Comments on: Is it Time for Apple to Switch From Dock Connector to USB? http://www.imore.com/2009/02/15/time-apple-dock-connector-usb/ More of everything iPhone and iPad Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:11:58 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Rikki http://www.imore.com/2009/02/15/time-apple-dock-connector-usb/comment-page-1/#comment-64136 Rikki Thu, 23 Jul 2009 07:10:28 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=7151#comment-64136 <p>i only ask if Apple make the Dock non-proprietary would they keep using it?...would others adopt it?....is it really a useful invention? ...is it really novel?...does it have intrinsic value?...is it environmentally responsible?...is 'proprietary' socially responsible?...does any of this matter?</p> <p>other people could have done it but didnt bother because there were existing standards (good, bad or otherwise)... i guess it comes down to costs and who is prepared to pay and play. </p> <p>at this time Apple products are starting to look like something a snake would offer you... sounds good...but is it really good for you?...we have to live it for sometime now</p> <p>PS: sorry no answers on this one</p> i only ask if Apple make the Dock non-proprietary would they keep using it?…would others adopt it?….is it really a useful invention? …is it really novel?…does it have intrinsic value?…is it environmentally responsible?…is ‘proprietary’ socially responsible?…does any of this matter?

other people could have done it but didnt bother because there were existing standards (good, bad or otherwise)… i guess it comes down to costs and who is prepared to pay and play.

at this time Apple products are starting to look like something a snake would offer you… sounds good…but is it really good for you?…we have to live it for sometime now

PS: sorry no answers on this one

]]> By: Mike http://www.imore.com/2009/02/15/time-apple-dock-connector-usb/comment-page-1/#comment-32137 Mike Tue, 17 Feb 2009 17:16:52 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=7151#comment-32137 <p>Wesley, Apple has already screwed us on the connector. the old devices (including my iPod connector in my Honda) does not charge the iPhone. So while, yes, I can use my iPhone in the car or in my clock radio, I cannot charge it. So with the power issues with the iPhone, this makes most old devices un-usable (if u don't want a dead iPhone).</p> <p>So, since Apple has been known to forget backward compatibility, we might as well "bite the bullet" and go to standard MiniUSB port.</p> <p>Wesley Says: </p> <p>February 16th, 2009 at 12:16 am I think this is a very difficult item for Apple to introduce, since the dock connector is already very popular (just take a look at how many products from third companies are iPod compatible), even cars are made with it.</p> <p>I guess one thing that will make this very unlikely to happen is the analog line-out option. If you restrict it to USB, you just have digital data going there, so many companies would have to implement a decoder.</p> <p>Apple likes to control things, the AppStore is a strong example of that, so I guess the answer is never… hehe</p> Wesley, Apple has already screwed us on the connector. the old devices (including my iPod connector in my Honda) does not charge the iPhone. So while, yes, I can use my iPhone in the car or in my clock radio, I cannot charge it. So with the power issues with the iPhone, this makes most old devices un-usable (if u don’t want a dead iPhone).

So, since Apple has been known to forget backward compatibility, we might as well “bite the bullet” and go to standard MiniUSB port.

Wesley Says:

February 16th, 2009 at 12:16 am I think this is a very difficult item for Apple to introduce, since the dock connector is already very popular (just take a look at how many products from third companies are iPod compatible), even cars are made with it.

I guess one thing that will make this very unlikely to happen is the analog line-out option. If you restrict it to USB, you just have digital data going there, so many companies would have to implement a decoder.

Apple likes to control things, the AppStore is a strong example of that, so I guess the answer is never… hehe

]]> By: Druce http://www.imore.com/2009/02/15/time-apple-dock-connector-usb/comment-page-1/#comment-32057 Druce Mon, 16 Feb 2009 22:28:14 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=7151#comment-32057 <p>Sadly, the dock connector needs to stay. As many have said above, there are more accessories that make use of the doc connector than there are mini usb (have you ever seen a mini usb speaker doc? Changing to be compatible with USB would only result in making the iPod/iPhone have as few accessories as everybody else. It wouldn't help their customers.</p> <p>Plus, there is a lot to be said for the fact that the current dock connector has dedicated a/v output pins. That means that the iPhone can connect directly to a TV without needing a displaylink chipset and converter. Can you imagine how expensive that cable would be coming from apple or anybody else? I'll stick with my third party $35 dock connector component cables.</p> Sadly, the dock connector needs to stay. As many have said above, there are more accessories that make use of the doc connector than there are mini usb (have you ever seen a mini usb speaker doc? Changing to be compatible with USB would only result in making the iPod/iPhone have as few accessories as everybody else. It wouldn’t help their customers.

Plus, there is a lot to be said for the fact that the current dock connector has dedicated a/v output pins. That means that the iPhone can connect directly to a TV without needing a displaylink chipset and converter. Can you imagine how expensive that cable would be coming from apple or anybody else? I’ll stick with my third party $35 dock connector component cables.

]]> By: Eytan http://www.imore.com/2009/02/15/time-apple-dock-connector-usb/comment-page-1/#comment-32047 Eytan Mon, 16 Feb 2009 21:53:34 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=7151#comment-32047 <p>There are a lot more ports than just power in the Dock Connector - line out, component video out, Line in (in the case of the classic iPod), radio remote, etc. Moving to the lowest common denominator of a 4 line USB connector would be a disservice to the added functionality the Dock Connector offers. With cables to be found for as little as $5, and any and all USB charger working just fine, I cannot see any reasonable reason to dump it in favor of a dumb USB port. I DO agree however Apple should drop the price of their additional cords to $10 instead of $20</p> There are a lot more ports than just power in the Dock Connector – line out, component video out, Line in (in the case of the classic iPod), radio remote, etc. Moving to the lowest common denominator of a 4 line USB connector would be a disservice to the added functionality the Dock Connector offers. With cables to be found for as little as $5, and any and all USB charger working just fine, I cannot see any reasonable reason to dump it in favor of a dumb USB port. I DO agree however Apple should drop the price of their additional cords to $10 instead of $20

]]> By: DBX http://www.imore.com/2009/02/15/time-apple-dock-connector-usb/comment-page-1/#comment-32026 DBX Mon, 16 Feb 2009 20:10:49 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=7151#comment-32026 <p>The previous poster who suggested Apple make the Dock non-proprietary is right on. USB's a great standard but the plug design is really unsuitable for a mobile device because of how often it's used. The dock connector is extremely durable and low-friction when you pull it in and out and it just makes more sense for this kind of device. The Micro-USB standard that you see on some mobiles e.g. Motorola is also pretty durable but not as good as the dock. And with what else besides a frictionless dock plug can you suitably set a mobile device in something like a stereo system?</p> The previous poster who suggested Apple make the Dock non-proprietary is right on. USB’s a great standard but the plug design is really unsuitable for a mobile device because of how often it’s used. The dock connector is extremely durable and low-friction when you pull it in and out and it just makes more sense for this kind of device. The Micro-USB standard that you see on some mobiles e.g. Motorola is also pretty durable but not as good as the dock. And with what else besides a frictionless dock plug can you suitably set a mobile device in something like a stereo system?

]]> By: jdfnola http://www.imore.com/2009/02/15/time-apple-dock-connector-usb/comment-page-1/#comment-32023 jdfnola Mon, 16 Feb 2009 20:03:05 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=7151#comment-32023 <p>Taking away the mini headphone jack and replacing it with USB would be a huge mistake and a disaster. Many musicians use the iphone for all kinds of things. There are already sequencers, synths, multi-track recording applications and a variety of apps that use the iphone as a controller for a wide variety of musical hardware and software devices.</p> <p>The mini-jack allows the iphone to export sound into the mac (or other devices) using a a male to male mini cable. Also the iphone can use this type of cable or similar (mini-jack to RCA, mini-jack to 1/4", etc) for all kinds of connectivity scenarios (say connecting it to speakers or amps for example.)</p> <p>This provides iphone musicians and multimedia enthusiasts a huge amount of flexibility. Think of that jack as a sort of universal connector to a audio hardware.</p> <p>Changing that to a usb cable would end all of that interoperability in one fell swoop.</p> <p>Bad, BAD idea.</p> <p>jdfnola</p> Taking away the mini headphone jack and replacing it with USB would be a huge mistake and a disaster. Many musicians use the iphone for all kinds of things. There are already sequencers, synths, multi-track recording applications and a variety of apps that use the iphone as a controller for a wide variety of musical hardware and software devices.

The mini-jack allows the iphone to export sound into the mac (or other devices) using a a male to male mini cable. Also the iphone can use this type of cable or similar (mini-jack to RCA, mini-jack to 1/4″, etc) for all kinds of connectivity scenarios (say connecting it to speakers or amps for example.)

This provides iphone musicians and multimedia enthusiasts a huge amount of flexibility. Think of that jack as a sort of universal connector to a audio hardware.

Changing that to a usb cable would end all of that interoperability in one fell swoop.

Bad, BAD idea.

jdfnola

]]> By: Art http://www.imore.com/2009/02/15/time-apple-dock-connector-usb/comment-page-1/#comment-32016 Art Mon, 16 Feb 2009 19:36:41 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=7151#comment-32016 <p>I like standardization and USB has a nice future ahead with charging and fast data rates. But I don't like friction. And I don't like having to look at something closely as you do when you try to insert the 30-pin connector into your iPod touch.</p> <p>I LOVE the MagSafe connector concept. I'd love to just magnetically 'snap' a connector into place without even looking at it.</p> <p>Friction wears connectors out. Especially the 3.5mm headphone jack. Those are always the first to go as the sound cuts in and out or they stop working altogether.</p> <p>Inelegant and ugly and bulky. I like the small mini-USB stuff but it should all be like the MagSafe. Snap in and enjoy.</p> <p>Any inventors out there?</p> I like standardization and USB has a nice future ahead with charging and fast data rates. But I don’t like friction. And I don’t like having to look at something closely as you do when you try to insert the 30-pin connector into your iPod touch.

I LOVE the MagSafe connector concept. I’d love to just magnetically ‘snap’ a connector into place without even looking at it.

Friction wears connectors out. Especially the 3.5mm headphone jack. Those are always the first to go as the sound cuts in and out or they stop working altogether.

Inelegant and ugly and bulky. I like the small mini-USB stuff but it should all be like the MagSafe. Snap in and enjoy.

Any inventors out there?

]]> By: Rene Ritchie http://www.imore.com/2009/02/15/time-apple-dock-connector-usb/comment-page-1/#comment-31974 Rene Ritchie Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:41:14 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=7151#comment-31974 <p>We heart you too Maggard, thanks for sharing the info! Fixed the HTC blunder...</p> We heart you too Maggard, thanks for sharing the info! Fixed the HTC blunder…

]]> By: Maggard http://www.imore.com/2009/02/15/time-apple-dock-connector-usb/comment-page-1/#comment-31972 Maggard Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:27:27 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=7151#comment-31972 <p>HTC doesn't use generic USB, they use a connector called ExtUSB. This variant can be identified by the slightly different connector it entails, basically a MiniUSB with the lower right corner <em>not</em> indented, just a simple right angle.</p> <p>Furthermore while many companies have moved to MiniUSB (Motorola, BlackBerry, etc.) they're pretty much all now moving on to MicroUSB. This thinner, somewhat sturdier version has been agreed as upon as 'a standard' for phone devices by a consortium of companies.</p> <p>However while the connector may be the same the charging requirements aren't always. While pretty much everything can trickle charge off of standard USB supply nearly every manufacturer has a preferred voltage and amperage that is higher, and many devices wont charge properly, or at all, with an incorrect electrical supply.</p> <p>Take two popular devices, the BlackBerry Curve & the Motorola Razr. Both use MiniUSB connectors, However the Razr won't charge at all off the BlackBerry's supplied power MiniUSB power adapter. The Curve will try to off of the Razr's minuUSB charger, but while it will show a full charge it'll be dead halfway through the day.</p> <p>Upshot - the great thing about standards is there are so many of them.</p> <p>Downside - this was a really poorly researched (as in apparently-not-at-all) article. There a good reasons for Apple to go USB, and some solid ones not to (the Made-for-iPod/iPhone licensing is HUGE). But this article was just, typically, flat out ignorant of the non-iPhone world.</p> HTC doesn’t use generic USB, they use a connector called ExtUSB. This variant can be identified by the slightly different connector it entails, basically a MiniUSB with the lower right corner not indented, just a simple right angle.

Furthermore while many companies have moved to MiniUSB (Motorola, BlackBerry, etc.) they’re pretty much all now moving on to MicroUSB. This thinner, somewhat sturdier version has been agreed as upon as ‘a standard’ for phone devices by a consortium of companies.

However while the connector may be the same the charging requirements aren’t always. While pretty much everything can trickle charge off of standard USB supply nearly every manufacturer has a preferred voltage and amperage that is higher, and many devices wont charge properly, or at all, with an incorrect electrical supply.

Take two popular devices, the BlackBerry Curve & the Motorola Razr. Both use MiniUSB connectors, However the Razr won’t charge at all off the BlackBerry’s supplied power MiniUSB power adapter. The Curve will try to off of the Razr’s minuUSB charger, but while it will show a full charge it’ll be dead halfway through the day.

Upshot – the great thing about standards is there are so many of them.

Downside – this was a really poorly researched (as in apparently-not-at-all) article. There a good reasons for Apple to go USB, and some solid ones not to (the Made-for-iPod/iPhone licensing is HUGE). But this article was just, typically, flat out ignorant of the non-iPhone world.

]]> By: Jeff http://www.imore.com/2009/02/15/time-apple-dock-connector-usb/comment-page-1/#comment-31967 Jeff Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:07:35 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=7151#comment-31967 <p>Analog A/V out is still needed by anything you want to play the DRM protected audio files and any video files. I work for a consumer electronics company focused on in-vehicle applications, and this is a must for us.</p> Analog A/V out is still needed by anything you want to play the DRM protected audio files and any video files. I work for a consumer electronics company focused on in-vehicle applications, and this is a must for us.

]]> By: Mike http://www.imore.com/2009/02/15/time-apple-dock-connector-usb/comment-page-1/#comment-31964 Mike Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:35:34 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=7151#comment-31964 <p>My wife and I each have iPod connectors built into our cars. We also have three different iPod speaker systems. Switching to USB right now would be a disaster for us. I suppose if there were a transition period where iPods for, say, the next five years had both sorts of connections, it could work. But that would probably require iPods weighing 75 lbs or something.</p> My wife and I each have iPod connectors built into our cars. We also have three different iPod speaker systems. Switching to USB right now would be a disaster for us. I suppose if there were a transition period where iPods for, say, the next five years had both sorts of connections, it could work. But that would probably require iPods weighing 75 lbs or something.

]]> By: Justin http://www.imore.com/2009/02/15/time-apple-dock-connector-usb/comment-page-1/#comment-31963 Justin Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:31:11 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=7151#comment-31963 <p>I am not a fan of the usb charging. I had a blackberry for about 2 years and I went threw a few warranty exchanges cause the usb connector on the phone would become lose and then it wouldn't charge the phone. I like the dock connector it fits in there nice and tight and it isn't lose. I hope the stay with the dock connector.</p> I am not a fan of the usb charging. I had a blackberry for about 2 years and I went threw a few warranty exchanges cause the usb connector on the phone would become lose and then it wouldn’t charge the phone. I like the dock connector it fits in there nice and tight and it isn’t lose. I hope the stay with the dock connector.

]]> By: xFiifteen http://www.imore.com/2009/02/15/time-apple-dock-connector-usb/comment-page-1/#comment-31955 xFiifteen Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:28:22 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=7151#comment-31955 <p></p> 

]]> By: Steve http://www.imore.com/2009/02/15/time-apple-dock-connector-usb/comment-page-1/#comment-31953 Steve Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:00:28 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=7151#comment-31953 <p>Apple said "Let there be a doc connector: and there was: and Apple saw that it was good.</p> Apple said “Let there be a doc connector: and there was: and Apple saw that it was good.

]]> By: Ernie Varitimos http://www.imore.com/2009/02/15/time-apple-dock-connector-usb/comment-page-1/#comment-31945 Ernie Varitimos Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:42:14 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=7151#comment-31945 <p>The iPhone and iPod Touch dock connector is not only a source of revenue for Apple, but it also allows they to exert a certain amount of quality control over devices that interface with the iPhone and iPod Touch.</p> The iPhone and iPod Touch dock connector is not only a source of revenue for Apple, but it also allows they to exert a certain amount of quality control over devices that interface with the iPhone and iPod Touch.

]]> By: Shawn http://www.imore.com/2009/02/15/time-apple-dock-connector-usb/comment-page-1/#comment-31942 Shawn Mon, 16 Feb 2009 11:57:31 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=7151#comment-31942 <p>Apple should stay just the way they r....</p> Apple should stay just the way they r….

]]> By: iBamse http://www.imore.com/2009/02/15/time-apple-dock-connector-usb/comment-page-1/#comment-31940 iBamse Mon, 16 Feb 2009 11:44:13 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=7151#comment-31940 <p>Had you asked me 6 months ago I would have spent pages giving you reasons why Apple should ditch the dock connector. But owning an iPhone 3G for a few months has made me change my mind. </p> <p>Instead of going to the inferior USB contact, Apple should publish the interface of the dock connector and make it a public interface rather than proprietary. They could still run a certification program for companies that want their products "Certified for Apple iPhone/iPod etc", but it should be possible for anyone to create a device that connects using the dock connector without having to pay huge license fees to Apple.</p> Had you asked me 6 months ago I would have spent pages giving you reasons why Apple should ditch the dock connector. But owning an iPhone 3G for a few months has made me change my mind.

Instead of going to the inferior USB contact, Apple should publish the interface of the dock connector and make it a public interface rather than proprietary. They could still run a certification program for companies that want their products “Certified for Apple iPhone/iPod etc”, but it should be possible for anyone to create a device that connects using the dock connector without having to pay huge license fees to Apple.

]]> By: Ben http://www.imore.com/2009/02/15/time-apple-dock-connector-usb/comment-page-1/#comment-31936 Ben Mon, 16 Feb 2009 10:20:00 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=7151#comment-31936 <p>As good of an idea it seems to be, it just doesn't sit right with me for some reason. Maybe I'm just drunk on the PR Kool-Aid, but for some reason I like the proprietary dock better.</p> <p>And I usually HATE proprietary formats.</p> <p>... damn reality distortion field.</p> As good of an idea it seems to be, it just doesn’t sit right with me for some reason. Maybe I’m just drunk on the PR Kool-Aid, but for some reason I like the proprietary dock better.

And I usually HATE proprietary formats.

… damn reality distortion field.

]]> By: ciphone http://www.imore.com/2009/02/15/time-apple-dock-connector-usb/comment-page-1/#comment-31930 ciphone Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:48:27 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=7151#comment-31930 <p>GOOD FUNCTION</p> GOOD FUNCTION

]]> By: dual sim tv phone http://www.imore.com/2009/02/15/time-apple-dock-connector-usb/comment-page-1/#comment-31929 dual sim tv phone Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:46:44 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=7151#comment-31929 <p>I think this is a difficult item for Apple to introduce</p> I think this is a difficult item for Apple to introduce

]]> By: Frog http://www.imore.com/2009/02/15/time-apple-dock-connector-usb/comment-page-1/#comment-31923 Frog Mon, 16 Feb 2009 07:11:32 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=7151#comment-31923 <p>Apple has a massive advantage with the dock. Most accessories are only iPod compatible, which sways people towards the iPod. They'll never switch to a common connection unless forced. And mini-USB instead of 3.5mm stereo plug!!!! NO</p> Apple has a massive advantage with the dock. Most accessories are only iPod compatible, which sways people towards the iPod. They’ll never switch to a common connection unless forced. And mini-USB instead of 3.5mm stereo plug!!!! NO

]]> By: Wesley http://www.imore.com/2009/02/15/time-apple-dock-connector-usb/comment-page-1/#comment-31913 Wesley Mon, 16 Feb 2009 05:16:44 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=7151#comment-31913 <p>I think this is a very difficult item for Apple to introduce, since the dock connector is already very popular (just take a look at how many products from third companies are iPod compatible), even cars are made with it.</p> <p>I guess one thing that will make this very unlikely to happen is the analog line-out option. If you restrict it to USB, you just have digital data going there, so many companies would have to implement a decoder.</p> <p>Apple likes to control things, the AppStore is a strong example of that, so I guess the answer is never... hehe</p> I think this is a very difficult item for Apple to introduce, since the dock connector is already very popular (just take a look at how many products from third companies are iPod compatible), even cars are made with it.

I guess one thing that will make this very unlikely to happen is the analog line-out option. If you restrict it to USB, you just have digital data going there, so many companies would have to implement a decoder.

Apple likes to control things, the AppStore is a strong example of that, so I guess the answer is never… hehe

]]> By: kyleshankles http://www.imore.com/2009/02/15/time-apple-dock-connector-usb/comment-page-1/#comment-31912 kyleshankles Mon, 16 Feb 2009 05:15:58 +0000 http://www.theiphoneblog.com/?p=7151#comment-31912 <p>Yeah all products should be standard with a mini-USB port but that's apple for you, always making things confusing!</p> Yeah all products should be standard with a mini-USB port but that’s apple for you, always making things confusing!

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