But, every phone can sync with iTunes…
Yesterday, news that the Palm Pre was capable of synchronizing content with iTunes hit just about every tech and gadget blog on the planet. In fact, it even reached mainstream media blogs that typically shy away from little tidbits. Really? Fair enough — it’s pretty cool for Pre proponents to know that their future handsets will sync with iTunes out of the box. The level of excitement over this story got us thinking though… If people are this excited that the Pre can sync with iTunes, does that mean they think many current handsets cannot sync with iTunes?
If the answer is yes, that is most definitely not the case. While it is indeed true that many handsets lack the ability to sync with iTunes out of the box, it’s 2009, people — there’s an app for that. There are many, many solutions for syncing your phone with iTunes in fact; from OEM and Apple-sourced solutions to third party plug-ins and utilities. Here at BGR we have two apps in particular that we are fond of, both developed by third-parties: iTunes Agent for Windows PCs and iTuneMyWalkman for Mac.
Without getting too into the particulars, both of these awesome free applications allow you to sync iTunes with any device capable of connecting as a drive. Smartphones, dumb phones, flash drives or even digital cameras if you’re so inclined — if it has a mass storage mode, you can sync it. Several OEM options are a bit cleaner in terms of appearance and dedicated functionality but none are as universal the aforementioned apps. Since we go through phones like they’re candy, we can’t be bothered with 10 different OEM sync solutions. Even if you only get a new phone every year though, why bother with learning new sync software if you change brands? So, if you’ve been looking for a way to sync your phone with iTunes quickly, easily and even automatically, definitely give our recomendations a shot and let us know what you think.
I agree. WebOS is a good graduation from the iPhone. It does all the iPhone does, and it multitasks! If they get a decent app catalog, it’ll be a success.
Are you FKM? Out of the box versus App is now the same? 90% of people out there aren’t technogeeks and don’t want to have to download apps to make their phone work. This is HUGE for the average person. Quit being such fanbois BGR…
@DJV
Ummmm no. I am not an Apple fanboy. I am a fanatic of electronics, period. I am a big fan of Blackberry as well as iPhone. I have said that Pre will be a great phone, and it will be. Their 3rd party applications support is limited because they are javascript apps without access to hardware features. That is not my opinion, that is fact. Palm has stated that access to hardware resources will not be there for release, but will come later. Other than that, WebOS will be great, and will be better once that support comes out. But, until it does, the web applications (which they are) will not be able to touch the complexity of iphone or WM applications because things like hardware acceleration for video (among other things) is not available. And, I am not saying that because I am an Apple fanboy. Anyone who has ever developed in CSS and Javascript (its a scripted environment for gods sake!) will tell you that the things you can do are very limited compared to a compiled bytecode with access to hardware resources. This is fact.
@christexaport
We have no indication of how well it will multitask. And even upon release, we won’t have a good indication still. WebOS apps are glorified web pages running in cards based on things like CSS and Javascript. Even the most inefficient of operating systems will be able to run SEVERAL web pages simultaneously because they only time the app will require a lot of processor time is when an update is required to refresh the display. And even then, it only needs to update when you switch to the app. We won’t have a good indication as to its ability to multitask until Palm allows applications access to more hardware resources and the ability to request processor time. Live apps like this won’t be possible until they allow it.
@christexaport
No, WebOS apps can’t do the same things iPhone apps can do. WebOS apps are glorified web pages running in cards. They won’t be able to do the same things graphically. iPhone is capable of advanced 3D graphics, WebOS apps aren’t. The are all going to be simple apps until Palm allows access to hardware resources. They have said it will come further down the road.
Wasn’t this about itunes? Is NuTsie considered one of these apps, Alltel was giving it away at one point
@christexaport
From the Palm Webinar:
“This platform is heavily focused on the Web, and third-party applications created for it are written in HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. This is going to limit the types of games that can be created, as developers need more powerful tools to create high-performance games.
During the Q&A portion of a webinar held today for journalists, Palm acknowledged this again, saying that games for the Pre will initially be relatively simple, web-centric ones, such as Sudoku.”
Not just games, but ANY app that requires advanced features of the OS will be limited. This is my only problem with WebOS. Other than that … it seems like a GREAT platform … I just wish the Pre was going to be released on a carrier that is not about to die.
Doesn’t it supporr Flash and Java?
@DJV
No, not at release, although it is supposed to be coming later. Pre supports JavaSCRIPT for applications, not JAVA. Two completely different animals. I hope Pre comes to AT&T in 2010 … I need to replace my Curve. I may just get impatient though and just go for the BlackBerry Onyx.
I am sorry I deviated from the original topic. I just wanted to correct the misconception that Pre apps will be complex and able to compete with Windows Mobile or iPhone apps. They will all be simple and limited … and this is confirmed by Palm employees.
Now, on to the topic at hand. Since Pre is communicating with iTunes using unlicensed means, I predict that this syncing will stop with further updates to iTunes. Though, support for syncing will still happen through software you get through Palm. Unless there is cooperation with Apple? But this I doubt.
I think the term “sync” is used veeeery loosely here (and in other forums/blogs).
All these 3rd party apps do not SYNC with iTunes.
They just transfer mp3 files…. (some not even quickly).
Just gave itunemywalkman a try (it must be the 4th such application I’m using to sync my windows mobile with my Mac iTunes) and it’s as bad as all the rest. It did transfer the contents of my playlist but not even in order! needless to say the cover artwork didn’t transfer…
Back on topic but still trolling, multiple times at that
I can’t figure out if the critic of BGR popping up here are Pre flacks or simply herd following morons.
The Pre can’t synch with iTunes any more than any windows mobile phone annd Pre does not synch with the iTunes that matter the DRM iTunes that make up the bulk of most people’s collections.
I am no Apple fanboy, I have a windows mobile phone which is quite a bit more powerful and versitile than Pre or iPhone.
But I am getting a laugh at all the whining when the Pre claims are deflated with facts.
@PCa
Yes, Pre can sync better than any windows mobile phone right now because it is a full sync including photos and doesn’t require additional software. Although, this is most likely against license and will get some flak from Apple later, so this syncing won’t last. Here are some quotes:
“It does it by faking out iTunes, making the jukebox software think that it is connected to a real iPod. Hook it up and you’ll be given three options: USB mass storage device, charging only or iTunes sync.” — http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/05/snap-palm-pre-will-sync-seamlessly-with-itunes/
“Palm’s Paul Cousino showed the Pre being recognized in iTunes as a “device” that could sync all but FairPlay-protected music as though it were an iPod. The feature works on both Macs and Windows PCs
He wouldn’t address the possibility of legal ramifications from integrating the Pre with Apple software but did acknowledge that Apple, as well as BlackBerry designer RIM, were the primary competitors” – http://www.electronista.com/articles/09/05/28/palm.pre.and.itunes.iphoto/
He didn’t want to address possible legal ramifications because utilizing the software in ways unintended by Apple is against the licensing. This direct iTunes syncing will not last.
@Don Louie Canton
You are more of a troll than I am. I am just directly responding to what other people say. My first posts are always related to the topic. You just don’t like to see negative information about the Pre, even though they are backed by evidence.
Yes, Pre can sync better than any windows mobile phone right now because it is a full sync including photos and doesn’t require additional software. Although, this is most likely against license and will get some flak from Apple later, so this syncing won’t last. Here are some quotes:
“It does it by faking out iTunes, making the jukebox software think that it is connected to a real iPod. Hook it up and you’ll be given three options: USB mass storage device, charging only or iTunes sync.” — wired.com
“Palm’s Paul Cousino showed the Pre being recognized in iTunes as a “device” that could sync all but FairPlay-protected music as though it were an iPod. The feature works on both Macs and Windows PCs
He wouldn’t address the possibility of legal ramifications from integrating the Pre with Apple software but did acknowledge that Apple, as well as BlackBerry designer RIM, were the primary competitors” – electronista.com
He didn’t want to address possible legal ramifications because utilizing the software in ways unintended by Apple is against the licensing. This direct iTunes syncing will not last.
@Christopher Cox,
Don Loue has been trolling and obseessed with this forum for a long time. google his name here, THOUSANDS of posts, no actual information, just trolling against people who have some facts.http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&as_q=louie&as_epq=&as_oq=&as_eq=&num=10&lr=&as_filetype=&ft=i&as_sitesearch=boygeniusreport.com
IT is a big deal you douche,because without it,ALL you rabid Ipoon fans woud be trashing it saying HA it can’t even sync out of the box ith Ipoon and some other phones can!! Ipoon can do al kinds of wonderful things out of the box,Pre you have to download and search for apps which HA HA they don’t even have a singe APP yet and won’t have any ever. Of Course none of the ranting of Ipoon fans are true but that is what they say!!! Those were actual positions taken from these posts said over and over ad nauseum by Ipooners!!! First you say it won’t have any apps and can’t do this or that and use it as a detractor and then when you find out it can sync with Itoons and actually use many of the apps from Itoons then you spew crap about that too. Biased,Bigoted much? Sound like some of those BAMA fans spewing so much HATE on anything that is not or doesnt look like your Brand of Choie!!
Hey dumbass, Clearly you are an idiot!! You stating that the apps for Pre are going to be weak,with no basis for saying it,shows you are biased also when you state that one product is terrible and then you hype another as you have done many many times,it shows your are an APPLE FANBOI just as much or more so then the people you are labeling and PRE-Judging(prejudice)as being Pre fanatics even though they might just say Heyyhis phone looks cool or that competition is great. ou and your kind attack them!! How is that for any kind of objectivity? Also BGR are generally APPLE BIASED whether you want to admit it or not I bet you believe the MSM is fair and unbiased? Get from under that rock you live under andget a clue you moron!!
HEY DOUCHEBAG CASE in point why people accuse you of being a bigoted bastard and an APPLE FANBOI yeah play the victim and say you didn’t earn the TITLE but reality says otherwise!!
HEY Chrises Cox and PCa case in point why people accuse you of being a biased $%^% and an APPLE FANBOI yeah play the victim and say you didn’t earn the TITLE but reality says otherwise!! google cristopher cox and PCa and you wil see how much trolling they do in here and every other forum. So PCa which windows phone do you have that beats the pants off all others? PLEASE enlighten us I am looking for a new phone soon and although you and Cris cox seem pretty bigoted against Pre.to most it is clear…. I am keeping an open mind in hearing which Windows phone you think tops all? I have no hate for Windows as most Apple fanbois like Chris do,so I really want to know and check it out for myself. I think the Pre also looks very nice and that it’s apps are going to be much more powerful then Chrissy thinks Chrissy is being a lttle biased and judgemental and has no clue of how well some developers are going to make their apps.Just because HE/SE can not make apps that would be very powerful in his/her opinion from Javascript and CSS or HTML, doesn’t mean tat Someone truly talented can’t step up and that WebOs will be able to implement the apps to make them Very POWERFUL INDEEDWhen they open up everything Pre apps wil blow Apples and everyone else’s away.This is FACT. Because I said so(If Chrissy can state things as FACT because he/she says so then others can too) WE wil have to wait and see. Chrissy you have no clue of how well it wil be able to implement its apps anymore so then anyone else From what they have shown they loo pretty nice to most and theyhave just gotten started.
I’ve been using this with my blackberry’s for a long time now.
@Christopher Cox
“The Pre itself cannot just sync with iTunes. You have to install software to get that to work just like this.”
I hope you’re being sarcastic with that comment, if not you are completely clueless. Not only has Palm said it SYNCS OUT OF THE BOX WITH NO THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE, it was demonstrated at D7. Even Apple fanatic Walt Mossberg saw it. Should we go with YOUR ignorant assumption, or this?…
“According to Johansen, the Palm Pre must be specifically presenting itself as an Apple iPod to trick iTunes into syncing data with it. This is why iTunes displays “Syncing iPod” rather than “Syncing Pre” during the demos.”
http://www.macrumors.com/2009/05/29/palm-pre-emulating-an-ipod-to-accomplish-itunes-sync/
Here is another link for you: http://apple20.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2009/05/28/scooplet-the-palm-pre-syncs-with-itunes/
BGR, it is good to bring the attention to such options, it really is though you could at least acknowledge that it’s a sweet thing that the Pre does it without 3rd party software.
Too much spin, I’m guessing it wasn’t intentional but it’s unlike Zach.
@Brum:
Pre is not going to have third party software anywhere near the degree of BB, WM or iPhone for a very long time, probably years for the simple reason that WebOS lacks the user base.
Boy Genius did not come up with this iTunes issue as an attack on the Pre, it was triggered by a Palm Press release and silly hyping of “feature” easily done by all phones in its class.