The Palm Pre No Longer Syncs With iTunes - What That Says About Apple
A few days back, Apple released an iTunes update, claiming improved stability and bug fixes. Interesting enough, Palm Pre owners discovered that they could no longer connect to their Pre through iTunes. Then, a day later... I was listening to Cnet's Buzz Out Loud podcast when it came up in the rundown of stories. Of the three host on at the time, two did not understand why Apple wouldn't open iTunes up to other players and easily become the biggest music store in the world; While Molly Wood pointed out that Apple has a history of intentionally making decisions that limit their market-share and growth potential. I agree with that last statement, and that is exactly what Apple wants.
When it comes to third party devices syncing with iTunes Apple claims iTunes was designed for the iPod and using other players may not lead to the "optimum user experience". In other words; Keep your crappy hardware to yourself and leave us alone. Initially, this may seem as though Apple is losing a large number of users. And, they may be, but they don't care.
Here's why.
Apple's whole concept is having technology that "just works" and the only way the can assure that is if they have complete control over both hardware and software. Thus, the Apple ecosphere is born. A lovely little corner of the universe where everything works perfectly, as long as you follow the rules. For years, this has caused many critics to say that the Apple is one of the most restrictive and closed technology companies in the world. And, while I cannot state this as fact, I'm pretty sure this is exactly what Apple wants. I believe they purposely limit their user-base, with the general thought being the following: The majority of people who fall in love with with one Apple product will fall in love with the rest.
Think of it like the maximum seating capacity in a restaurant... the restaurant claims that is the highest number of people they can handle while keeping people safe and comfortable. Apple has always wanted users to buy into the Apple way of life. That's why Apple often goes against the trends of the industry. They will make what they want, when they want and price it at whatever they want. At the end of the day. Apple is less concerned with selling individual products and more interested in selling the Apple way of life. Which is exactly why Apple has some of the most loyal consumers in the world. - It works.
Getting back to my ecosphere analogy: Apple is not concerned with world domination. Instead, they want to be a smaller world,where everything works perfectly... and is prettier.
Kyle Ankney
Reader Comments (4)
I liked your article! Good job! Well explained! I'm glad Apple cut off the Palm Pre! Palm should just make their own software for syncing music. I love the Apple way of life!
You start to talk about how Apple's whole motto is it "just works" which is reasonable. However, there is a difference between them wanting perfection, and them being greedy. They want perfection with Macs, they want to be greedy with iTunes.
I agree with the post 100%. The less hardware Apple has to support the more time and effort Apple can spend ensuring that their hardware works properly.
@the man:
"They want perfection with Macs, they want to be greedy with iTunes."
It's called "capitalism". If you disagree with Apple's business practices you can always buy a Zune, i'm sure Microsoft would love your business.
Apple doesn't let other companies use itunes because its their software. if you make one of the greatest application, you don't want other people using it, and making it crap. Apple made itunes and has control over who can use it. theres absolutely nothing wrong with that.