Palm Pre Syncs With iTunes Again

@tommertron: because they would have to write a software to read the XML and push the files to the device. but instead they are pulling these stunts

ArleenCabango

what's amusing is that Palm went running to the USB spec group claiming that Apple's update was set to check for Palm vendor codes and block them from compatibility with itunes thus violating the group's rules (with proving that the update was actually checking for Apple's code in order to work which is legit). so then Palm breaks another rule by putting Apple's vendor code in the Palm update to make it work again.

ArleenCabango

@rychdom: just got my pre. problem with itunes sync is it doesn't stick your music in the damn music folder. it's there but doesn't show up in usb mode so you have to delete it i guess with itunes. i'm not going to use itunes.

The pre is pretty damn cool though.

diamonddnice

Forgot iTunes. I'm still trying to find out if the Pre syncs with Ubuntu 9.04. - calendar and contacts (sunbird and thunderbird) being the most important...

jcassano

@FuzzysFriedChicken: Good point.

lhed

@interficio: Well, I can download iTunes if I don't have an iPod. I can play music on my desktop using iTunes (without an iPod). I understand they want people using iPhones instead of Pres, I just don't get why it's such a big deal to sync a Pre with this specific jukebox software. If they're using the iTunes store, Apple gets a cut.

On the other hand, Palm could suggest Songbird or something similar for it's users. Or (gasp!) create their own proprietary software. Using iTunes makes them look lazy.

I think everyone should read this article over at Pre Central.

http://www.precentral.net/how-palm-re-enabled-itunes-sync...

Joe O'Reilly

@DBeta: Very true. The first update I downloaded, I downloaded over 3G and it took about 10-15 minutes total to dl, install, restart. Pretty neat I think.

My Secret Identity

The Pre update did not take that long (use WIFI for better speed); it will be interesting to see how long this fight will continue; I hope that they just stop b/c I am tired of useless iTunes updates (my hubby does not even use iTunes on his Pre).

hbuzzell

@DBeta: Thanks for the information on the update.
I forgot about wifi and forgot that sprint doesn't cap their data plans.

Your correct with the syncing I guess it will be a cat and mouse game untill apple stops trying to block them as palm has people who worked on the ipod.

luzar

@luzar: As for the syncing, it's pretty well known how the iPod syncs, as there are plenty of 3rd party tools that will sync an iPod without iTunes, Palm just took it in the other direction.

On the update download. WiFi. I turned on my WiFi, it downloaded straight to my phone really fast. Even without WiFi, the only plan available to the Pre is an unlimited data plan, so nothing is wasted.

Requisite "iTunes is a pig (on Windows) of a program with very little power or freedom" comment.

nolabar10der

"At this point, we'd imagine the folks at Palm figure their users are way more willing and tolerant than iTunes users at large to update time and again so they can get their music".

Nothing tolerant about it Adam, Pre's updates are forced within a few days of being pushed, so user's won't have choice whether their phone updates or not.

ZandraAlcyone

The problem is that itunes and the music are there to drive people to buy an ipod.

Also It doesn't seem like apple release a spec or interface allowing people to sync other devices with itunes. The only way palm is able to do this is that they have people who designed the ipod working for them so they probably know more about it than apple has published.

On another note wouldn't it be better for the web os update to be downloaded from your computer and then uploaded to the device as to be downloaded faster and/or not waste your wireless data.

luzar

Here's a question:

Why are they bothering trying to make it 'recognized' in iTunes?

Why not just read the iTunes XML, which is not encrypted, and use that in combination with your media files to sync your iTunes library?

I understand it might be more pleasant using iTunes for this, but it's also more pleasant to have something that consistently works.

Lol, what a friendly notification.

JLobo

@bibdectrl: I think it's more because Apple doesn't just want people using iTunes - they want them using both iTunes AND an iPod.

interficio

@CapitalJigga:yeah, but Apple are jerks

bibdectrl

I don't see why people are getting angry at Palm for doing this. Apple people would have a fit of Microsoft stopped OSx from working with SAMBA shares. OSx spoofs as Windows NT to work on SAMBA.

Yeah, it's "syncing" all right. Like a rock.

Ba-dum-psh!

I don't see why allowing the Palm Pre to sync with iTunes is so bad. Doesn't Apple want people to make purchases though iTunes and not other sources like Amazon?
If they don't want to provide tech support for other devices, fine, but at least give people the option.

CapitalJigga