Apple Updates iTunes, Breaks Palm Pre Syncing Capabilities
Cupertino-based software developer Apple has issued an update for iTunes for Mac and PC users alike. The update carries the official version number of iTunes 8.2.1.6 and is supposed to bring “many accessibility improvements and bug fixes.” But that’s not exactly accurate you see because the update does not bring enhanced accessibility improvements; it does quite the opposite by breaking Palm Pre’s ability to sync with iTunes.
“iTunes 8.2 now supports iPhone or iPod touch with the iPhone 3.0 Software Update. iTunes 8.2 also includes many accessibility improvements and bug fixes. iTunes 8.2.1 provides a number of important bug fixes and addresses an issue with verification of Apple devices,” says Apple’s description of the update.
It does not specifically name the Palm Pre, but that’s precisely what it does. It no longer allows the Palm Pre to seamlessly sync with iTunes. On the other hand, this does not come as a big surprise to anyone – previously Apple posted an article on its support site letting everyone know that an update to iTunes is forthcoming.
“Apple designs the hardware and software to provide seamless integration of the iPhone and iPod with iTunes, the iTunes Store, and tens of thousands of apps on the App Store. Apple is aware that some third-parties claim that their digital media players are able to sync with Apple software. However, Apple does not provide support for, or test for compatibility with, non-Apple digital media players and, because software changes over time, newer versions of Apple's iTunes software may no longer provide syncing functionality with non-Apple digital media players,” said the article.
When asked to comment on the issue, Palm gave the same response it did when news first broke that Apple wants to break Pre’s syncing capabilities: “Palm's media sync works with iTunes 8.2. If Apple chooses to disable media sync in iTunes, it will be a direct blow to their users who will be deprived of a seamless synchronization experience. However, people will have options. They can stay with the iTunes version that works to sync their music on their Pre, they can transfer the music via USB, and there are other third-party applications we can consider.”
“iTunes 8.2 now supports iPhone or iPod touch with the iPhone 3.0 Software Update. iTunes 8.2 also includes many accessibility improvements and bug fixes. iTunes 8.2.1 provides a number of important bug fixes and addresses an issue with verification of Apple devices,” says Apple’s description of the update.
It does not specifically name the Palm Pre, but that’s precisely what it does. It no longer allows the Palm Pre to seamlessly sync with iTunes. On the other hand, this does not come as a big surprise to anyone – previously Apple posted an article on its support site letting everyone know that an update to iTunes is forthcoming.
“Apple designs the hardware and software to provide seamless integration of the iPhone and iPod with iTunes, the iTunes Store, and tens of thousands of apps on the App Store. Apple is aware that some third-parties claim that their digital media players are able to sync with Apple software. However, Apple does not provide support for, or test for compatibility with, non-Apple digital media players and, because software changes over time, newer versions of Apple's iTunes software may no longer provide syncing functionality with non-Apple digital media players,” said the article.
When asked to comment on the issue, Palm gave the same response it did when news first broke that Apple wants to break Pre’s syncing capabilities: “Palm's media sync works with iTunes 8.2. If Apple chooses to disable media sync in iTunes, it will be a direct blow to their users who will be deprived of a seamless synchronization experience. However, people will have options. They can stay with the iTunes version that works to sync their music on their Pre, they can transfer the music via USB, and there are other third-party applications we can consider.”
