Palm gives up [for now] on Pre + iTunes direct syncing

For awhile there, it seemed like Palm and Apple would go back and forth, enabling and then disabling direct Pre + iTunes syncing for a good long time. Now, with Palm licking its wounds and PsyStar likely down for the count, Cupertino seems to be running out of playmates.

The New York Times reports that Palm’s latest WebOS update allows Pre and Pixi owners to use Yahoo IM and watch YouTube, but not sync their devices with iTunes. This is first update since the Pre hit the streets back in June to not offer iTunes syncing.

This running game of tit for tat, with Apple disabling and Palm re-enabling iTunes syncing, was just starting to get entertaining, and now nothing.

Get their mojo back

Nevertheless, it was likely that Palm would choose to give in following a decision by the USB-Implementers Forum, an industry trade group that rules on contractual + acceptable uses of the connection technology, which stated that Apple was within in its rights to deny direct third-party syncing.

“Palm will probably come up with a Plan B to ensure users don’t get caught in this battle,” says Michael Gartenberg, vice president, strategy and analysis, Interpret, noting the overarching importance of iTunes to sustainability of the Palm ecosystem.

As of right now, Palm hasn’t announced what if any Plan B will have. Here’s hoping it involves cocking at least a symbolic snoot at Apple…

What’s your take?

Related posts:

1. Will Apple turn a blind eye to Palm Pre iTunes syncing?
2. Volley and return: Palm re-enables Pre iTunes syncing
3. DVD Jon: Palm Pre emulating iPod to ‘fool’ iTunes
4. Palm Pre ’syncs seamlessly’ with iTunes
5. WebOS 1.2.1 fixes Palm Pre iTunes sync issue