Palm says Apple is Abusing USB ID to Block Pre

[GoPokes82]

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/Apple-iTunes-Palm-Pre-iPhone,news-4315.html

Palm is reporting Apple to the USB Implementers Forum.

Evidently, Palm is rather ticked off having to update the Pre's webOS operating system
in order for it sync within Apple iTunes again (story). In fact, Palm has reported "another member" to the USB Implementers Forum on behalf of consumers, claiming an "improper use of the Vendor ID number." Of course, we know whom they're referring to: Apple.

"Palm believes that openness and interoperability offer better experiences for users by allowing them the freedom to use the content they own without interference across devices and services," the company said.

Back in July, Apple stated that iTunes 8.2.1 would disable devices falsely pretending to be iPods, including the Palm Pre. "As we’ve said before, newer versions of Apple’s iTunes software may no longer provide syncing functionality with unsupported digital media players," Apple said.

Taking the comment as a challenge, Palm proved who's boss. "Oh, and one more thing: Palm webOS 1.1 re-enables Palm media sync. That’s right–you once again can have seamless access to your music, photos and videos from the current version of iTunes (8.2.1)."

Of course, the fight doesn't end here. Expect the next version of iTunes to lock Palm's Pre out of the service once again. Yeah, we love a good cat fight.

What's the deal with that? I will never understand Apple's fight to stop letting other companies to compete with them. Big deal if somebody wants to use their Pre to sync with iTunes. Those users are gracious enough to support iTunes but moves like this can force users to find a different music library in which to sync with.

[OrudisKP]

I bought the Pre and thought it was great that it will sync with iTunes that I already use. Apple's behavior is really just convincing me to use another media player that will sync with the Pre and my other iPod. In their quest to be the un-Microsoft, they're really just becoming a different kind of monster.

[okstateguy987]

This is just another reminder to me of how glad I am I never fell into the iTunes trap to being with.

[jac1599]

winamp all the way for me

[Aviation09]

This is just another reminder to me of how glad I am I never fell into the iTunes trap to being with.

you're an idiot.

[dds115]

winamp all the way for me

I haven't even seen winamp in 5 years. I remember downloading new skins for that almost on a daily basis. I might have to give it another try.

[Jonkr06]

I don't really listen to music on my computer too much anymore, but I used to use MusicMatch, WinAmp, and just regular Windows Media Player a lot. I wasn't a fan of MusicMatch, it just came preloaded on Dells so I used it. I use iTunes now because that's what my fiancee has on her computer and it's not worth the time to reorganize everything into a different media player. As long as they play the music, who really cares?

[kaje]

What's the deal with that? I will never understand Apple's fight to stop letting other companies to compete with them. Big deal if somebody wants to use their Pre to sync with iTunes. Those users are gracious enough to support iTunes but moves like this can force users to find a different music library in which to sync with.

Apple doesn't make much money on the iTunes store. They make money by selling hardware. Their position is if you want to use iTunes with your phone, buy an iPhone.

[monkey]

This is just another reminder to me of how glad I am I never fell into the iTunes trap to being with.

Here here. Another idiot here too I guess.

[Poke4Christ]

you're an idiot.

I'd call you the idiot. Not because I think iTunes is terrible, just because you called him that with little reason and no argument to back yourself up. very poor show and low class.

[monkey]

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/Apple-iTunes-Palm-Pre-iPhone,news-4315.html



What's the deal with that? I will never understand Apple's fight to stop letting other companies to compete with them. Big deal if somebody wants to use their Pre to sync with iTunes. Those users are gracious enough to support iTunes but moves like this can force users to find a different music library in which to sync with.

After thinking about this so more, I think it just highlights that even companies are trying to on the edge and creating innovative products still fall into the same traps of the mega-corps (e.g. Microsoft and Intel) who were resting on their laurels and trying to force out competition rather than focus on improving their products.

[BlueHair]

I think this is a case of a company following their design. Some people like it, some don't and they don't have to do business with that company. But to be fair, it isn't like palm is being a little choir boy about all of this. They are breaking explicit rules in their USB vendor ID agreement. (See linked story towards the bottom)

http://www.macrumors.com/2009/07/24/palm-reports-apple-to-usb-compliance-organization-over-itunes-syncing-issues/