14 DAY TRIAL // Numerous users are reporting that the latest Apple TV software update from Cupertino is bricking their boxes, leaving a frozen image of the iTunes logo and a USB cable on screen.
Apple just recently updated boxes to version 4.4, which delivers key enhancements such as Trailers, Photo Stream, NHL, WSJ Live, Netflix and AirPlay Mirroring.
Now there’s a new version out - 4.4.1. Apple does not specify the reasons behind releasing a new software update for Apple TV users, but the package should mostly contain bug fixes.
However, there’s bit of a problem. It seems that many users attempting to install the update will end up with a bricked machine. It is unknown whether these Apple TV users are ‘jailbroken’, but it’s safe to assume that at least some of them are not using a hacked box.
Some users, however, seem to have weathered out the problems. Some successful updates were recorded following several attempts to restore for some users.
Over at 9to5mac, a person going by the screen-name 'Sectime' writes in the comments:
“Bricked mine also. Weird thing I tried to restore using my MacBook Pro. Kept getting error message about device not authorized for this build. I tried everything on Apple Support no joy. Then I tried on my MacPro same iTunes, and Lion software, It worked great. Go Figure.”
So it may appear that Apple TV 4.4.1 somehow gets along better with OS X Lion.
But the Apple TV shouldn’t get to the ‘restore’ screen to begin with. Users don’t even need to plug the machine into a computer to update. All they need to do is connect it to the Internet and choose Software Update from its own interface.
Something is definitely wrong with this update. Expect Apple to release a new patch soon.
Have you had problems with the new Apple TV update?