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Apple Kills Palm Pre's Ability To Sync With iTunes

Well, it happened. Apple updated iTunes to version 8.2.1. According to the changelog, it offers bug fixes and "addresses an issue with verification of Apple devices." In other words, "Buzz off, Palm Pre. You ain't no iPhone."

In a user-friendly gesture, Palm used software wizardry to trick Apple's iTunes software into thinking the Pre was an iPod. This allowed users to seamlessly sync their Palm Pre with iTunes playlists. The bottom line is much easier music integration between the Pre and PC.

No longer.

Early today, Apple pushed out iTunes 8.2.1. Apple says, "iTunes 8.2.1 provides a number of important bug fixes and addresses an issue with verification of Apple devices."

Engadget was able to confirm that the new version of iTunes blocks the Pre from syncing with iTunes as it was previously able to. Apple had issued a minor warning to Palm that it didn't like Palm's software trickery. Several weeks ago, Apple said in a statement:

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.

Where does this leave Palm Pre users? Well, the Pre still acts as a USB device, which means users can drag-and-drop music files onto the Pre's memory manually.

It works, but is annoying as hell. Will Palm respond? Who knows. In the meantime, welcome to your new reality, Pre users.

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