iTunes 9 Breaks Palm Pre Sync AgainiTunes 9 Breaks Palm Pre Sync Again

The latest version of iTunes adds multiple features such as social networking integration and better mobile application management, but it also blocks rival Palm Pre's ability to use the software to manage multimedia content again.

When the Pre first came out as a competitor to Apple's iPhone, one of its selling points was iTunes compatibility. While devices such as Research In Motion's BlackBerry lineup can also use iTunes for music synching thanks to software, Palm took a different route with the Pre, making it show up as an iPod in Apple's multimedia software.

Apple took issue with this verification process and shut out the Pre with the 8.2.1 version of iTunes in July. A week later, Palm struck back by issuing an over-the-air software update that restored iTunes compatibility. Palm is expected to release the 1.2 version of its webOS soon, and it could continue the cat-and-mouse game by bringing back iTunes support.

Palm has also filed a complaint with the USB Implementers Forum claiming Apple is restricting trade by locking out the Pre. Palm's method of iTunes support is essentially spoofing the Pre's vendor ID to make the multimedia software think it's an iPod. This is not explicitly approved by the USB governing board. The USB Forum has not indicated when it will issue a decision.

Whether is has iTunes support or not, the Pre hasn't appeared to hurt sales of Apple's touchscreen smartphones. The company launched the iPhone 3GS a few weeks after the debut of the Pre, and it sold more than one million units in its first weekend. Palm and Sprint have not released sales figures for the Pre, but the device has already received a price cut in order to help sales.

Most companies are just starting the hard work of mobilizing workforces by bringing the software they use to smartphones. information analyzed this issue in an independent report, and it can be downloaded here (registration required).