News
Palm Pre’s iTunes sync explained
Developer “DVD” Jon Johansen has posted a brief article explaining the Palm Pre’s unsupported “Media Sync” feature, which allows it to appear and sync as an iPod through iTunes. According to information provided to Johansen, the Pre’s Mass Storage interface identifies itself as an iPod, enabling it to trick iTunes and sync. Johansen notes, however, that the root USB node still identifies itself as a Palm Pre, meaning it should be fairly easy for Apple to disable the syncing feature. As of iTunes 8.2, the Pre can still sync with iTunes, but given the short amount of time between the discovery of the Pre’s sync mode and the software’s release, it is extremely unlikely that Apple had time to make the necessary changes in order to block the device.
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1
If I’m reading this correctly, it basically means that Palm is using Apple’s USB Device ID, which is illegal according to the USB consortium. So USB could very well take action against Palm.
My thought is that Apple won’t do anything, but USB will…
Posted by Cameron on June 5, 2009 at 2:19 PM (PDT)
2
I don’t believe the USB Consortium, an industry group, has any legal powers other than whatever copyright or trademark laws protect their rights to control the display of the various USB logos.
Posted by David on June 5, 2009 at 3:09 PM (PDT)
3
What is the big deal here. It isn’t like the Pre is going to unseat Apple. And if it is DRM free content, why wouldn’t anyone be OK with me loading MY content on a device that I purchased? I gave the supplier my money when I bought it. I despise being locked down so tightly by so many. I am NOT an Apple hater. I am writing this reply on my Macbook. I just like choices. I am paying for all this stuff after all. I have found other, not so well publicized, info about using other MP3 players with iTunes and using other Media Managers with the iPod. Choices for everyone!
Posted by SGR on June 6, 2009 at 5:59 PM (PDT)