When Palm’s Pre hit the streets this year, it could connect to Apple’s iTunes and sync music back to the Pre. The next Apple update to iTunes stopped Pre syncing. The next Pre update brought syncing back again. The cat and mouse game was on. iTunes 9 breaks Palm Pre sync yet again. Ian Paul of PC World:
It’s not surprising that Cupertino isn’t too thrilled about having a non-Apple device able to sync directly with iTunes, but this farce needs to end. It’s ridiculous for the company that famously called for the widespread adoption of DRM-free music to lock up that same content with what is essentially another form of digital rights management.
Except that the music is not locked. It’s still on your Mac or PC. iTunes is Apple’s software to store media and sync with Apple devices. Let Palm develop, build, and ship an alternative to iTunes.
Instead of locking your music up with software, this time it’s your hardware that dictates how you consume the content that you paid for.
The problem here is rights. Apple creates the iTunes system to work with Apple products, not Johnny-come-lately Apple wannabes and work-a-likes, traitors to their heritage, thieves of proprietary information, mooching off Apple’s efforts. If I buy a Pre, fine. It’s up to me or Pre to figure out how to get my media to the Pre. Palm figured the best way was to use Apple’s free tool instead of developing their own. Why? They can’t do it.
I, for one, hope Palm continues its assault against iTunes, and thwarts Apple’s attempts to lock out third-party devices after every software update from Cupertino.
Ridiculous. Ludicrous. Apple provides iTunes software to Mac and PC users for free. It’s designed to store and playback your media, and to sync to Apple devices, and to connect to Apple’s iTunes Store. What right does Palm have to mooch off that technology? What right do they have to misuse connectivity to use someone else’s software?
None. Zero.
If Palm could build a better mouse trap, customers would flock in their direction (to mix a few metaphors). That has not happened as Pre’s waning sales and disappointing reviews show. As to iTunes, why not challenge Palm to build a better music player?
Apple, keep breaking Palm Pre sync with iTunes. The world will be a better place.
Kate's Comment Policy: Keep your comment on topic, relevant, worthy, and funny. Or, pick any three. Be pleasant, helpful, and only use your real name. Comments are moderated and will not appear immediately.