No iTunes for Pre
The battle between Palm and Apple - over access to iTunes for the Pre - has been going on for some time. Apple forbids the synching of third-party devices with Apple software, and the Palm Pre uses iTunes, until the 3.1 iPhone OS update that is.
Apple has had beef with Palm - whose CEO is a former Apple executive who worked on the original iPod - before the Pre was even released. Pre had originally tested Apple's nerves with its multitouch technology, now it uses Apple's USB codes to look like an iPod when syncing with iTunes. Apple responded predictably: each new version of iTunes disables the Palm device's ability to sync with it. Two months ago, Palm sent a complaint to the USB Implementers Forum about Apple's bogarting of iTunes -- a move that seems to have backfired on the Sunnyvale, California company. In a letter issued last week from the USB-IF:… Your letter also states that: “Palm will shortly issue an update of its WebOS operating system that uses Apple’s Vendor ID number for the sole purpose of restoring the Palm media sync functionality.” I attach for your information the USB-IF’s adopted and published policy regarding Vendor Identification Numbers (VIDs). Under the Policy, Palm may only use the single Vendor ID issued to Palm for Palm’s usage. Usage of any other company’s Vendor ID is specifically precluded. Palm’s expressed intent to use Apple’s VID appears to violate the attached policy. Please clarify Palm’s intent and respond to this potential violation within seven days.
Things aren't looking good for Pre iTunes users. Palm issued a statement regarding the letter, saying: “We engaged with the USB-IF because we believe consumers should have freedom and choice in how and where they use the non-rights managed media they already own. We are reviewing the letter from the USB-IF and will respond as appropriate.”
It seems a little hypocritical for Apple - a company that installed Samba in its machines so they could interact with Microsoft Windows - to restrict access to the iTunes store. Once again, it is the consumer that suffers.
