Apple Hints at Plans to Lock Palm Pre Out of iTunes

[ellacott]

I've been researching both phones. The Palm Pre would allow me to have multiple windows open.

Palm says Apple will only be hurting customers if it tries to lock the Pre out of iTunes


Several weeks ago it was revealed that Palm's new Pre smart phone was capable of directly syncing with iTunes. It was widely speculated at the time that Apple might have a problem with Palm interfacing itself to iTunes.

Now Apple has released an iTunes support document that appears to be aimed directly at Palm. In the document, Apple warns:

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.

In other words, Apple is likely planning to try to lock the Palm Pre out of iTunes. The move is contrary to Palm's expectations. Last month when Palm investor Roger McNamee was asked whether Apple would try to lock the Pre out of iTunes, he responded, "I don’t think so. They are practically a monopolist and this is what consumers want. Consumers own all this media. I find it hard to believe that Apple will get bent out of shape."

Palm spokeswoman Lynn Fox blasted back at Apple saying that if it makes such a move it will be hurting its customers, and she points out that Palm could switch to third party software, which Apple has been unable to lock out of iTunes. She states, "Palm’s media sync works with the current version of iTunes. If Apple chooses to disable media sync in a future version of iTunes, it will be a direct blow to their users who will be deprived of a seamless synchronization experience. However, people will have options. They can stay with the iTunes version that works to sync their music on their Pre, they can transfer the music via USB, and there are other third-party applications we could consider."

It's clear that feathers are ruffled so look for more developments in the future. Apple has shown itself in the past more than willing to take action to lock out its products from third parties. And Apple has already warned Palm and others that it may take legal action against them for "mimicking the iPhone" and using multi-touch, for which Apple holds a patent.

http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=15447

[frylock]

1. oh, the humanity..

itunes sucks anyway. the reason i'll never buy an iWhatever is because iDon't want that crap on my sys. on a side note, i did test the Pre last weekend, and it's pretty nice. prolly be getting one in a month.

[QC]

2. iTunes is a damn virus, almost as bad as Real Player. n/t

[frylock]

3. precisely..

quicktime as well.

[QC]

14. Oh yes, how could we forget quicktime? n/t

[ellacott]

5. I'm leaning towards the Palm

I basically want it for the internet. My job has been restricting a lot of streaming sites. I want to be able to stream radio stations and browse.

[frylock]

6. me too..

i'm using a Palm Pro now. it's alright, but not nearly as fast as the web OS.

[ellacott]

9. The monthly plan is about the same

The Palm Pre is more expensive than the iphone but it looks like the better phone.

btw, congratulations to the Lakers. :) I wish we could have played you guys, maybe next year. At least they are still playing the puppet commercials on TV. :)

[frylock]

13. $199 with a 2-year plan..

i'll be due to renew in Aug. yeah -- i'd have prefered a Laker/Cavs matchup. the kid who sits in the cube adjacent to me is from Cleveland, so there was a lot of smack going back and forth in hopes of seeing the two play each other.

[ellacott]

17. A lot of people want us to get Shaq

I'm not sold on it. He's toward the end of his career. It would be ironic if we did get him and we wound up in the Finals against you guys. :)

[frylock]

20. i'm hoping now that kobe got his ring that shaq will be brought back..

he would be a good mentor to Bynum.

[ellacott]

21. That would be great

I never thought of that.

[Renew Deal]

4. You're going to upset the Apple fanboys

:hide:

[alfredo]

7. Why should they give any preference to a competing hardware company?

This statement:

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.

makes me think that they will not consider third party hardware when making updates to their software. They don't have to make concessions to competitors. Apple is a hardware company, why should they aid a competing hardware company?

edited to fix BB code

[HopeHoops]

8. Oh, well, now that is SUCH a shock!

The first review I read of the Pre speculated that Apple would do that ASAP.

[proud2BlibKansan]

10. You can have 8 windows open on an iPhone

[ellacott]

12. Thank you for the clarification

This has been the determining factor for me.

Now it's back to square one.:crazy: :D

[proud2BlibKansan]

16. I love my iPhone

[ellacott]

19. I was going to get the ipod touch

But I decided that I might as well get the phone also. I know I could use the "I heart radio" app to get my stations. I wasn't sure if that app was also available on the Palm Pre

[tridim]

11. BS like this is why I've never owned an Apple product.

They've been doing it since the Apple II days. Closed systems suck.

[QC]

15. But the worse Apple treats their customers, the more devoted they become.

It's weird, isn't it?

[proud2BlibKansan]

18. One of the reasons I buy apple products

is their customer service is awesome.

[fascisthunter]

22. same here