Palm claims Apple abusing USB ID in iTunes
updated 12:05 pm EDT, Fri July 24, 2009
Palm Says Apple USB Abuse
Palm has not only restored iTunes syncing for the Pre but has accused Apple of abusing the USB standard to keep other devices out. Company spokeswoman Lynn Fox told All Things D late yesterday that Palm has filed a complaint with the USB Implementers Forum (USB IF) over Apple's use of the Vendor ID number. The specific issue isn't stated, but it's implied that Apple is misusing the ID check to prevent all non-Apple devices from appearing in iTunes.
"Palm believes that openness and interoperability offer better experiences for users by allowing them the freedom to use the content they own without interference across devices and services," Fox says.
The complaint is unusual as it's believed Palm itself may be breaching USB IF rules by masquerading the Pre and future webOS phones under a different vendor's name, making it appear as an Apple device. Some of the company's engineers have previously worked on Apple's handhelds and so are more likely to know Apple's Vendor ID and other details needed to connect properly in iTunes.
Apple hasn't commented on either the new webOS update or Palm's allegations.




Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2005
Nice try
Palm seems to be trying to re-frame the discussion in order to flip the perception. The reporter rightly calls them on it, though (Why are they abusing the USB IF rules by faking another vendor?).
Nobody is preventing Palm from accessing content. iTunes library structure is in plain XML, for anyone to see. There are plenty of third-party software titles that access iTunes library. Palm could have developed their own application that manages iTunes songs, playlists and syncing with the Pre, so that the users only needed iTunes for access to the Music Store; all else to be done with Palm's own software. Instead, they placed a cuckoo egg in Apple's iTunes nest.
There is no legal precedent that could save Palm, should this go to court.