Networkworld reports that Palm has released an update to webOS that (for a change) doesn’t include code to bypass Apple’s attempt to block the Pre from syncing with iTunes. They have been going back and forth ever since the release of the Pre, with each side coming up with new hacks on Palm’s side and blocks on Apple’s side. (You didn’t really think the recent onslaught of iTunes updates were for all the new features, did you?)
Palm’s latest release doesn’t include another attempt to sync with iTunes, signaling an apparent surrender in the dispute. There was no mention of iTunes in Palm’s official blog entry on the new release, but the wording on Palm’s site is “[U]se the Palm media sync feature to transfer your DRM-free iTunes music, videos, and photos to your Pre.”
They may have been under pressure from other manufacturers. The USB Implementer’s Forum reportedly sided with Apple because Palm’s technique spoofed Apple’s USB Vendor ID to fool iTunes into accepting the Pre. More likely, Palm realized that they are facing enough of a challenge with the number of new Android-based phones hitting the market and decided their energies were better spent there.
Quayzar
November 17, 2009 at 10:53pm
Even though I believe Apple should open iTunes up a bit no one should spoof Vendor IDs. For example if I were to spoof the IMEI of a mobile phone I would be committing a serious federal crime. This shouldn't be much different and I can't believe a company the size of Palm did such a thing in the first place. The practice really turned me off to Palm, I think it has deeply blemished their reputation in the technical community and rightly so. This is the equivalent of breaking into your banks vault because the bank wouldn't let you withdraw outside of open hours. Sure you should have access but that's not the way to do it.
