Bad news for Palm. They have been trying to plug into the iPod/iPhone ecosystem by forging the Pre’s USB identification number, with Apple smashing their efforts with each iTunes update. Now, the USB Implementers Forum says that they should stop.
Palm whined to the USB-IF about how Apple was blocking them every time they tried to circumvent their vendor ID-based anti-non-iPod-devices system. Here’s part of the USB-IF reply:
https://gizmodo.com/remainders-things-we-didnt-post-5365497/
Palm may only use the single Vendor ID issued to Palm for Palm’s usage….Usage of another company’s Vendor ID is specifically precluded.
Basically, what Palm is doing is against the rules of USB, and Palm should stop doing it. What is more, the USB-IF says that Apple has all the right to do what they are doing, since it’s not agains the rules:
Palm’s allegation (if true) does not establish that Apple is using its Vendor ID contrary to USB-IF’s policies.
Palm told Business Week that they are going to reply to the USB Implementers Forum because they believe the users have the right to use whatever device they want to use their non-rights managed media. They are right, especially when Apple has an almost-monopolistic position on the software music player market, and they are trying to get a hold of it by limiting access to their own devices. However, maybe they should take the matter to the FTC instead of going against the rules. [Business Week]
