DaringFireball points us to a new support doc from Apple that directly address the current ability of the Palm Pre to sync up with iTunes.
Titled “iTunes: About unsupported third-party digital media players”, the document reads:
Apple designs the hardware and software to provide seamless integration of the iPhone and iPod with iTunes, the iTunes Store, and tens of thousands of apps on the App Store. Apple is aware that some third-parties claim that their digital media players are able to sync with Apple software. However, Apple does not provide support for, or test for compatibility with, non-Apple digital media players and, because software changes over time, newer versions of Apple’s iTunes software may no longer provide syncing functionality with non-Apple digital media players.
The Palm Pre created quite a storm (check that one out) when word got out that the device could seamlessly sync up with iTunes. But I’m still unsure why Palm would care to advertise or even include this functionality in the first place.
As we’ve stated before, what happens when Palm Pre users accustomed to syncing up their phone to iTunes suddenly discover that iTunes no longer recognizes their device? Will Palm and Apple then get involved in a cat-and-mouse game where each side continuously issues software updates in attempts to stifle the actions of the other? What a horrible situation for users to get stuck in the middle of, and it makes absolutely zero sense that Palm would subject its users to that.
Related: How the Palm Pre syncs with iTunes
June 17th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
I suspect this is to provide an easier upgrade path from the iPhone – whether it makes a difference or not remains to be seen. Personally, I have my doubts that any hardcore itunes people are going to get a Pre – and if they do, they are probalby ditching iTunes.
BTW, I got my Pre a couple of days ago and it freaking rocks. Better than an iPhone? Don’t know. Don’t care. Palm has a good thing with the WebOS and it will be interesting to watch what Palm does with it. The fact that new phones are on the way that use it, as oppose to just the Pre v2, is a good thing as well.
The bottom lines is competition is good. It gave Apple a swift kick in the ass, which from what my friends who have iphones say, was needed. Hopefully you guys will see a price drop on your data plan too – you guys should WANT the Pre to succeed – otherwise AT&T will continue to have you over a barrel.
As far as iPhone vs Pre, only fanbois give a @#$@# and their opinions are of little value. Get the one that works for you.