14 DAY TRIAL // Apple's iTunes solution is quite popular around the world, and there are many who would love to have their devices able to connect to it, especially Sunyvale-based mobile phone maker Palm when it come to its newly launched Pre smartphone. The two companies have played cat-and-mouse ever since Pre was landed on the market, with Apple disabling the handset's connectivity through software updates, and Palm re-enabling it via the same means.
Considering that Apple has violated USB Implementers Forum's Membership Agreement by blocking the Palm Pre from connecting to the iTunes, Palm went to USB-IF to complain about this, and it finally received an answer to its plea. Bad news for the phone maker, it seems, since the Forum not only said that Apple had not violated the agreement, but also considered Palm's move to enabling Pre's connectivity as going against USB-IF policy.
Here is what the Forum supposedly answered Palm: “Your letter also states that: 'Palm will shortly issue an update of its WebOS operating system that uses Apple’s Vendor ID number for the sole purpose of restoring the Palm media sync functionality.' I attach for your information the USB-IF’s adopted and published policy regarding Vendor Identification Numbers (VIDs). Under the Policy, Palm may only use the single Vendor ID issued to Palm for Palm’s usage. Usage of any other company’s Vendor ID is specifically precluded. Palm’s expressed intent to use Apple’s VID appears to violate the attached policy. Please clarify Palm’s intent and respond to this potential violation within seven days.”
According to USB-IF, Apple has all the right to use its Vendor ID (VID) to set connectivity options for the iTunes, dismissing Palm's allegations that this move is a violation to “the letter and spirit of the USB-IF Membership Agreement.” The Forum does not consider Apple's use of its Vendor ID as being improper, but, as one can clearly see in the response posted above, it does consider Palm's use of Apple's VID as a violation of its rules.
When deciding to approach USB-IF in the matter, Palm surely hoped that the result would be in its favor, yet it seems that things have turned bad for it in the end. “We engaged with the USB-IF because we believe consumers should have freedom and choice in how and where they use the non-rights managed media they already own,” is what the company stated, adding that it would provide the Forum with a response in the near future.