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Apple Patents Cutting 3.5mm Jack in Half

Posted by Unknown on from the twice-as-proprietary dept.

An anonymous reader writes with an article on a recent patent application by Apple. From the article: "Apple likes thin devices and considers the depth of the iPod, iPhone and iPad as critical component of the aesthetic appearance of a product and has been very aggressive in finding ways to trim fat from its portable devices: The 3.5 mm audio-connector stands in the way of future design improvements: Apple suggests to simply cut it in half."

10 of 369 comments (clear)

  1. I'm confused by Minter92 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Is apple trying to patent an actual invention?

    1. Re:I'm confused by EraserMouseMan · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Steve wants to force you to buy a $20 adapter that costs $0.03 to manufacture.

    2. Re:I'm confused by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

      just call it the iJacked your wallet

    3. Re:I'm confused by CProgrammer98 · · Score: 4, Informative

      RTFA much?

      You;re the one that's wrong.
      " Current jacks will fit the new port design, but since the port is cut in half and exposed to one side of the device shell, a traditional connector would simply drop out: Apple proposes a magnetic interface that would keep a thin audio connector in place"

      --
      And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every one by his neighbour Isaiah 3:5
    4. Re:I'm confused by strength_of_10_men · · Score: 4, Funny

      ...both old plugs and new plugs are going to fall out all the fucking time.

      Jobs: Obviously, you're jacking it wrong

    5. Re:I'm confused by _0xd0ad · · Score: 5, Interesting

      Current jacks will fit the new port design

      A "jack" is a female fitting. So is a "port".

      jack noun
      8 : a female fitting in an electric circuit used with a plug to make a connection with another circuit

      [2]port noun
      5 : a hardware interface by which a computer is connected to another device (as a printer, a mouse, or another computer); broadly : JACK 8

      THEY MEAN EXACTLY THE SAME THING!!

      In other words, whoever wrote that is a moron and failed to successfully explain what they meant.

      I'm still not sure whether they meant that current jacks will fit the new plug design, or that current plugs will fit the new port.

    6. Re:I'm confused by JWyner · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Except, again, if you bother to RTFA, you'll note that the author clearly defines what he means by "jack" (i.e., plug), when he states "The audio jack consumes about 3.5, while the port and its ring add another 2.5 mm." Of course, I'm sure it's more fun to play Language Nazi than actually discuss the implications of the article...

      --
      "Owning a computer is like having your very own TV -- with a built in radio!" - Ed Helms
  2. Re:Not sure if I want this by cervesaebraciator · · Score: 5, Insightful

    From the perspective of those who are likely to sell you the connector, that's a feature.

  3. Jerks. by Nationless · · Score: 5, Funny

    Great.

    After only recently being able to plug in most phones with the same USB cable and FINALLY having 3.5 jacks a standard on said phones, Apple now wants to go fuck with the standards.

    Jerks.

  4. Helps you insert it the right way round by ljw1004 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Another advantage which they omitted from the article -- this invention will help you insert the plug the right way round.

    With the current circular 3.5mm jacks, it's actually impossible to know whether you've rotated the plug correctly. Sure, you can try to figure out if you've got it right by listening to the resultant sound quality, but that's inexact and most people don't even have the equipment. Now with Apple's invention, everyone will be able to insert it with the right rotation -- first time, and every time.