AfterDawn: News

Palm writes to USB-IF over iTunes Pre block

Palm has written a letter of protest to the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), the non-profit organization that maintains the Universal Serial Bus (USB) specification and promotes the interface. The Palm letter concerns Apple's iTunes update (8.2.1) which blocked the Palm Pre from being used with the iTunes software in exactly the same way as an iPod is. iTunes even identified a Palm Pre as an iPod and showed iPod artwork when connected.

The support for Apple's iTunes software was seen as an important selling point for the Palm Pre. The device was able to fool iTunes into identifying it as an Apple product by manipulating the USB standard's device descriptors. Apple's iTunes blocks access to any device that isn't an Apple product by checking the idVendor descriptor when connected.



Palm was so unhappy about its device being blocked by iTunes that it informed USB-IF in its letter that it was going to update its webOS software to use Apple's USB Vendor ID in order to regain iTunes access -- a move it made on July 23rd. Palm is appealing to the USB-IF group because it claims Apple's moves block interoperability with the USB interface.

"Interoperability is central to any standard-setting organization," the letter reads, "because, without widespread interoperability, many of the benefits of standardized (as opposed to proprietary) technologies are lost."

There are several ways that Apple can block use with a Palm Pre, but it is likely that Palm can issue updates to the thwart the efforts quickly, meaning it may be a cat and mouse game that goes on for a while, unless USB-IF intervenes for either side.

Written by: James Delahunty @ 5 Aug 2009 11:56

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• 10 comments

• bam431

  Dear USB
  
  Where Pissed, Apples not playing nice.....

  5.8.2009 12:32 #1

• Ryoohki

  I think the move to block non-apple devices from itunes is stupid. Apple isn't doing anything other than pissing on their own customers. Obviously someone who uses itunes has at least one apple product already and probably makes purchases using itunes. Why are they turning away money? Wouldn't they want their customers to keep buying content to use on their devices even if that device isn't an ipod?

  5.8.2009 12:47 #2

• rosedog

  Really people use itunes? Man...everybody just move onto WinAmp already.

  5.8.2009 17:37 #3

• Ryoohki

  I don't use itunes. I don't have any apple products. I'm in the market for a mp3 player for work (so I can stop bringing my DS) but I still wouldn't consider getting an ipod. I like mediamonkey for managing my music library. I use winamp too though on my desktop.

  5.8.2009 20:01 #4

• DXR88

  Originally posted by Ryoohki: I don't use itunes. I don't have any apple products. I'm in the market for a mp3 player for work (so I can stop bringing my DS) but I still wouldn't consider getting an ipod. I like mediamonkey for managing my music library. I use winamp too though on my desktop.get yourself a PDA and 4gb memstick. it will kick the hell outa the ipod

  5.8.2009 22:55 #5

• Ryoohki

  Quote:
  get yourself a PDA and 4gb memstick. it will kick the hell outa the ipodI want something that is small. My DS suits my needs as far as listening to music but it is too bulky to keep in my pocket. A PDA would be too bulky as well.

  5.8.2009 23:08 #6

• DXR88

  Quote:Quote:
  get yourself a PDA and 4gb memstick. it will kick the hell outa the ipodI want something that is small. My DS suits my needs as far as listening to music but it is too bulky to keep in my pocket. A PDA would be too bulky as well.Fanny Pack the style is in you know

  5.8.2009 23:24 #7

• Ryoohki

  lol i think not

  6.8.2009 00:13 #8

• DXR88

  how about a Bandolier

  6.8.2009 00:46 #9

• chrialex

  HTC Touch Pro 2, problem solved. You can listen to music to your heart's content, and when the boss comes around and asks about it, you can say you got it to help with work since it is one of it's selling points, smart phone for businesses...

  6.8.2009 15:54 #10