Palm Pre to sync with iTunes?

Seth Weintraub
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May 28, 2009
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Fortune is saying that the Palm Pre will sync to iTunes just like any other iPhone or iPod would, allowing the transfer and copying of any DRM free media from desktop to Pre.   Both on Windows and on Mac.  While it isn't stated exactly how the Pre will do this, it is thought that the Pre will emulate an iPod, rather than use of third party desktop software like DoubleTwist.

Plug a Pre into a Mac and it syncs, seamlessly, with Apple’s (AAPL) iTunes. In fact, the iTunes Store treats the Pre just as it would an iPod or an iPhone with one exception: it can’t handle old copy-protected songs. Third party programs that perform the same service for various non-Apple MP3 players — including the Palm Treo and 700p –  have been available for some time. But team Pre has apparently built the necessary code right into the device’s firmware. They certainly have the know-how. The team is chock-a-block with former Apple employees and is led by Palm president Jon Rubinstein, who built the original iPod for Steve Jobs.

It also isn't certain how or if Apple will respond to this.  COO Tim Cook has been rattling the legal saber in Palm's general direction saying "Apple would use whatever weapons it has at its disposal to fight companies that rip off its intellectual property".

Comments (11)

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | May 28, 2009 - 8:54am

OK. 3 things here:

1. I doubt it but if it is true and the way they say that it works flawlessly on a MAC. That's good, it will encourage people to buy a MAC, and APPLE would love it. More revenue through iTunes and MAC sales.

2. It will not work with the App Store will NOT work with the pre which is the most important for connecting the iphone with iTunes.

3. APPLE can easily change that with a minor update to iTunes if this was done illegally.

Derry Quinn (not verified) | May 28, 2009 - 9:44am

WHY is nearly EVEY second WORD that you have WRITTEN capitalised IN that POST?

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | May 28, 2009 - 9:57am

You are an idiot!!!

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | May 28, 2009 - 10:00am

Dude, I hate idiots like you. Why don't you say something useful and relevant to the article. Let me guess....because you are an idiot.

M. (not verified) | May 28, 2009 - 9:00am

a couple years back I had a creative mp3 player that synced with iTunes just fine

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | May 28, 2009 - 9:43am

Think for a minute and don't blow this out of proportion as every other web site has. iTunes connects to dozens of third party mp3 players. It doesn't sync but they show up in the list of devices and you can add or remove any non-drm song or video that is compatible with the device.

It will not sync contacts, email, bookmarks, calendar, or specially apps!

But again if Palm did their homework then apples iSync should cover contacts and calendar syncing.

There is nothing apple can or should do about this as that would be working against how the functionality of iTunes and iSync work and Palm could sue for being locked out if Apple tried that.

RIM is just ignorant for not attempting the same functionality that any cell phone or mp3 player has access to on Macs!

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | May 28, 2009 - 9:59am

The biggest problems for all other devices except for the iPhone are the following:

1. No great apps
2. Pathetic SDK
3. No 70/30 or similar split for developers.
4. Horrible App stores.

I have zero motivation to port my iPhone apps to the Pre or any other device for that matter. If these other mobile developers got a clue about creating all of the above listed items, you would see droves of iPhone developers porting apps...but they are all to busy trying to play "catch-up" with the new hardware.

People will get the Pre, much like the Storm and wonder, when are the 40,000 apps coming! Probably never. Sounds like a quick death for Pre if they want to truly compete with the iPhone. I was hoping Palm would have announced "Amazing SDK, Amazing App Store, Amazing Music/Video Store".....instead I hear....."Pre will sync with iTunes"...what an amazing let down.....LOL I want to shake hands with the President of Palm...

kevin (not verified) | May 28, 2009 - 1:37pm

Those Apps were not there for the iPhone at first...they weren't there immediately even when the App Store opened...Everything starts a bit slow until it gains momemntum!

The Pre may not be for you, but it is VERY likely good for the MANY people that refuse to (or can't) switch off their carrier. For me, I never got an iPhone because switching to AT&T (or TMobile...) was NOT a viable option.

Having the Pre, and maybe a decent RIM phone, is GREAT for competition as well as push for greater innovation.

Stop being so negative about anything that's not iPhone.

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | May 28, 2009 - 3:11pm

I'm not being negative you idiot. The phone is about to come out and they have not released the SDK yet. They said at all things D that they will have a dozen of apps with the release. Obviously they are trying to push it out the door in such a hurry to make it before the new iphone which is going to kick the pre ass. Let's see how fucking palm are going to keep up by more copying of Apple's work. We are going to hear so many complains about Palm not releasing any updates.

DW (not verified) | May 28, 2009 - 4:01pm

"The phone is about to come out and they have not released the SDK yet."

You couldn't be more wrong.

Palm released the SDK long ago. You can get it from here if you want:
http://developer.palm.com

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | May 29, 2009 - 11:11am

what with all the name-calling all of a sudden? settle down, children! it's a fucking phone!