Full FeedUSB Group rules against Palm
The USB Implementers Forum—which controls how the USB architecture is used—has ruled against Palm’s camouflaging of their Pre smartphone as an iPod. The Pre identified itself as a mass storage device manufactured by Apple in order to allow their phone to be recognized and sync music with iTunes. Palm made much of the feature when the Pre was first released, and after a back-and-forth with Apple (who wanted iTunes to be accessible only by their own hardware), Palm complained to the USB-IF, stating that it was Apple who were abusing the USB standard by locking other manufacturers out.
The USB-IF does not see it that way, stating:
… Your letter also states that:
“Palm will shortly issue an update of its WebOS operating system that uses Apple’s Vendor ID number for the sole purpose of restoring the Palm media sync functionality.”
I attach for your information the USB-IF’s adopted and published policy regarding Vendor Identification Numbers (VIDs). Under the Policy, Palm may only use the single Vendor ID issued to Palm for Palm’s usage. Usage of any other company’s Vendor ID is specifically precluded. Palm’s expressed intent to use Apple’s VID appears to violate the attached policy.
Please clarify Palm’s intent and respond to this potential violation within seven days.
So what’s next? Will Palm throw in the towel (as I can’t believe they’d risk being penalized by the USB group) or will they pursue legal venues, arguing perhaps that Apple’s behavior is monopolistic (which has been tried in Europe with little success)?
Read [All Things Digital].
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Palm need to stop acting like a little child and write there own software for syncing. Just use the iTunes music folder and import the playlists. That way Palm cam show only the unprotected music, and there will be no question what music you’ll be able to sync.
on September 24, 2009 at 01:19 PM - LINK