Palm fires back at Apple, fixes iTunes sync for Pre

Posted on 24-07-2009

Ali vs Frazier. Tyson vs Holyfield. Apple vs Pre? Palm has thrown in an uppercut in the inexplicable battle over Pre’s ability to sync with iTunes, in response to Apple disabling iTunes recognition for the device last week.

The Palm Pre was recognised as a valid iTunes-supported player by Apple’s media management software, until last week’s release of iTunes v8.2.1, which “disabled devices falsely pretending to be iPods, including the Palm Pre.”

In response, Palm released the v1.1 update to its WebOS operating system on Thursday, which re-enables the Pre to be recognised as a valid “iPod”.

Mocking Steve Jobs’ famous speech sign-off, Palm’s VP of Business Products, John Traynor, wrote: “Oh, and one more thing: Palm webOS 1.1 re-enables Palm media sync. That’s right – you once again can have seamless access to your music, photos and videos from the current version of iTunes (8.2.1).”

The update also features quite a few enhancements to business software and lets users set “person reminders” – a little pop-up tool that throws up relevant information about a cntact the next time he/she messages or calls.

It’s like a match between two boxers now, with each party trying throwing a punch and receiving one in return. And this battle is far from over. Bring on the popcorn!

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