? While updating the firmware on a device is not difficult, it is certainly an extra hassle for customers whose player was working fine with their existing firmware. Maybe there is no way around this issue but it seems like this is a situation ripe for people to bash Sync, Ford, and Microsoft for a non-robust solution? Just my two cents.

[Lex Talionis]

One side note- I find it hard to think that most casual users will be happy in my situation. Many customers will simply look at the list of compatible players, see their device listed, and assume it will work. In my case, it was even worse as the Nano is a "Recommended" player. Perhaps it should be made more clear that you may need a particular version of the firmware in addition to a compatible player? While updating the firmware on a device is not difficult, it is certainly an extra hassle for customers whose player was working fine with their existing firmware. Maybe there is no way around this issue but it seems like this is a situation ripe for people to bash Sync, Ford, and Microsoft for a non-robust solution? Just my two cents.

 

HERE HERE!! much of the Sync details - for phones and music players - is very vague and gives misleading impressions as MOST Sync owners will not come to the website and check the full caveat details.. they will just read an ad, talk to an ill informed salesman, or hear things off the TV like....

 

"Most popular media players work with Sync!"

"Most Bluetooth-enabled phones support hands-free calling through Sync!"

"Even if your Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone is not shown here, it may still work with Sync!"

"Even if your media player is not shown, it may still work with your Sync!"

 

yes, yes.. I understand the get-us-off-the-hook words like "Most" and "May".. but I agree the the average - and that is key here - person will hear these vague claims and never once call Ford, or come to this or any website to find out details and limitations. They walk a fine line with their advertising.

[rmwill]

Well, my 3 iPods all have the tested firmware release on them, and the problem still exists. Speaking with level 2 support yesterday, they suggested that Keyspan cable that has both a miniplug and a dock connector is a good workaround until the Sync software is updated.

 

Just wanted to post here regarding a problem I had with my wife's iPod Nano (1st Gen). Sync was working fine with my iPod (4th Gen with Click Wheel) but would not recognize her Nano. When the Nano was connected, Sync would not recognize it as a USB device though it was clearly connected (and charging). I would also get the dreaded <USB Disconnected> error displayed even though it never connected.

 

After trying a couple of times with the Nano with no success, I finally broke down and called the Ford support line. I have to admit that the experience was a bit annoying, especially as a recently-departed 7 year employee of Ford Motor Company who is pretty technically literate and familiar with the existing Sync material. The first level operator was not very knowledgeable about Sync or MP3 players in general (she asked me which company made the Nano?). Eventually she took down all the info about my issue (iPod type, firmware, etc.) and passed me on to Tier 2 tech support after a rather long wait on hold. Though it is not exactly clear on the Sync site, only certain firmware versions of the various devices were actually tested with Sync. My wife's Nano was running firmware version 1.1 but the 1st Gen Nano was deemed compatible with firmware version 1.3.1 (the latest one for 1st Gen Nanos). So, the recommendation was to update the firmware to version 1.3.1. Unfortunately, this update took a bit of work as I had to upgrade to the latest version of iTunes before updating the firmware on the Nano. But, after the update to 1.3.1, Sync worked great with the Nano!! I wanted to pass this info on to other folks in the hopes that it helps others having similar problems.

 

One side note- I find it hard to think that most casual users will be happy in my situation. Many customers will simply look at the list of compatible players, see their device listed, and assume it will work. In my case, it was even worse as the Nano is a "Recommended" player. Perhaps it should be made more clear that you may need a particular version of the firmware in addition to a compatible player? While updating the firmware on a device is not difficult, it is certainly an extra hassle for customers whose player was working fine with their existing firmware. Maybe there is no way around this issue but it seems like this is a situation ripe for people to bash Sync, Ford, and Microsoft for a non-robust solution? Just my two cents.