14 DAY TRIAL // The 3.1.3 firmware update has been around for a while, but just in case some of you iPod touch users didn’t know this, the update is available free of charge, if you’re already running a version of iPhone OS 3.1.
Last year, Apple issued a major firmware update – version 3.0 – for both iPhone and iPod touch users, charging the latter $9.95 for an upgrade from version 2.0. Later, firmware 3.1 was out, bearing a smaller price tag than the previous software update – $4.95. It was still enough to annoy iPod touch owners who always paid for these updates, whereas iPhone users got them completely free of charge. This has determined many users to go searching for their appropriate IPSW files on the Internet, download them manually, and feed them to their iPod touches via iTunes. Updating this way works, but Apple may not offer its customer support to these people in the future. However, if you’re running September’s 3.1 or newer, even as an iPod touch owner, you are eligible to download the new software free of charge.
Earlier this month, Apple released a software update for the iPhone and iPod touch, bringing the current version to 3.1.3. The update fixes several bugs and addresses stability, improving the accuracy of the battery level on iPhone 3GS units, resolving an issue where third-party applications would not launch in some instances, and fixing a bug where some apps would crash while using the Japanese Kana keyboard.
A guide on how to properly install your firmware updates is available on Softpedia. Although it was posted with iPhone OS 3.1. in mind, it still applies for newer versions of the software. iPod touch users should note that the method explained in the respective guide is the only legal way to update. As noted above, some refuse to pay for their updates, and go for other means of updating. Softpedia encourages these people to go the legal way.
There are currently three versions of the iPod touch available. The appropriate IPSW update / restore files for each device are: iPod1,1_3.1.3_7E18_Restore.ipsw (first-generation iPod touch); iPod2,1_3.1.3_7E18_Restore.ipsw (second-generation iPod touch); iPod3,1_3.1.3_7E18_Restore.ipsw (third-generation iPod touch).
In related news, the iPhone Dev Team has issued updates to its jailbreak tools that can effectively hack a number of supported devices under the newly released iPhone OS 3.1.3. While Softpedia doesn’t condone hacks, those who attempt to use them should at least follow a few guidelines to ensure they don’t break their devices.