Filed under: iPhone
Fortune: Palm Pre syncs flawlessly with iTunes
We've previously reported on the emerging showdown between Apple and Palm over Palm's latest phone, the Palm Pre. The phone, set to come out the weekend before Apple's Worldwide Developer's Conference, is already said to have several technological improvements over the iPhone.But now, there's an additional incentive to those who may not want the original iPhone. Fortune magazine has discovered that if you plug a Palm Pre into a Mac, it will sync content from iTunes with no issues. According to the article, the iTunes Music Store will recognize the Palm Pre the same as it does an iPhone or an iPod. However, it will not load the DRM-protected music that the iTunes Music Store used to sell.
The article states that there is third party software that provides a bridge between non-Apple devices and iTunes. However, the Palm Pre has the code built right into the device -- a boon for those wanting an alternative to the iPhone, but possibly setting the teeth of Apple's legal team to gnashing. To date, there has been no response from Apple, but previous analysis has suggested that Apple just might have a case against Palm.
[Via CNNMoney.com/Fortune Magazine]
![TUAW [Cafepress]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/tuaw-cafepress-promo.png)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Rob said 9:18AM on 5-28-2009
"As mentioned, there is third party software that provides a bridge between non-Apple devices and iTunes"
What third party software?
Reply
Megan Lavey said 9:21AM on 5-28-2009
From the article itself: "Third party programs that perform the same service for various non-Apple MP3 players — including the Palm Treo and 700p – have been available for some time. But team Pre has apparently built the necessary code right into the device’s firmware."
Aaron said 9:59AM on 5-28-2009
That doesn't answer his question. At all.
Chuck said 10:03AM on 5-28-2009
Yes, what third party Mac software does this where a Treo will appear as an iPhone/iPod in iTunes?
Best solution I've ever found is SyncTunes but that doesn't make the Treo appear in iTunes. It just takes the playlists and dumps them onto an SD card. And it hardly ever works well...
milkmage said 10:12AM on 5-28-2009
maybe it's one of these?
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/6-ways-to-sync-music-to-your-iphone-without-itunes/
i realize this deals with apple hardware to non-apple software, but it's reasonable to assume they would work with non apple hardware as well.
@reggie - doubt it, since movies and tv shows (purchased from apple) are still DRM'd.
Aron Trimble said 10:15AM on 5-28-2009
I believe what Megan is trying to imply is that the article does not specifically answer that question...
Ps, Your comment did /less/ to answer OP's question. A lot less.
Noah Ramon said 1:17PM on 5-28-2009
I thought that's how Missing Sync treated its iTunes sync, but I'll admit that I never really used that feature, so I could be wrong. All I used it for was the address book and iCal sync with my Clie and Zodiac.
Juaquin said 7:58PM on 5-28-2009
I don't think anyone bought an iPhone to use with iTunes. More like we were forced to use iTunes because of the iPhone...
Dash16 said 9:33AM on 5-28-2009
I would like to see a screenshot of this. Does the Pre show up in the source list on the left of iTunes like an iPhone or iPod does?
Reply
oliver hart said 8:57PM on 5-28-2009
engadget has a screenshot
http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/28/itunes-support-confirmed-for-palm-pre/
it's bitchin.
but I'll keep my iTunes and the phone it was made to coincide with..
colouroflight said 9:34AM on 5-28-2009
I'm no fan of the Pre, but to suggest that this is somehow a crime on Palm's part is nuts.
Reply
kf9z said 10:48AM on 5-28-2009
I think this is a GREAT feature by Palm and honestly one that MIGHT make for a switch as ATT is terrible here in my area yet the Pre and Co. already HAS 3G service here - but not ATT - in a city with 250k people and the University of Illinois! The phone LOOKS great, I like the physical keyboard (but then again - I am old, very old - compared to most of you - I have children who are older than many of the posters here) and the speed and OS looked to be fantastic. I had the iPhone 1.1 and I currently have the iPhone 1.2 and I LOVE the iPhone - without the addition of the APP store - the iPhone would have been a total failure. I bought the iPhone in order to SYNC with my Mac - and iTunes. If there was another option I would surely investigate that - in hopes that I could lose ATT and still receive the seem-less integration with my Mac. I own NO PC's and I refuse to have even ONE in order to sync or operate my phone.
Hats-off to Palm - they might prove to be a larger competitor that Apple or any of the the fanboys imagined.
I love my Apple products - I love my MacBookPro, iMac, eMac, MacMini and my two iPhones - I fail to have any love for ATT OR the iPhone Apple warranty support.
D
Jon said 9:50AM on 5-28-2009
So how does it work? Does it fool iTunes into thinking it is an iPod? If that is the case, I can see why Apple would have a problem with this.
Reply
Reggie said 9:52AM on 5-28-2009
Does it download the videos too?
Reply
kf9z said 10:53AM on 5-28-2009
If you rip the video from HandBrake my guess would be YES - if it was a DRM movie or TV show the answer is NO. It ONLY copies DRM Free songs - but now that Apple sells most of the iTunes library as DRM free - it is not a big deal anymore...
I am excited to see the Pre and use it - then I can make an informed decision on weather or not I buy one - or hold-out for the new iPhone.
I have grown to enjoy the iPhone greatly and it IS a part of my daily life for contacts, appointment reminders, notes, calls and even the entertainment aspect for when I need a little down-time at the Doctors office or while on the train or bus.
D
Ryan Trevisol said 10:00AM on 5-28-2009
How about suing them for using the river rocks desktop image that ships with Leopard?
Reply
Josh said 4:15PM on 5-28-2009
Most of the wallpapers that ship with OS X (Or Windows for that matter) are actually just wallpapers that Apple/Microsoft paid for. They aren't owned by Apple, they are just used by them. Palm probably paid for it as well
Ryan Trevisol said 4:40PM on 5-28-2009
Just seems lame to use a readily recognizable "Apple" image without coming up with one of their own.
It's very familiar to me. I have it as the desktop of a computer lab at the school where I work. I think the "box of rocks" entendre is amusing.
richard said 10:06AM on 5-28-2009
Let me guess how long before an iTunes update comes out that breaks this?
Reply
justflybob said 11:26AM on 5-28-2009
....followed by a 40lb legal brief overnighted to Palm's headquarters.