[citation][nom]HolyCrusader[/nom]Both sides have valid arguements. iTunes can be considered a monopoly, especially since there's a number of songs/artists/albums that are 'exclusive' to iTunes, and thus mandate an Apple product (if you go by the Apple handbook).[/citation]Exclusive to the iTunes Store doesn't mean you can only play the music on an iPod or other Apple device. You have to use iTunes to buy it, but once it's purchased, it's simply an AAC file and you can load it on any device that can play AAC+ (AAC-HE) files. No DRM on current music selections, and you and upgrade any old DRM encumbered music files from the iTunes store to DRM free versions for $0.30/song.
iTunes software serves 3 purposes:
1. An interface to browse and purchase music and video from the iTunes Store.
2. A playback system for music and videos.
3. Management of Apple iPod/iPhone devices (including firmware updates, music and video synchronization between computer and Apple devices).
Apple gives away the iTunes software and is not blocking Palm users from doing either of the first 2, only the 3rd. The built-in iTunes/iPod synchronization is designed for and supported exclusively on Apple devices. Palm simply needs to create or buy their own synchronization piece. Whether that piece is a separate application or if it's one that integrates into iTunes is a design choice for Palm.
iTunes is not a monopoly, either the software or the store. Nor is iPod a monopoly. In each case, Apple is the largest competitor in each market, but there are serious, viable competitors in each.
iTunes software serves 3 purposes:
1. An interface to browse and purchase music and video from the iTunes Store.
2. A playback system for music and videos.
3. Management of Apple iPod/iPhone devices (including firmware updates, music and video synchronization between computer and Apple devices).
Apple gives away the iTunes software and is not blocking Palm users from doing either of the first 2, only the 3rd. The built-in iTunes/iPod synchronization is designed for and supported exclusively on Apple devices. Palm simply needs to create or buy their own synchronization piece. Whether that piece is a separate application or if it's one that integrates into iTunes is a design choice for Palm.
iTunes is not a monopoly, either the software or the store. Nor is iPod a monopoly. In each case, Apple is the largest competitor in each market, but there are serious, viable competitors in each.