Palm responds to Apple’s threats regarding the death of unsupported iTunes syncing

It was no mystery that when Apple issued a recent statement regarding unsupported third-party devices claiming to support iTunes sync, it had Palm squarely in its sights. Apple’s position on the matter:

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 will likely find a way to kill Palm’s workaround and prevent the Pre from syncing with iTunes. Palm spokesperson Lynn Fox’s response:

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 looks like Palm isn’t going to publicly state that it’s prepared to play a cat and mouse game with Apple — issuing firmware updates with workarounds each time Apple kills the functionality — but we wouldn’t be surprised if that’s exactly what ends up happening. Instead, Palm is going with the Apple hates you unless you buy Apple products argument; a solid position, albeit useless. In any event, don’t start crying on your Pre just yet as there are a few other options when it comes to getting iTunes music on your webOS wonder.

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Tags: Apple, itunes, iTunes sync, Palm, Palm Pre, pre, Sync, Sync with iTunes

Zach Epstein