Guide to the App Store for iPod Touch Users

A number of frustrating hiccups on the day that Apple launched iPhone 3G, App Store, Mobile Me, and 2.0 firmware for iPhone and iPod Touch worldwide made many iPod Touch users wonder how to get this elusive new software and whether it would ever work properly.

According to Apple, the problems were related to server trouble that unfortunately made it impossible for most Touch users to update their firmware and get applications onto their devices. Once the error messages calm down, however, the process is simple and applications are easy to use.

Getting the App Store on a Computer: iTunes 7.7

The first step for Touch users is to download the newest version of iTunes by checking for updates within the program or using Software Update on a Mac. Once iTunes is upgraded, a new icon labeled “Applications” will appear in the Library, and the App Store will appear within the iTunes store.

Users can download applications to their computer by clicking on the App Store and simply selecting “buy now.” Many applications are free, including popular social networking applications such as Facebook, MySpace, and Twitterific; an AIM application for mobile devices; and even a virtual lightsaber.

There are also more practical applications for taking notes, using Paypal, or looking up words in foreign languages. Along with third-party applications, Apple also released a free application called Remote that will allow users on a wireless network to operate iTunes on their computer using their iPod.

Those who do not have an iPhone can limit the search to iPod Touch applications only, and there is also an option in the left-hand menu to search for free applications only. Applications can cost as little as ninety-nine cents.

Getting Applications on the iPod Touch: 2.0 Firmware and Synching

Once the applications are on the computer, the next step is to update the iPod Touch to the newest firmware version. Unfortunately, this update costs the user $9.99, and Apple’s server problems have made it difficult to convince iTunes to find the software.

With the iPod Touch plugged into the computer, click on its icon in iTunes and then click “Update.” If iTunes says 1.1.4 is the most recent version, or offers an upgrade but does not proceed, the only solution is to wait until server troubles are fixed, which will presumably occur shortly. Once the firmware is available, the user can purchase it using his or her Apple account.

The final step is to synch applications to the iPod. This works as it does with music, photos, or video – the user can simply click and drag applications from the Library to the iPod icon, or alternatively select an automatic synch option in the iPod’s preferences. Once the applications have synched, they can be used on the iPod Touch with full functionality.

iPod earbuds

Print Article

Email Article

View All Articles

How to subscribe to feeds