Palm Pre Syncs With iTunes!
| by PalmWebOS.org on May 28th, 2009 |
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Built right into the Palm Pre and WebOS firmware is a little treat you’re going to absolutely LOVE: plug it into your computer and it will sync with iTunes, right out of the box:
Plug the Pre into a PC [Editors Note: Or Mac] and you’re offered the option of using the device as a USB drive, charging it or beginning a “media sync.” Interesting, using media sync the Pre does indeed sync with iTunes, though it’s hamstrung by Apple’s DRM protected songs.
The only drawback is that it will only allow you to sync DRM-free songs and content. There is an obvious reason for this: some folks say that Apple’s Legal Team is probably drafting up a lawsuit as we speak, since the Palm Pre essentially makes iTunes think it is an iPod. And Apple seems itching to litigate. But Palm Investor Roger McNamee gave a response which is so true it is likely to silence court proceedings (via TechCrunch):
Asked whether Apple would mind that Palm built iTunes sync into the Pre, McNamee shot back: “They are practically a monopolist. Consumers want their content.” The Pre can only sync non-DRMed content from iTunes. And there are other ways to get that content, but this is the first non-Apple device that syncs directly with iTunes without the use of third-party software. ” They can’t tell people what to do with music that they own,” says McNamee. “We are confirming their dominant market share. They are not stupid.”
Sounds like McNamee is daring them in a lose if you do, lose if you don’t scenario. Either they don’t litigate, confirm their dominant market share and allow Palm to enjoy syncing regardless of if it is truly legal or not (we think it is), OR admit they are stupid and sue the hell out of Palm. One thing to Palm and Elevation partners should keep in mind before making such quips is Apple has enough money to be stupid while Palm might not be able to afford their accused stupidity.
In this case iff Palm wins, consumers win in a BIG way. So no matter where your mobile phone loyalties exist, you should be rooting for Palm who has just created a 3rd party device that syncs with the “monopolistic” iTunes service. If it succeeds, there will surely be more to come.
[Via Fortune]
1. FreeRange wrote on May 28, 2009
The opinions in this article are pure nonsense – author is obviously not a lawyer. Most important to note, you may own your own DRM Free content that resides in iTunes, but Apple owns iTunes and you use it under THEIR licensing agreement and therefore Apple has control / rights to how it is accessed and used. (BTW – The assumption that you “own” all of the DRM free content you might have in iTunes is ludicrous as most people have illegal / pirated content in their media files.) As an Apple shareholder, I take particular offense at the author’s statement – “So no matter where your mobile phone loyalties exist, you should be rooting for Palm who has just created a 3rd party device that syncs with the “monopolistic” iTunes service.” There are reasons why we have patent, trademark and copyright laws – you can not just go out and copy other people’s intellectual property and use it as you see fit. If Palm wants to be successful, let them invest in the development of their own media services and market them successfully without copying from others.
2. Jeff wrote on May 28, 2009
now that is cool
3. PalmWebOS.org wrote on May 29, 2009
@FreeRange – you take offense to me stating that consumers would rather have more choice and capabilities? A bit touchy are we?
I should also note that NOWHERE do I say I am a lawyer, pretend to be a lawyer or even approach this article in a manner where I’m trying to ascertain the legal ramifications of a lawsuit.
If you buy a song on iTunes you should be able to use it wherever the heck you want. You own the song. You own the music file. For Apple to restrict you from doing what you want with it – THAT is the ridiculous part. But they have a monopoly with the software whether you like it or not. I’d love to see that monopolistic wall be broken down. If you don’t like that… oh well. Sucks for you. It WILL be broken down, if not now, sooner rather than later.
4. ZepFloyd: Palm iPod With WebOS On The Way? | Palm WebOS wrote on June 11, 2009
[...] Sound far feteched? It is not. Jon Rubinstein, Palm’s new CEO, was the mastermind behind the creation of the legendary iPod. Now this story starts to have some legs… doesn’t it? I mean we already know that the device could connect and sync with iTunes. [...]
5. Machiavellian wrote on June 12, 2009
PalmWebOS.org – Nice retort. Moreover, I completely agree with you; whether or not Apple has a licencing agreement is irrelevant if the said agreement goes against federal law – such as laws restricting monopolies.
I have been an avid Apple fan, but stopped buying music from iTunes due to the fact that Apples seems to have more control over the music that I purchase, than I do. I bought the music, therefor I should be able to play it on whatever device I so choose.
Pirating is a terrible thing, but that should not inhibit my freedom to lawfully enjoy my legally purchased music on whatever device I may want. Hurting honest citizens in order to protect profit margins is just wrong – so, go Palm!