By Caroline McCarthy, 5 February 2007 11:15
NEWS
Apple has warned Windows users running its iTunes software that they should wait for its next update before upgrading their PCs to Microsoft's new Windows Vista operating system.
The company cited a variety of compatibility issues that may cause friction between the media player software, its accompanying iPod player and Vista. Among these problems is an inability to play music or video purchased from the iTunes Store, problems synchronising address book contact and calendar functions, and slowed runtime. Additionally, there is a chance that plugging an iPod into a computer running Vista may corrupt the device.
Windows Vista, Microsoft's first new operating system in five years, was launched last week to consumers and is now standard on most new PCs from computer manufacturers. The enterprise version of Vista has been used by businesses since November.
The problems may not affect all Windows users, according to Apple, but they are serious enough that the company does not recommend PC owners install Vista just yet. Within the next few weeks, Apple plans to release a new version of its iTunes software that was designed primarily to address the Vista compatibility issues. When the release is available, the synchronisation issues should disappear. For the time being, a special support page is available.
The Mac maker said in a company statement: "Although iTunes 7.0.2 may work with Windows Vista on many typical PCs, Apple is aware of some known compatibility issues and recommends that iTunes customers wait to upgrade to Windows Vista until after the next release of iTunes, which will be available in the next few weeks." Apple declined further comment.
Caroline McCarthy writes for CNET News.com
Comments
There are 8 comments. Join the discussion
1. anonymous
First their crummy adverts, now scare mongering to try and win market share from M$. If your iPod doesn't work properly with Vista blame apple, get your money back and go spend it on something worthwile.
2. anonymous
I've been using my iPod shuffle with Vista since RC1, going through RC2, and have had absolutely no problem with it. Where these claims are coming from, I dont know.
3. anonymous
The Big thing Apple is not telling you is that if you upgrade to Vista that you will lose all the music you purchased. When you upgrade to Vista, ITunes recognizes it as a new computer so you arenot able to access you purchased music. You must first de-authorize you computer in order to get access to your old music
4. Steve
I think it is sad the Vista was RTM in November which means large corperation such as Apple had it since then and they are just now finding this out.
I think Apple should get off their lazy asses and fix this. Whether they like it or not their largest customer base for the ipod is Windows users.
5. anonymous
I have been running itunes and Vista for five months - I think they are just saying this to prevent people from buying Vista. Corrupt my ipod? You've got to be kidding.
6. Gerry Holland
Not sure where crummy adverts was leading or scare mongering by previous post. No details given so a wasted comment. Regarding authorising iTunes purchases. Why not require a process to transfer purchased songs? Both MS and Apple would be out of business if they didn't manage Software licensing rights. BTW. Apple and Microsoft are working together to ensure Vista compatibility. Both OS's have merits and thankfully we have a choice.
7. Dave Bourke
If your going to make comments like "What Apple aren't telling you is.." AND do it anonymously, make sure know what your'e talking about. FYI this article which I admit took nearly 20 seconds to locate, will hopefully clarify.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=305042.
8. Richard Davies
Why should people wait for apple and put off vista...why not just put off Apple...for good!!! Go out and buy a creative Zen player instead.
If your PC becomes corrupted and you lose all your music on the HDD, Apple won't let you re-download it from your iPod just in case you use this functionality to download your songs to your friends PC as well. I hate this...its not for Apple to take away such valuable functionality and for this I don't like them.
They are basically assuming that everyone is a theif who can't be trusted instead of realising that its a small minority who steal music and they will probably find a quick way around it anyway.