Last week, Apple released iTunes update 8.2.1 which prevented the Palm Pre from syncing up with iTunes. Earlier today, Palm responded with an update of its own with the release of webOS 1.1, an update which, among other things, re-enables the ability of the Pre to sync up with and transfer media files from iTunes.
On its blog, Palm writes:
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).
I see what you did there, Palm. Steve Jobs is known for saying “..and one more thing” before he introduces a revolutionary new product, but Palm used the phrase to emphasize the fact that it’s not gonna lay down and wither in the face of Apple blocking the Pre from syncing up with iTunes. Oh Palm, your wit knows no bounds!
But in all seriousness, and as we’ve pointed out before, having the Pre sync up with iTunes seems like an incredibly short-sighted move from Palm. What happens in 2 weeks when Apple hypothetically updates iTunes again, and once more removes the Pre’s ability to sync with iTunes? Will Palm wait a week and issue another update to combat Apple’s latest update?
But more importantly, what happens to all the Palm Pre users who’ll find themselves stuck in the middle of a Silicon Valley cat and mouse game? One week they’re able to hook up their Pre to iTunes and one week they aren’t – what a horrible situation to for users to get stuck in the middle of, and it makes absolutely zero sense that Palm would subject its users to that.
July 24th, 2009 at 12:54 am
Oh dear…
July 24th, 2009 at 7:10 am
Well, Palm has never been good at creating apps for syncing their tools. They are always clunky and problematic. Though, I’ll have to admit I haven’t used one in a few years.
The real solution here is to build their own itunes-esque app (but simpler perhaps) that syncs to the palm, but I think they have their hands full dealing with Pre v1 problems.
I *hope* this is their stop-gap solution until they can release their own app. That would be the only not-stupid answer to why they are playing this game.
July 24th, 2009 at 9:07 am
“The real solution here is to build their own itunes-esque app (but simpler perhaps) that syncs to the palm, but I think they have their hands full dealing with Pre v1 problems.” – Adam
The only problem with creating their own iTunes like program is that many users already have amassed huge libraries of music by buying from the iTunes store. I am not sure if Palm can create such a program under copyright laws that can access the secure music files from iTunes.
And many people are used to using iTunes and it is much about the connivance of storing music on your Pre just like on an iPod.
July 25th, 2009 at 7:53 pm
Quote’
“The only problem with creating their own iTunes like program is that many users already have amassed huge libraries of music by buying from the iTunes store. I am not sure if Palm can create such a program under copyright laws that can access the secure music files from iTunes.”
Since iTunes no longer has “DRM” or Protected Music on there site!!, This is no longer the case.
A fact that most people forget or fail to understand is iTunes has no Protected Music, it Music is All free of any “DRM” at lease as of 4 months ago.
Also,
Even if you have an Old Library of DRM songs from iTunes, They still Wont Sync to Pre with iTunes as the Pre does not have the DRM converting code in its Hardware, And as Noted By Palm: “Only DRM Free Music will Sync with Palm Pre”.
Now R.I.M has developed its own application to be released so “Copyright” has nothing to do with the facts that Apple has released a Programing API that allows a Software or Hardware company to write code to access Apple’s iTunes Library, But Palm didn’t write there own like R.I.M WHY???
So, Palm can release its own software API to link to iTunes just like R.I.M has done, But they choose not to, And since you can still drag and drop you files to a Palm Pre it is irrelevant that some people think that iTunes is the only way you can Place Music, or such on a Palm Pre, This is not the Case.
PALM is Wrong, But it’s not the first time & with that GOOF Roger McNamee putting his foot in his mouth , You can bet since he is holding the Purse strings to the Palm Pre Successes Or Failure, He’s the one behind this pulling the Strings.
P.S. If you have an Old Library of DRM songs, They still Wont Sync.
As Noted By Palm: “Only DRM Free Music & Videos will Sync Older Protected DRM will Not”
So unless you have a Third Party option to convert you older DRM Protected files, You still can’t use them with the Pre, Only UNPROTECTED Music And VIdeo.
PALM Needs to Write it’s Own Application.
July 26th, 2009 at 10:14 am
I think apple is being the sore loser here. So what if the pre can sync, does apple really feel threatened. Lets be honest no one’s smartphone is replacing their mp3 player. Palm designing their own “itunes” is not needed and redundant.
My friend owns an ipod and will be buying a pre soon. She is not replacing her ipod but her phone will just be another device to play music. Apple is basically telling customers like her that we like you as a loyal customer and you can use YOUR music and libraries that you set up only in the manner that we tell you you can. So apple is expecting her to use another program to manage her music that she already has set up the way she wants in itunes. So the years that she spent organizing her music in itunes she has to do all over again because Apple wants to be bully a competitor.
Who cares if palm didn’t use a developers kit. If apple was smart they could have said “oh, that is very neat palm….and now none of our music is DRM protected so itunes should be your first place to shop for music.”
Instead when a consumer’s ipod dies for the 2nd time in two years and the “apple technician” tells them sorry but your ipod has a life expectancy of two years, they may say do i really need to deal with apple’s crappy attitude and unwillingness to open up their code.
Hence, people may hate microsoft but at least developers can program on their own terms….and why companies all use windows because it is to easy to code their own in house apps.
July 26th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
I am using my Palm Pre as an mp3 player, no need to buy an iPod. Wish Apple would just let be. Stop ruining your reputation please.
July 27th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
It also makes zero sense for Apple to keep updating iTunes every couple weeks too. There are millions of users out there using iTunes that don’t have a Pre. I know that I would be annoyed if I was constantly reminded that there was a new update to iTunes every couple weeks that doesn’t contain any new features other than to block the Pre.