Palm Pre's New Strategy: Forget iTunes, Hello Wireless Amazon Downloads
When the Palm Pre debuted, one of its most useful features was its ability to sync with Apple's iTunes software. Unfortunately, how it went about doing this was a little bit underhanded: it pretended to be an iPhone. The most recent version of the hack - yes, there were several - was made possible by Palm's use of Apple's USB hardware vendor code provided by the USB Implementers Forum, an industry standards group. The Pre simply used Apple's code so that iTunes would see the Pre as an Apple device. Apple of course, was not happy, and purposefully broke this functionality in subsequent iTunes software updates. Palm responded by complaining to the Forum, but the group took Apple's side.
Now, finally, the Apple/Palm war seems to have ended. With the latest update to Palm Pre's webOS software, the company has come up with a new tactic altogether: forget about iTunes, use Amazon instead.
Palm vs. Apple
The back-and-forth between Apple and Palm was getting ugly. A cat and mouse game transpired involving hacks, crippling updates from Apple, and then re-hacks from Palm which did nothing for either company's image. Some felt that Apple had every right to protect their software from being used with other devices - after all, if something went wrong with Pre syncing, consumers could easily blame Apple's software for the troubles. They may even call in for support, not understanding that Apple wouldn't be able to handle issues arising from the use of a competitor's hardware.
Others, however, felt that Apple should open up. With their dominance over the entire digital media player industry, keeping their proprietary software a closed system was a way to make sure that no up-and-comers could ever have a shot at becoming a popular alternative to the iPod or iPhone. Palm, of course, felt this way, too. They complained to the USB-IF saying that consumers should have a right to decide how they use the media they purchase. That is, if they bought content from iTunes, they should be able to sync it to the Pre.
The USB-IF did not agree, though. They sent letters to both companies explaining that Palm's use of Apple's USB vendor code actually violated the group's rules and would need to end. Clearly, Palm lost this round, too - but don't count them out just yet.
Palm Releases webOS 1.2
Yesterday, Palm released an update of the Pre software, webOS. While most of the reporting surrounding the new OS involved the important update which brings paid applications to the Pre's App Catalog, another under-reported feature is actually just as (if not more) important. The Pre now lets you download over-the-air from Amazon's MP3 Store.
According to the Official Palm Blog, the Amazon integration now works over both WAN or Wi-Fi, meaning that you don't need to be hooked up to a PC via USB to purchase music on your Pre. You can do so directly from the device, just like Apple iPod Touch and iPhone users can do through Apple's mobile iTunes Store. Although the iTunes experience overall may have been the preferable option for many users, Amazon at least provides a viable alternative for Pre owners. Amazon's online catalog may still be a few million short of that of Apple's, but often their prices are much more affordable thanks to daily deals and albums that start at $4.99.
While Palm hasn't officially responded to the USB-IF's letter - despite being told they had to do so within a week - it seems that they have, without actually saying so, made their decision. The latest update's release notes do not mention iTunes syncing, and, as many expected, it has not been re-enabled.
It looks like Palm Pre has given up the fight for good, now betting entirely on Amazon. The company's original plan to sync with iTunes was a calculated risk and one which now leaves consumers holding the short end of the stick. How many Pre owners bought the Pre because it synced with iTunes? How many are angry or disappointed because it doesn't now? It may have been better if Palm never went this route to begin with and worked on making the Amazon integration the key selling point from day one. Of course, hindsight is always 20/20. However, their decision may end up having a major impact on the company's future, considering they've essentially bet the farm on webOS, ending support for devices running both the original Palm OS and Windows Mobile. Will giving up on iTunes impact device sales for the struggling company? Or will extricating themselves from this nasty war with Apple end up being the best thing they could have done?
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My gut feeling on this is that Palm Pre buyers will have other priorities than iTunes download capability. They like the multi-tasking capability of the Pre. They like the fact that it is a Palm product. They like the slide-out keyboard. They like the UI. They like the syncing with Gmail. They like the fact that _it_isn't_an_iPhone_.
I agree with Palm's view that consumers should be able to download their iTunes to the Pre. Apple's monopoly and closed code is unhealthy in today's marketplace.
The inclusion of the Amazon MP3 wireless download feature in webOS 1.2.0 update will boost the appeal of the Pre to consumers with the freewill not to follow the herd.
I'm really glad to hear that the Palm Pre now offers a viable alternative to iTunes. I'm not a fan of Apple (for many reasons), and I find iTunes bloated and unsatisfying. Amazon however, is fantastic.
I'm very thankful that I chose to buy a Palm Pre. It is truly an excellent little piece of hardware!
There is room for another big player in the space. I know the guys at Rick Latona Auctions are offering the domain CellPhoneApps.com. This is definitely an "amazon" of the future possibility for someone with some capital who can make it happen.
Well, I hope Palm has their legal team waiting in the bullpen. They promised buyers iTunes syncing and they aren't delivering it: classic bait and switch marketing.
Consumers would be able to sync their iTunes Library with the Pre if Palm would just create their own software to enable that, like, for example, RIM has done. Clearly they have no interest in creating a solution for the long-term, but are just angling for a buyout.
It's horrible to watch a once great company like Palm in its death throes. Best of luck to those who bought one. Fortunately, the lifespan of these things is only a couple of years, so you won't have to wait long till you're ready to pick something else, after Palm shuts down.
Umm... Palm Pre has ALWAYS has been able to purchase and download music from Amazon Music over the air... but with Wifi only.
The only difference now is that you can do it over your provider's network now.
Also, while Amazon is a source for downloading music, it's still no answer for iTune's media handling. I personally hate the program, but a lot of people are hooked into it.
Finally, people are making way too big a deal about this. If you want to continue using iTunes, there are 3rd party sync options available, just like Blackberry and other phones use.
Please try and be more accurate when reporting these stories?
I know it's near blasphemy to admit, but I was highly aggravated to discover that iTunes was the player of choice in the first place. I'm glad it's broken & would love to see Palm explore other alternatives, say Napster and/or Rhapsody.
"You can now do so directly from the device, just like Apple iPod Touch and iPhone users can do through Apple's mobile iTunes Store."
Uh, can't iPhone users do this over 3G too, unlike Palm/Amazon?
Agreed with Vara411 that the biggest issue is not purchasing songs, but syncing/managing music. IMO, iTunes sucks at the latter, especially considering the wealth of alternatives (even Windows Media Player for goodness sake).
This latest spat does nothing good for iTunes, nor does any controversy that raises the possibility of iTunes alternatives. However, consumers have demonstrated a high level of path dependence, so iTunes will continue to reign. It just won't be (as it isn't now) the first choice of saavy users seeking flexibility and user control.
But those consumers who are willing to take the plunge with a Pre in the first place are probably willing to seek out an alternative. So what's the big deal?
P.S. Well written piece, with a tidy, balanced recap of the whole controversy.
@Vara411: I said "works over both WAN or Wi-Fi" - WAN, meaning provider's network...maybe that was not clear? probably should have defined WAN...
@Se7en Palm lets you do it now too
@biwah: thank you!
Made up "news event", poor editorial judgment
Pixi announcement already announced over-air Amazon MP3.
In no way is Palm "betting everything on Amazon". ROFL. Do you even know what MP3 is? It's an unencrypted standard. Other companies sell MP3s. Users can make them themselves.
Always a good thing when someone decides not to deal with apples itunes anymore. I have always been happy with Amazon's mp3 store, that was not the case with itunes. This is another reason (be it a small one) I will likely look at palm at my next phone contract time. Now if they'd just make new phones available for services besides sprint.
Kick even a pitbull in its nutsack and it'll run away yelping. Sounds exactly like Palm and Pre users. Hey, Palm you slacker, how about writing a sync application for your adoring fanbois or is that too much trouble. It leaves them uneasy not knowing whether they'll be able to sync their data from one day to the next. If you're gonna spoof your USB ID, why don't you just fool Windows Media Player to do the job for you. I'm sure Microsoft wouldn't mind, although those pricks never let the iPhone sync to WMP. Not that anyone ever cared one way or another.
I wish somebody would hook those Pre users up with something. I hate listening to all the weeping, whining and moaning of supposedly grown adults when they don't get their way.
Vara411 wrote" "Please try and be more accurate when reporting these stories?"
ReadWriteWeb is a Microsoft propaganda site.
What I don't understand is why this is such a big deal? When a small company like DoubleTwist does the same thing, actually it's only thing it does, without all the drama. Other than putting a billboard on the side of the SF Apple Store or remaking the 1984 ad with Steve Jobs as the dictator.
is the issue only for DRM enabled trakcks? If so, just sync the same tunes with another player; Windows Mediaplayer can track the same folder. it's no inconvenience at all... other than the awful Apple DRM. It works fine for me, but my preferred music source is emusic anyway.
New plan. Reach deal first with iTunes first. Despite the competition I wonder if apple would have been willing to deal if palm asked. As in OK Pre works with iTunes, but Palm agrees to a native iTunes App.
And the best thing about it is, you don't even have to pay Apple a single penny to do this legally, they publish the API's that anyone can use to create a solution that works with the iTunes.db XML file.
I am of the believe that Palm instead of trying to make the best Pre ever, they failed miserably trying to copy the Iphone. I expected to find better capabilities in this modern Palm device than those I found in their 1990s handhelds. But, there is no datebk nor other very good programs they prviously had. Absurd.