Filed under: iTunes, Software Update, Apple, iPhone
Palm webOS 1.2.1 fixes iTunes sync... again
Okay kids, this is starting to get a little out of hand now. Palm has once again pushed back at Apple, releasing webOS 1.2.1 today that "resolves an issue preventing media sync from working with the latest version of iTunes." What's that issue, you might ask? Well, I'd say the fact that Apple isn't too happy that Palm is breaking all sorts of rules to make their device appear as an iPhone. It all started back in May, when it was determined that plugging a Palm Pre into a Mac will allow it to sync content with iTunes with no issues. This honeymoon period didn't last too long and once Apple figured out what was going on, Apple swiftly released an update to iTunes that prevented syncing from non-Apple devices.
Apparently, that wasn't good enough for Palm and it was determined that they were trying to make the Pre appear to be an Apple device when it was plugged in for syncing. Palm turned around and released yet another webOS update that fixed the sync and it worked well until the USB-IF got involved and sided with Apple, telling Palm they had to cease and desist.
Looks like Palm is back on the attack and this latest release is sure to stir up the pot once again.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Noah said 3:20PM on 10-03-2009
I don't know why it's a big deal. If you sync with iTunes, you're more than likely buying things on iTunes. More the merry I say.
Reply
colouroflight said 4:11PM on 10-03-2009
The only reason I use iTunes is because there's no comparable iPod-compatible music player for Mac. I wouldn't be caught dead buying digital music.
If only somebody would port foobar2000 - the one piece of Windows software that I genuinely miss.
macserv said 5:05PM on 10-03-2009
You're buying LPs/Cassettes?
iBearTouch said 7:19AM on 10-05-2009
Probably 8 tracks...
dastranger said 3:21PM on 10-03-2009
My theory is that Palm actually wants Apple to bring a lawsuit to them. Silly theory, yes, but a theory nonetheless. ;-)
Reply
Tofino said 5:05PM on 10-03-2009
i think this is more about free publicity. palm doesn't have a lot of money for advertising and this is an almost no-cost option to get people talking about their product, which doesn't seem to be doing as well as they had hoped for...
Tom Castle said 10:31AM on 10-04-2009
I think you're right. Palm wants to get sued because they will win. I suspect Apple knows this.
Mr Lizard said 7:36PM on 10-04-2009
But what would they actually sue for?
Lost revenue - would they really be able to convice a jury that Apple lost out on sales of the iPod because of Palm's little usb trickery?
Trademark infringement - Palm don't actually claim that their device is made by Apple on any of their marketing literature, only on the USB vendor ID. It might wash, but I'd reckon it would be a tough ride getting that past a jury.
Copyright infringement - Palm doesn't fiddle with the iTunes code, so this wont fly.
I don't think there's much that Apple could due them for. And I'm not sure that spoofing another's vendor ID is illegal. Unethical maybe, but is it actually against the law?
I wish Palm would create a more elegant solution for their users though (like RIM have). It doesn't scream 'quality workmanship' to me when they have to use an underhand tactic like falsely reporting to be an iPod just to get the device syncing. What else have they bodged?
taiki said 12:20AM on 10-05-2009
@Mr Lizard
Easy. Fraud. Swiping their USB vendor ID is pretty much fraud on Palm's part. Imagine if VIA sold CPUs that said, "GenuineIntel(tm) Xeon" in the CPU ID? Even if it did say "VIA Chip Inside" on the box, I'd imagine Intel wouldn't be too happy.
USB IF should sue the living shit out of Palm for breach of contract too.
Erik said 3:26PM on 10-03-2009
I actually own a Palm Pre, and I can say that I'm very happy I can sync my phone with it. I bought the music. I bought the mac. It's all my money. Why should Apple then run into the room saying "Oh-ho-ho, hold up champ. You can't use your property how you want to!"
If I spent 1300 dollars on a laptop, Then spent some 200-300 dollars on music, why should Apple tell me that: To use items that I have bought with my own money, I also need to buy an overhyped, underperforming iPhone for 299 dollars, and subject myself to the agony of AT&T reception, and paying roughly 100 dollars monthly for two years for that.
Why can't I use what I purchased however I like?
Reply
IvanP91 said 3:31PM on 10-03-2009
Blame Palm for this. Blackberry Desktop software allows iTunes sync LEGALLY. Palm decided to use the back door.
Its Palm's fault for being blocked out of itunes. RIM was smart enough to actually get permission for itunes sync-ing.
I bet Palm's execs also use the backdoor entrance to movie theaters. They already are using the backdoor why not use it again.
Chris said 3:41PM on 10-03-2009
Erik, you pointed out that you've spent so much money on Apple products. How much has Apple spent in both money and time developing iTunes? Why should they have to let a competitor piggyback on their software?
You can absolutely use what you purchased how you like. Pre users should ask Palm to either create their own media syncing platform, or pay Apple for the right to sync with the software they developed.
And I'd hardly call the iPhone overhyped and underperforming when you own the phone that was finally supposed to be the "iPhone killer", how's that working out?
LD said 4:01PM on 10-03-2009
"Why can't I use what I purchased however I like?"
Because Palm isn't following the rules. Apple doesn't prevent developers from accessing the iTunes library. There is a perfectly capable and open method to do so. RIM uses it. Several other syncing software use it.
What Palm is attempting to do is use the iTunes app itself as their sync app, and that is not ok. If they want to sync music, they can do so by building their own app as RIM has done. It's legal and legitimate.
sam said 2:23PM on 10-04-2009
@Chris: Let's apply your argument to another piece of software.
"How much has Microsoft spent in both money and time developing Windows and Internet Explorer? Why should they have to let a competitor piggyback on their software?
You can absolutely use what you purchased how you like. Netscape users should ask Netscape to either create their own operating system, or pay Microsoft for the right to sync with the software they developed."
If Microsoft can't do it, neither can Apple. iTunes is the biggest digital music store there is - and their behavior is anti-competitive.
Victor said 2:51PM on 10-04-2009
I got an iPhone 3gs for $199 plus a $100 credit to my account, great service, unlimited texting and unlimited data for $70 a month. So you're welcome to justify your overhyped boring pre with your tiny little screen and terrible keyboard by believing crap on the Internet while I enjoy the best phone currently available on the market.
Mr Lizard said 7:40PM on 10-04-2009
@ Chris,
you're absolutely right!
And the best thing about it is, you don't even have to pay Apple a single penny to do this legally, they publish the API's that anyone can use to create a solution that works with the iTunes.db XML file.
LAGal said 11:15PM on 10-04-2009
you can. the music is DRM Free. you can drag it all over the place. no one is stopping that. and as Blackberry has shown, the XML file that lists what music you have can been viewed by more than itunes.
so why shouldn't Palm be made to create their own syncing program.
Christian de Saint Preux said 11:25PM on 10-04-2009
@Victor
Is that with ATT??? I pay over 100/mo for that same service. Care to help what plan you have?
taiki said 12:23AM on 10-05-2009
Great! You won't mind if I used your banking credentials to buy myself a fully tricked out Mac Pro.
That's what Palm's doing. I don't care how much you spent on your hardware, you can go into /home/%user%/Music/iTunes/ and transfer it yourself and Apple doesn't care.
ethan said 11:11AM on 10-05-2009
Simple, your free to use it as you see fit, BUT Apple is not beholden to you to allow palm to use their usb id though. THEY are free to do with iTunes code as they see fit since they paid for all the dev. If they don't want 3rd party devices using itunes then tough.
If you want syncing of your music just go buy missing sync for 40 bucks and your set. Palm should look to RIM for how to use the itunes xml data to setup a device bridge. It's a great smartphone but really just hire some devs to build a client.