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Apple Issues Bug Fix with Apple TV 4.4.1 Software Update [Updated x2]

Tuesday October 18, 2011 6:36 am PDT by Eric Slivka
Less than a week after releasing a significant 4.4 software update for the second-generation Apple TV, Apple has now released a 4.4.1 bug fix update for the device.

According to Apple's release notes, the update addresses an issue affecting a "small number" of units to have to connect to iTunes.

Software update: Addresses an issue that required a small number of Apple TV units to be connected to iTunes in order to complete the update.

The previous 4.4 software update had added a number of new features, including AirPlay video mirroring, Photo Stream support, movie trailers, and video content from the National Hockey League and The Wall Street Journal.

Update: Some users in our forums and elsewhere are reporting that the update has "bricked" their Apple TV units, requiring that they be connected to iTunes and restored. The update appears to have temporarily been pulled, but users should be careful in applying it when it is available.

(Thanks, Seth!)

Update 2: Apple has re-released the Apple TV 4.4.1 update, presumably addressing the issue users were experiencing with the initial version.
[ 43 comments ]

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ohbrilliance
Posted: 8 months ago
Pedantic alert. If the device can be restored by plugging into iTunes then the ATV was never 'bricked'. Bricking is unrecoverable save for recovery using specialised equipment.
Rating: 5 Positives / 0 Negatives
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logandzwon
Posted: 8 months ago

You're one of those "Malware vs. Virus" kind of guys, aren't you?

Thing is, unless you even know that it's possible to recover the Apple TV yourself (and connecting the Apple TV via USB to your PC isn't exactly "normal usage" like an iPhone or iPad), the device is as good as bricked.


Your one of those, "cars are only as good as their tank of gas," kind of guys, aren't you?

Thing is, unless you even know that it's possible to refill the gas tank yourself, (and opening the fuel door and gas cap isn't exactly, "normal driving,") the car is as good as junked.
Rating: 4 Positives / 1 Negatives
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macpeach55
Posted: 8 months ago
"Software update: Addresses an issue that required a small number of Apple TV units to be connected to iTunes in order to complete the update."

Well, I guess in a way they did address the issue; instead of a small number, now a LARGE number of people have to connect to iTunes!
Rating: 2 Positives / 0 Negatives
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ubestbsteppin
Posted: 8 months ago

I thought Aple pulled only the 4.4.1 update. I'm still running 4.3 and it says I'm up to date. Guess they pulled the 4.4 and the 4.4.1, anyone else seeing this?


Yes, same problem here.
Rating: 2 Positives / 0 Negatives
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kornyboy
Posted: 8 months ago

I thought Aple pulled only the 4.4.1 update. I'm still running 4.3 and it says I'm up to date. Guess they pulled the 4.4 and the 4.4.1, anyone else seeing this?


I'm getting the same thing.
Rating: 1 Positives / 0 Negatives
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wovel
Posted: 8 months ago

Your one of those, "cars are only as good as their tank of gas," kind of guys, aren't you?

Thing is, unless you even know that it's possible to refill the gas tank yourself, (and opening the fuel door and gas cap isn't exactly, "normal driving,") the car is as good as junked.

Filling the gas tank is a normal procedure, most if not all drivers do it frequently, and it is covered in the manual in the glove box.

I am not required to contact Ford technical support to figure out what to do when my car runs out of ga. (Or read the forums).

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My Apple TV is running 4.4 firmware, and it's working fine. Although NHL Gamecenter froze a couple times during the Habs/Sabres game last night. I don't know if there was a problem with the feed or a ATV/internet issue.


Both of mine are to. I think I will avoid the update menu for a bit.

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Filling the gas tank is a normal procedure, most if not all drivers do it frequently, and it is covered in the manual in the glove box.

I am not required to contact Ford technical support to figure out what to do when my car runs out of ga. (Or read the forums).

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Both of mine are to. I think I will avoid the update menu for a bit.


The manual does actually mention the recovery procedure :) http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/Apple_TV_2nd_gen_Setup_Guide.pdf


It does require a micro-USB cable, not included.
Rating: 1 Positives / 0 Negatives
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bmoorhouse
Posted: 8 months ago
Where are Movie Trailers? I updated and can see the new sports channels, but can't find the trailers.
Rating: 1 Positives / 0 Negatives
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wolfpackfan
Posted: 8 months ago
Yep, bricked my ATV. At Apple Store now, hopefully getting it fixed.
Rating: 1 Positives / 0 Negatives
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mrfoof82
Posted: 8 months ago

Warning: be carefull with this update. Check http://9to5mac.com/2011/10/17/apple-updates-apple-tv-to-version-4-4-19a335a/

Many bricked there Apple TV's...


This indeed happened to me. Currently waiting on a MicroUSB cable from Amazon to do a restore with, which should be here tomorrow thanks to Amazon Prime.
Rating: 1 Positives / 0 Negatives
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hansenc
Posted: 8 months ago
Yeah I got notified of this update last night, had to hook my Apple TV up to iTunes after and do a restore to get things working again.
Rating: 1 Positives / 0 Negatives

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