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iPhone 5 Scorns Standards Promise To European Commission

WebMink writes "Back in 2009, Apple signed an agreement aimed at reducing electronic waste resulting from mobile phone accessories. But this week's launch of the iPhone 5 shows them reneging on that commitment. Instead of including a micro-USB connector on the iPhone, as they agreed to do along with the rest of the phone industry, they created yet another proprietary connector. At a stroke, they have junked earlier iPhone accessories, forced a new industry in Apple-only accessories to arise and broken their promise to the EC. It's a huge missed opportunity both for their customers and for the environment."

543 comments

  1. Fuck Apple. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Insightful

    Someone should sue them for this shit.

    1. Re:Fuck Apple. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Insightful

      No, they shouldn't, but people should just stop buying anything made by Apple.

    2. Re:Fuck Apple. by alen · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Why?
      I have iPhone and android and the proprietary connector means I can hook my phone into my car's USB port and stream music apps and play my playlists. Not just music off the storage in no order

    3. Re:Fuck Apple. by icebike · · Score: 4, Informative

      I have Android and can do the same thing without the proprietary connector.
      Wait, I don't need a connector at all. Bluetooth.

      --
      Sig Battery depleted. Reverting to safe mode.
    4. Re:Fuck Apple. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      They don't need to be sued, but this is a valid area for regulation. The EU can simply state that adapters for electronic devices sold in the EU need to be approved due to the need to reduce electronic waste and to increase interoperability. Have the micro-USB standard be pre-approved. And if Apple wants to continue with their standard they can include appropriate concessions, like requiring a free computer, wall outlet, and car adapter for every device every year. Also require them to replace all damaged adapters free of charge (and free shipping) and to include free converters from the old standard to the new standard. Also ban the licensing fees required for hardware developers to build devices to any standard.

    5. Re:Fuck Apple. by SuricouRaven · · Score: 1

      No. You never needed a propritary connector. Some docking station music players used the analog lines from the propritary connector, but the new 'lightning' connector doesn't even have those, and in any event they weren't required to play audio. They just reduced the cost of doing so a bit.

    6. Re:Fuck Apple. by jhoegl · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Yes, new items will increase waste (old items), increase production of new items (emissions), and cause problems for the consumer (multiple cables).
      So... unless you have some magical idea that will remove all of this, it will harm the environment.

    7. Re:Fuck Apple. by RabidReindeer · · Score: 3, Insightful

      And really...? Having a new adapter is going to somehow harm the enviornment?!?!

      [rolls eyes]...Really......?

      Really.

      The idea is not to have a drawerful of one-off adapters and connectors, which is where we were before the mini- and micro-usb connectors became common currency. You save the environment by not having to manufacture and supply new cables with each new device, you save it again by only needing as many adapters and cables as you actively use, and finally, you save it by being able to retain and re-use these cables and adapters long after the original device has been retired/broken.

      Small steps, agreed, but every little bit helps. And even if they didn't, I'd be for it just because I've got enough cables and adapters stuffed in my equipment drawers as it is.

    8. Re:Fuck Apple. by Coolhand2120 · · Score: 3, Insightful

      I'm hoping this is sarcasm. But just in case it isn't. Yes a new adapter is going to harm the environment. People toss devices that use the old connector instead of reusing them. If they had used a standard (USB) connector in the first place you could reuse chargers etc. from other phones. Not only that but you could you switch from iPhone to Android to Windows Phone without having to buy new devices. Also, realize that that is the only reason for all Apple proprietary connectors. So you can't easily switch to a competitors device.

      So yeah, Fuck Apple.

    9. Re:Fuck Apple. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      Make an adapter for the adapter. It is the only logical way.

    10. Re:Fuck Apple. by Coolhand2120 · · Score: 5, Insightful

      proprietary connector means I can hook my phone into my car's USB port

      What? Are you seriously confused? I can only hope this I've misunderstood your sarcasm. There are so many problems with your comment I'm not sure where to start. If the car has a USB port, it's not proprietary. Being able to stream music and control playlists has zero to do with the connector. Just imagine if iPhone had used USB from the start, then everyone would be able to use any phone in "device enabled" car. Thanks for fucking over everyone that doesn't buy your products Apple. The proprietary connector is only there to lock you into Apple products. Apple's new proprietary connector is only there to continue to lock you into new products and to force 3rd party device creators to have to licence the new connector and create a whole new wave of for-iPhone-only devices. Every time you see any proprietary connector, think of it as someone poking you in the eye with a dick. That's really what it is. They are fucking you. In the eye. With a dick.

      So yeah, fuck Apple.

    11. Re:Fuck Apple. by cffrost · · Score: 1

      Apple to EU Cities: Drop Dead

      --
      Thank you, Edward Snowden.

      "Arguments from authority are worthless." —Carl Sagan
    12. Re:Fuck Apple. by profplump · · Score: 0

      I'm all for standard connectors, but could we *please* stop pretending that Apple iDevice connector is equivalent in functionality to USB?

    13. Re:Fuck Apple. by Latinhypercube · · Score: 0

      Can you really be that stupid?
      Yes 5 million adapters will create tonnes of plastic and precious metal waste.
      Apple are pure scum and far worse than Sony or Microsoft ever was

    14. Re:Fuck Apple. by Coolhand2120 · · Score: 1

      For the functionality described, it is identical. You can listen to music over your USB and control a music player. The only question is what is the standard protocol for controlling these devices over USB. The connectors are just copper wires.

    15. Re:Fuck Apple. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You are a moron, aren't you. Yes, it will. You might consider thinking for a few seconds before posting.

    16. Re:Fuck Apple. by Coolhand2120 · · Score: 1

      Check the UIDs brosif. I'm not the same person that made the original comment. And my desires are relevant, as a potential customer, their shitty connectors only drive me into their competitors arms and they lose money.

    17. Re:Fuck Apple. by Charliemopps · · Score: 3, Insightful

      No you can't. The connector doesn't "Stream" anything... it's an analog "line in" that's no better than if you used the headphone jack. The cable also transmits controls back and forth so the buttons on your radio can control the iPhone... what a fantastic idea... unfortunately you could do this in 1980 with corded remotes for VCRs. Well, it's 30 years later and the Android/Windows Mobile/Blackbery and just about every other device made todays communities would like to introduce you to Bluetooth. It's already 18 years old, but it makes your Apple adapter cable look rather silly.

    18. Re:Fuck Apple. by fafaforza · · Score: 2

      You could look into getting a better stereo. The $100 Sony one I got for my 2003 car has no problems sorting mp3s off a stick using folders, and loads my iPod's playlists and genres with no problem. Little to do with a data cable.

    19. Re:Fuck Apple. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      +1

    20. Re:Fuck Apple. by Nationless · · Score: 1

      I know of a magical way that can REDUCE it. Standards.

    21. Re:Fuck Apple. by Erikderzweite · · Score: 0

      It is about time for Apple to learn about them too. Hard way, if needs be.

    22. Re:Fuck Apple. by Guspaz · · Score: 4, Informative

      Micro USB doesn't meet all of Apple's requirements. They've been pretty mum about what and how they're using the new connector, but micro USB is certainly not orientation independent, and the traditional connector you find on smartphones is limited to low speed (USB 3.0 uses a different and much larger micro connector). It's hard to figure out if Apple's decision to go their own way for a dock adapter is justified, but I'd point out that the last time they came up with a new and proprietary connector... the entire industry adopted it. I'm referring to mini displayport, which Apple developed as a proprietary variant on DisplayPort, but made it royalty free and got it into the DisplayPort standard itself.

      Connectors are not automatically evil just because they're developed by Apple, and designed-by-committee standards are not always the best solution to a company's individual problems. If DisplayPort had been the end-all be-all connector, then we wouldn't have seen miniDP largely supplant it.

    23. Re:Fuck Apple. by Lumpy · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Please show me how to airplay a power point to the projector from wifi, and do the same with an android tablet and an android phone all to the same hardware. Apple owns the board room for wireless and easy presentation control. I have installed more apple TV units in board rooms and had IT departments whine at me in the past 3 months than I have installed android based anything in the past 5 years.

      you guys that are on a hell bent apple hate rage have no clue. the rich guys all use apple, they all like apple and that is who apple cares most about. And you will see more and more of it showing up in corporate use because it "just works"(tm) and works very well.

      you should be pissed at microsoft and google for not even offering anything to compete.

      --
      Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
    24. Re:Fuck Apple. by Lumpy · · Score: 0

      every time apple make a new adapter, god kills a puppy...

      --
      Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
    25. Re:Fuck Apple. by Lumpy · · Score: 4, Insightful

      The great part about standards, there are thousands to choose from.

      Samsung can get HDMI video out that usb port, yet LG doesnt, they put that craptastic second connector on there. Then Motorola does something completely different. Show me ANYONE that follows a standard.

      --
      Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
    26. Re:Fuck Apple. by Stalks · · Score: 0, Troll

      Because they are not advancing anything. They are just changing the form because fuck you.

    27. Re:Fuck Apple. by Tyler+Eaves · · Score: 2

      Really? So how does my car offer a folder-based tree of my music then if it's just forwarding button presses?

      --
      TODO: Something witty here...
    28. Re:Fuck Apple. by cheesybagel · · Score: 4, Insightful

      If they wanted to advance the state of the art they could have proposed their connector as a standard to the EU. Instead this shows Apple wants to bilk customers for buying their expensive adapters and accessories.

    29. Re:Fuck Apple. by Guspaz · · Score: 2

      Can you plug a USB connector in in any orientation? That's a pretty big aspect of the user experience (the less technically oriented you are, the more annoying that's going to be), and the easiest solution to that is to just design a connector and standard that supports being plugged in either way. Micro USB doesn't do that, for whatever reason. Another aspect is performance. The standard micro connector only works for USB 2.0, after that you need a bizarrely massive connector for micro USB 3.0.

    30. Re:Fuck Apple. by Mike+Buddha · · Score: 1

      Not any more. No iPod out on the new connector. Fart.

      --
      by Mike Buddha -- Someday the mountain might get him, but the law never will.
    31. Re:Fuck Apple. by Stalks · · Score: 3, Interesting
    32. Re:Fuck Apple. by cheesybagel · · Score: 2

      Apple's Lightning to USB connector only provides USB 2.0 speeds. Being orientation independent does not seem that big of a deal to me. Oh and the lightning connector is larger than a micro-USB connector.

    33. Re:Fuck Apple. by Lumpy · · Score: 2, Informative

      You seem to be uneducated.

      iPhone 5 us usb 3.0 usb 3.0 DOES NOT HAVE A STANDARD MINI CONNECTOR.

      Or would you rather they made it a slow turd like all the phones with usb 2.0 I certianly dont want a super slow usb 2.0 to copy my 64 gig of video and audio files over. or to extract the video recorded at 1080p.

      The next google Nexus phone will not have a mini usb connector on it, will you go all frothing at the mouth at google?

      --
      Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
    34. Re:Fuck Apple. by cheesybagel · · Score: 1

      That is very interesting considering I have heard about Intel having demoed working prototypes on streaming video using WiFi for many years now.

    35. Re:Fuck Apple. by AvitarX · · Score: 1

      Motorola sucks though (hopefully google will fix that)

      I purchased a xoom on clearance, and it was well worth the 240 I paid for it, but the Motorola accessories suck.

      unlocked up a dock on clearance with built in speaker. I was hoping it'd be better than my logitech mini boombox as it was powered from a wall, rather than USB. It touted "amazing sound", and though it was better in quality than the mini boombox, it was pretty much in audible with mild background noise, I use the mini boombox with windows cracked driving 60 mph in a car, and over 70 with windows up.

      I can't use this dock within 20 feet of a copy machine, and barely in my room when the birds chirp in the am.

      Even at the huge markdown for clearance, the speaker is worthless (though a charging dock is nice, so not a Rio off).

      I suppose It's what I get for buying a device that used standards (micro USB, geni), but if I purchased an iAnythibg dock that plugged in and had a speaker, it'd retail for far less, and play better (de facto standard and competition is beating real standards and nothing being compatible due to physical differences in the standard ports).

      --
      Wow, sent an e-mail as suggested when clicking on "use classic" banner, and got a fast response that addressed my msg
    36. Re:Fuck Apple. by icebike · · Score: 4, Insightful

      I can over DLNA.
      NO wires needed. Get with the program grandpa. Wires are so OVER.

      --
      Sig Battery depleted. Reverting to safe mode.
    37. Re:Fuck Apple. by chrismcb · · Score: 1

      If the car has a USB port, it's not proprietary.

      I recently purchased a new radio for my car. While doing research I was AMAZED at the number of radios that offered an Apple only cable. Of course I immediately crossed those off my list. But USB devices seemed to be in the minority!
      Of course, the new phone won't work with the old radio. I guess you can purchase another adapter...

    38. Re:Fuck Apple. by Nemyst · · Score: 1

      Many phones have micro-HDMI ports. You know, that standard that happens to have been designed for the purpose of carrying video and audio?

    39. Re:Fuck Apple. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Can you really be that stupid?

      Yes 5 million adapters will create tonnes of plastic and precious metal waste.

      Apple are pure scum and far worse than Sony or Microsoft ever was

      I'm sorry, but you are "that stupid", not the guy you replied to. Most people will never buy an adapter. They'll just use the charger and USB/charge cord which come with the phone, because those are all the wired connectivity they'll ever need.

      You seriously need an injection of perspective if you think this, of all things, identifies Apple as uniquely scummy.

    40. Re:Fuck Apple. by Guspaz · · Score: 3, Insightful

      To be fair we're not really sure what speeds it provides; all we know is the only cable they're shipping now is a lightning to USB 2.0 cable. It looks like there's enough pins for USB 3.0 if the equivalent of the shield is conductive (it's not clear to me that GND and GND_DRAIN really have to be connected to separate pins anyhow), and it's entirely possible they plan to use active cables to get higher speed outputs in the future anyhow (who knows what the native signaling format is).

    41. Re:Fuck Apple. by thetoadwarrior · · Score: 1

      Why? It's pointless anyway. All phones come with a charger so you won't recycle the old one. In fact, unless you're a cunt, you'll give someone the charger when selling / giving them the phone as is often what happens. Also the expectation you only own a phone for the duration of your contract and then replace it is far worse . Phones aren't really built to last. I've seen a few models of android phones have their battery die shortly before or after a contract . That is only 1.5 to 2 years. Even the shittiest laptop batteries out perform that.

    42. Re:Fuck Apple. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I've seen it differently. In the first years, an "iPod" cable seemed to be the only things added to third party devices and they were marketed as only iPod ready or compatible. More recently, most third party "things" at least include a usb input and/or a 3.5 stereo aux jack as well.

    43. Re:Fuck Apple. by jbolden · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Yes they are. The pins are programmable on both ends. You can write low level interfaces which are smart on both sides. The old adapter couldn't do that.

    44. Re:Fuck Apple. by Nationless · · Score: 1

      Well, yeah. Real life shows us that when they don't follow standards and we get waste. And that's what happens. Over and over.

      I hardly doubt Apple not following any known standard is a protest against the diversity of standards in contemporary technology.

      So if everyone actually DID follow standards things would be less wasteful. That's all I'm saying.

    45. Re:Fuck Apple. by jbolden · · Score: 0

      Also, realize that that is the only reason for all Apple proprietary connectors. So you can't easily switch to a competitors device.

      Baloney. On both the iPhone 4S and the iPad2/3 the batteries tolerances are below commercial standards. A cheap dumb cable and you would damage or destroy your battery. Apple is getting extra battery life for the 4S and the iPand2/3. The new cable is programmable which will allow for much cooler types of connections.

    46. Re:Fuck Apple. by jbolden · · Score: 1

      Apple's Lightning to USB connector only provides USB 2.0 speeds

      That doesn't prove anything. The issue is what is possible with lightning designed devices from the ground up.

    47. Re:Fuck Apple. by KingMotley · · Score: 1

      iOS can do that too, it's called AirPlay.

    48. Re:Fuck Apple. by MichaelJ · · Score: 1

      iPod Out was a special feature that allowed the iPod to generate a display on, say, a car's video screen. It has nothing to do with the audio stream or with being able to control song play. It goes away because the analog video out signal goes away. I think only BMW and Mini actually used the feature.

      --

      Michael J.
      Root, God, what is difference?
    49. Re:Fuck Apple. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      Really? I just got back from VMWorld and I did not see a single airplay anywhere and believe me, there were thousands of presentations. I think you are confusing one dude giving a presentation with an actual conference room/board room A/V presentation setup. These setups are far more elaborate then one person giving a powerpoint presentation on a single screen for a few people in the room. They are integrated into recording systems, Webex, remote A/V like Cisco telepresence or Polycomms, and also include voice and electronic whiteboards. I have no doubt Apples setup is easy for an ad hoc meeting but I'm sorry, board rooms are not getting rid of or swapping out their A/V equipment and conference room setups for only an Airplay and an iPad just yet.

    50. Re:Fuck Apple. by sjames · · Score: 3, Insightful

      The fact is, though that Apple AGREED to include a micro-usb connector on the iPhone, at least for charging and now they have reneged on that agreement.

      If they ACTUALLY needed more, they could have placed the additional connection next to the micro USB and kept their word.

    51. Re:Fuck Apple. by Yaztromo · · Score: 2

      The proprietary connector is only there to lock you into Apple products.

      You only have to look at the pinout documentation of the (just retired) 30 pin connector to know that isn't true. The original 30 pin connector had communications lines for both USB and Firewire, permitting an iPod to connect to either port type using a single connector on the device side. Some of the pins were later used for composite video out (pin 8), and S-video chroma/luma (pins 9 and 10). Pins 11, 12, and 13 are used for standard RS-232 serial communications. Pins 2 - 6 were used for analogue audio in and out. So unless you can point me to a USB connector that provides analogue audio in and out, composite and S-video out, standard RS-232 out (and not RS-232 encapsulated within USB Bulk packets), and somehow also finds a way to jam Firewire into the cable, you have to admit that Apple had some very good reasons to use their own connector.

      As for the new Lightning connector, I can't say. I haven't seen a pinout on it yet to know what signals are being put through it. If it's Thunderbolt compatible and/or has HDMI output onboard, then it probably wouldn't be sufficient to use a standard USB connector. If not -- then yes, it seems like a somewhat idiotic change to me, considering how many millions of devices and cables out there won't work with it.

      Yaz

    52. Re:Fuck Apple. by imikem · · Score: 2, Interesting

      The Micro USB connector sucks. Every phone I've ever seen using it starts having problems with loose connections causing intermittent charging after 9-12 months. Meanwhile the iPhones I have had have all charged fine for as long as I've owned them. I have a now ancient 3G iPhone, still charges fine after having been used by three members of my family over 4 years. Even disregarding the variety of features available on the Lightning connector, I'll pass on the Micro USB "standard", thanks.

      --
      Perscriptio in manibus tabellariorum est.
    53. Re:Fuck Apple. by R3d+M3rcury · · Score: 2

      True. But you need a $99 adapter to do that.

    54. Re:Fuck Apple. by shutdown+-p+now · · Score: 1

      Micro USB doesn't meet all of Apple's requirements. They've been pretty mum about what and how they're using the new connector, but micro USB is certainly not orientation independent

      Ah, so orientation independence is the new excuse for going proprietary?

      That's funny. For the old Apple connector, the excuse was that it had analog audio and control channel, permitting cheap devices to be made for it, as opposed to micro-USB + MHL. But, apparently, that's no longer important now that the new connector has been prominently advertised as "all-digital".

    55. Re:Fuck Apple. by shutdown+-p+now · · Score: 1

      It is equivalent in functionality to USB + MHL.

    56. Re:Fuck Apple. by jimmetry · · Score: 0

      The USB stack is ridiculously complicated. If you want a device to communicated a certain way, it needs a gigantic convoluted controller. There is a pretty good standard for mass storage devices (though remember back in 2005 when USB sticks required driver installation?), but video and audio are still ridiculous. And if you ever wanted to add extra functionality, jesus christ...

      You may have noticed that Apple devices get way better accessories... It's not all because of popularity.

    57. Re:Fuck Apple. by Guspaz · · Score: 5, Informative

      They agreed to no such thing (The EU's voluntary agreement gives other options, which Apple took). They've done enough unscrupulous things that you don't need to make stuff up.

    58. Re:Fuck Apple. by Guspaz · · Score: 3, Insightful

      No, but microUSB being a terrible and dead-end obsolete connector is a better excuse. Locking yourself down to USB 2.0 speeds for years to come would be idiotic.

    59. Re:Fuck Apple. by BasilBrush · · Score: 2

      5 million Android phones that are physically larger than iPhones will create tonnes of unnecessary plastic and precious metal waste. But I don't see you complaining about that.

    60. Re:Fuck Apple. by Zontar+The+Mindless · · Score: 1

      One nice thing about living in a country that has decent transport is that you get to skip the part where you spend 15-20 hours per week in a car. Ick.

      Thanks to all in this thread for reminding me how much I don't miss that.

      --
      Il n'y a pas de Planet B.
    61. Re:Fuck Apple. by lightknight · · Score: 1

      Fine, then let's go with an eSata connector, and let whatever is accessing the device use it like an external hard drive.

      --
      I am John Hurt.
    62. Re:Fuck Apple. by blueg3 · · Score: 1

      Also, realize that that is the only reason for all Apple proprietary connectors. So you can't easily switch to a competitors device.

      People are going to balk at switching to another device because of the power/data cable that comes free with every device? It's more of a hassle to transfer your contacts.

    63. Re:Fuck Apple. by jrumney · · Score: 1

      You can write low level interfaces which are smart on both sides.

      Apple can write low level interfaces which are smart of both sides. Do you really think they are going to release the documentation so Stalks can do it?

    64. Re:Fuck Apple. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Are you REALLY stupid enough to BELIEVE that seriously?

    65. Re:Fuck Apple. by Barlo_Mung_42 · · Score: 1

      Don't think I really need USB 3.0 speed. I mostly just plug in my phone to charge it. Once I get a Nokia 920 I won't even need to plug it in for that.

    66. Re:Fuck Apple. by the_other_chewey · · Score: 4, Funny

      Can you plug a USB connector in in any orientation?

      Yes. Some of the orientations aren't recommended though.

    67. Re:Fuck Apple. by lightknight · · Score: 1

      Parent's comment must be trollbait, as randomly installing Apple hardware into a boardroom of any sizable company without IT's say so would have you shot, and your body buried in a shallow ditch somewhere along the NJ turnpike.

      --
      I am John Hurt.
    68. Re:Fuck Apple. by Barlo_Mung_42 · · Score: 1

      That's what I really don't get about this whole thing. Apple is all about simplifying things. Wireless charging and NFC just seem like a no brainers for them. Think of how cool they would have made those commercials look with all the hip kids using these great new features. People would have loved it and if Jobs were still alive he would have spun it as his magical idea. I honestly don't get it. Apple just isn't the same without Jobs I guess.

    69. Re:Fuck Apple. by jrumney · · Score: 2

      The USB stack is ridiculously complicated. If you want a device to communicated a certain way, it needs a gigantic convoluted controller. There is a pretty good standard for mass storage devices (though remember back in 2005 when USB sticks required driver installation?), but video and audio are still ridiculous.

      Audio and Video are well supported by USB class protocols. Audio since 1998 and Video since 2004. Requiring drivers has nothing to do with lack of standards, but a lag in native support by certain popular OS.

    70. Re:Fuck Apple. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      So what does BMW think of Apple suddenly dropping this feature, which they no doubt encouraged manufacturers to adopt before suddenly dropping it like this?

    71. Re:Fuck Apple. by MrNaz · · Score: 1, Insightful

      USB 2.0 allows for 400mbits data rate.

      Please tell me what supplier Apple will be getting flash memory from that can be written to at even one fifth of this speed.

      --
      I hate printers.
    72. Re:Fuck Apple. by glitch0 · · Score: 1

      Except that Apple complies with the standard by providing an adaptor, and therefore this story is complete BS.

      --
      -Glitch "We all know Linux is great...it does infinite loops in 5 seconds." - Linus Torvalds
    73. Re:Fuck Apple. by shutdown+-p+now · · Score: 1

      So build on it. Add USB 3.0, additional connectors for other stuff as needed. It still has the massive benefit of 1) working with every charger out there, and 2) working with every USB 2.0 device out there without special software.

    74. Re:Fuck Apple. by jbolden · · Score: 1

      Apple can write low level interfaces which are smart of both sides. Do you really think they are going to release the documentation so Stalks can do it?

      Probably. Apple does tend to document their low level interfaces rather well. And they do encourage the 3rd party hardware market. I can't see any reason they wouldn't.

    75. Re:Fuck Apple. by sco08y · · Score: 2

      Oh, god, not another Android circle-jerk.

      Yes a new adapter is going to harm the environment. People toss devices that use the old connector instead of reusing them.

      Maybe people around you are greedy and lazy, but if I went to my apartment complex's mail room and left all my iPhone cables and whatnot there with a note saying "please take", they'd be gone in a few hours. People toss stuff?! Have you never seen a yard sale before?

      If they had used a standard (USB) connector in the first place you could reuse chargers etc. from other phones. Not only that but you could you switch from iPhone to Android to Windows Phone without having to buy new devices. Also, realize that that is the only reason for all Apple proprietary connectors. So you can't easily switch to a competitors device.

      What, is Apple preventing the competitor from selling you a cable? I have 2 iOS devices. I have four cables for them, and four chargers. I have docks for both. I have several bluetooth devices. I'd be out four cables and two docks if I decided to switch to Android.

      So I keep the chargers, give away the docks and cables, and spend a few bucks to buy new cables, yet somehow Apple is "forcing" me to keep my devices.

    76. Re:Fuck Apple. by jbolden · · Score: 1

      This was about connectors. When it comes to hardware Apple can be either conservative or drive the industry. For example they only recently moved to USB 3 on their laptops, quite a bit behind windows. While on the other hand they are super early with the whole thunderbolt conversion. That was true during the Jobs era as well.

      I don't know why they haven't done much with NFC it may not work well enough yet or not offer enough advantages over BlueTooth. As far as wireless charging / inductive charging that is the sort of technology Apple would generally be excited about. On the other hand in practice it doesn't seem to do very much that a simple cable can't. It seems like to gimmick to me, though I might be missing something.

    77. Re:Fuck Apple. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You can charge your iPhone over DLNA?
      Wow, that's clever.

    78. Re:Fuck Apple. by AaronW · · Score: 1

      You can already do this with DLNA, which is a standard. Some phones, i.e. Samsung, support this (AllShare) for displaying live video content on a large screen.

      --
      This post is encrypted twice with ROT-13. Documenting or attempting to crack this encryption is illegal.
    79. Re:Fuck Apple. by Barlo_Mung_42 · · Score: 1

      It's a gimmick for sure but it's one I think I'll enjoy. Jobs hated buttons, he hated ports. I'm sure he also hated cables. Remember the original iMac mouse cable? it was so short because it only needed to reach the keyboard port. Jobs didn't want to make it long because he hated the clutter. He totally would have been all over wireless charging. And just like with multitouch he would have claimed to have invented it.

    80. Re:Fuck Apple. by Kalriath · · Score: 2

      No they don't - they hide the shit out the documentation and only provide it to companies that sign the "Made for iPod" agreement, who promise to treat is as the Holiest of Holies in a locked cabinet in a disused lavatory in the basement with a sign saying "Beware of the Leopard". Oh, and it's only available to companies - individuals with a cool idea can fuck off. Oh, and the company has to be large enough to afford legal counsel, since Apple requires the lawyers for the company sign it.

      --
      For a site about things like basic rights, Slashdot users sure do like to censor "dissent".
    81. Re:Fuck Apple. by Papaspud · · Score: 1

      My Hyundai actually does this too.

      --
      Everything above is my opinion....YMMV
    82. Re:Fuck Apple. by psiclops · · Score: 1

      i'll take being able to use the standard cables that i have at home, work, parents/friends houses, or in my bag (being standard you tend to collect a few) over being able to plug it in any way. specially being that nearly all cables have a picture on the "top" of the connector so it's not particularly difficult to tell which way it goes in.

      USB 2.0 is fast enough for anything a phone will need.you can stream HD and transfer an entire album in less than a minute.
      also from what i can find the iphone 5 and the new cable only support usb 2.0 speeds.

      --
      i spent five minutes thinking and all i got was this crappy sig
    83. Re:Fuck Apple. by AK+Marc · · Score: 1

      Nah, you just have the choice of 15 hours a week in a car or 20 hours a week on a bus. As opposed to the US, where your choice is 20 hours a week in a car or 80 hours a week on a bike. And yes, I did the 20+ hours a week on a bike in the US for about a year. My other choice was 40+ hours a week on a bus for a 15 mile trip (or a car).

    84. Re:Fuck Apple. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Exactly. I kept expecting google at some point to define some sort of open standard dock connector and support it in android so the hardware boys could support it if they wanted to. Create a market of android gadgets like the iOS has.

      Microusb? This is what the allegedly cutting edge geek world is sucking at the teat of? Fucking for real?! I can't even visit geeks sites anymore. I give up. Color me officially a recovering ex-geek. What a pack of filth this community has become.

    85. Re:Fuck Apple. by Yoda222 · · Score: 1

      Watching a 1080p movie while driving does not really looks like a good idea.

    86. Re:Fuck Apple. by Kartu · · Score: 1
      My phone (first Samsung Galaxy) is 14 month old and I haven't noticed anything wrong with micro-usb port. Which is no wonder, considering:

      The Micro plug design is rated for at least 10,000 connect-disconnect cycles

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Serial_Bus#Mini_and_Micro_connectors

    87. Re:Fuck Apple. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Lightning is still usb 2 and doesn't get usb 3 speed when it comes to connecting the iPhone 5 to a computer, so your sorry excuse for damning microUSB doesn't even work.

      And microUSB 3 is backwards compatible with 2, you can connect an old peripheral or cable to mUSB 3, it just won't run at the newer speeds, the mUSB 3 connector is like two connectors in one plug, it got bigger but didn't drop the older one, it just added a "second" connector.

    88. Re:Fuck Apple. by viperidaenz · · Score: 1

      I prefer 4 hours a week on a train, for a "15 mile" trip.

    89. Re:Fuck Apple. by phayes · · Score: 2

      Current conjecture is that Apple will be able to migrate Lightning to USB without needing any physical changes so the future USB 3 iphone will not have to change connectors. USB 3 will not work over micro USB and there is a different, incompatible connector for this. Sooo...so when USB 3 phones from people other than Apple come out they will either need to leave micro-USB on for charger compatibility (highly unlikely), or they will need to use an adapter just like Apple does. I eagerly await the hyperventilated denunciations of these NON COMPLIANT phones...

      --
      Democracy is a sheep and two wolves deciding what to have for lunch. Freedom is a well armed sheep contesting the issue
    90. Re:Fuck Apple. by viperidaenz · · Score: 1

      USB 2.0 is limited to a staggeringly slow 480mbit.

    91. Re:Fuck Apple. by viperidaenz · · Score: 1

      I have installed more apple TV units in board rooms and had IT departments whine at me in the past 3 months

      read: 1, in my mums lounge

      than I have installed android based anything in the past 5 years

      read: 0.

    92. Re:Fuck Apple. by AK+Marc · · Score: 1

      There are no commuter trains in any of the places I have lived. Well, I take that back, there is a commuter train in the "enlightened" non-US city I'm living in now, but the train doesn't serve the north half of the largest city in the country. I'd have to pass work to get to the train station closest to work, and that's the train station closest to me. But if I lived on the south side, then I'd have train service. And from what I can tell, trains aren't that convenient for most of the planet. Sure, NYC, Paris, and Tokyo have decent service, but most of the planet doesn't.

    93. Re:Fuck Apple. by jeremyp · · Score: 1

      Every phone I have ever bought has come with a new cable. Come to think of it, every USB device I have ever bought has come with a new cable. Any device that didn't would be subject to whiney reviews saying "they were too cheap to supply a cable".

      Apple could quite easily dispense with all the criticism if only they were prepared to make an adapter from Lightning to USB. But they'll never do that because they have to keep everything proprietary.

      By the way, there is a much bigger issue with migrating from iOS devices to Android than the connectors as I found out when I wanted to buy my first smart phone. I wanted to buy an Android phone because I had an iPad and an iPod Touch I wanted to compare the interfaces and also experiment with developing for Android, but then I realised that I would have to buy all my apps all over again, so I bought an iPhone. The software is a much bigger lock in than than any wire.

      --
      All I want is a secure system where it's easy to do anything I want. Is that too much to ask ~~ Randall Munroe
    94. Re:Fuck Apple. by jimmetry · · Score: 0

      Yes, the standard has existed since 2004, and it's both overly complicated and somehow still not ubiquitously supported (Why? Because it's overly complicated!). That's not a bad thing if you want to build a complex device, but something that just throws frames from a cheap Chinese microcontroller without a whole lot of garbage around it? Good luck.

    95. Re:Fuck Apple. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      When you are told by law to follow the standard you have to comply or leave the market, as simple as that. We have real governments which serves the people and the needs of the markets, not an industrial-politcal complex as in Washington where regulators fraternise with the business community.

    96. Re:Fuck Apple. by lxs · · Score: 1

      480 millibit is very slow indeed. Is this per second or per hour?

    97. Re:Fuck Apple. by Hal_Porter · · Score: 1

      Samsung can get HDMI video out that usb port ... Show me ANYONE that follows a standard.

      Actually the Samsung Galaxy S II's HDMI out of a USB port is standard

      The video is actually MHL

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_High-Definition_Link#Products

      It seems like MHL works by fucking around with the pullups, like USB OTG does.

      http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/23/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-first-with-mhl-port-for-dual-purpose-usb-or/

      Essentially, the micro-USB shaped MHL jack at the base of the Galaxy S II features internal circuitry that recognizes USB or MHL impedance and then automatically switches the phone into USB data / charging or MHL audio / video / charging modes. A special 5-wire micro-USB to HDMI cable lets you send video and audio to existing HDMI-equipped displays. Unfortunately, the TV won't charge the Galaxy S II during playback unless you insert a phone charger adapter between the GSII and TV or wait for MHL-enabled TVs to begin shipping later this year. Once connected, you can then use your TV's HDMI-CEC compatible remote to navigate and control the Galaxy S II's media interface. The GSII is just the first MHL device with a half-dozen phones, at least one tablet, and a few TVs coming this summer. More details are available in the video interview after the break.

      --
      echo -e 'global _start\n _start:\n mov eax, 2\n int 80h\n jmp _start' > a.asm; nasm a.asm -f elf; ld a.o -o a;
    98. Re:Fuck Apple. by Hal_Porter · · Score: 1

      Listening to music on a smartphone on public transport reminds me of a far side cartoon where the lions approach some zebras and all of them scatter except one with headphones on.

      --
      echo -e 'global _start\n _start:\n mov eax, 2\n int 80h\n jmp _start' > a.asm; nasm a.asm -f elf; ld a.o -o a;
    99. Re:Fuck Apple. by Hal_Porter · · Score: 1

      Even worse Apple fanboys will flame them on their blogs for "relying on an obsolete feature".

      --
      echo -e 'global _start\n _start:\n mov eax, 2\n int 80h\n jmp _start' > a.asm; nasm a.asm -f elf; ld a.o -o a;
    100. Re:Fuck Apple. by jbolden · · Score: 1

      Good point. So if this gimmick works well it would have been something Apple would have done. And if it doesn't work well, Apple improves it, rebrands it and claims it. Yeah I agree with you.

      Now lets see what happens over the next few years with wireless charging.

    101. Re:Fuck Apple. by jbolden · · Score: 2

      I think you are thinking of their manufacturing license. Their hardware development license is no bid deal. http://mfi.apple.com/faqs.html They require individuals to manufacturer via. a big company but no such requirement for development.

      As for lawyers executing an NDA that can required by states. For example in NJ there are fairly strong protections regarding agreements signed by an individual without council. I agree with you that means they want an enforceable NDA.

    102. Re:Fuck Apple. by Cederic · · Score: 1

      No idea, but my bmw didn't come with USB or any other dock. It came with an audio in socket, which I attach to the headphone socket of whichever phone I happen to be carrying.

      If I'd paid a little more I'd have bluetooth connectivity, which would let me control my phone (and the music it's playing) from the steering wheel. It wasn't worth it for me.

    103. Re:Fuck Apple. by tenco · · Score: 1

      This was about connectors. When it comes to hardware Apple can be either conservative or drive the industry. For example they only recently moved to USB 3 on their laptops, quite a bit behind windows. While on the other hand they are super early with the whole thunderbolt conversion. That was true during the Jobs era as well.

      LOL. That made my day. Guess what. Thunderbolt is driven by Apple and Intel and in competition to USB 3.

    104. Re:Fuck Apple. by RDW · · Score: 1

      Small steps, agreed, but every little bit helps. And even if they didn't, I'd be for it just because I've got enough cables and adapters stuffed in my equipment drawers as it is.

      Indeed. Douglas Adams: 'Time to declare war, I think, on little dongly things':

      http://www.douglasadams.com/dna/980707-03-a.html

    105. Re:Fuck Apple. by makomk · · Score: 1

      Actually, I'm pretty sure that the standard USB 3 connector is fully backwards compatible with existing Micro USB cables. The only thing you can't do is connect a new USB 3.0 B or Micro B cable to an old USB 2.0 device.

    106. Re:Fuck Apple. by makomk · · Score: 1

      Actually, the iPhone is apparently still stuck at USB 2.0 speeds, and what's more there is a standard Micro USB 3.0 connector that's fully backwards compatible with all existing Micro USB cables.

    107. Re:Fuck Apple. by c++0xFF · · Score: 1

      At the very least, they've violated the spirit of the agreement, even if not the letter.

    108. Re:Fuck Apple. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Oh come on this was FUNNY! Moderators cant take a joke?

    109. Re:Fuck Apple. by Lumpy · · Score: 1

      That is not bluetooth. even bluetooth 7.0 does not have the bandwidth.

      --
      Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
    110. Re:Fuck Apple. by icebike · · Score: 1

      Never said it was bluetooth, I said I could stream full hd over DLNA.

      Playing full HD was offered up as an example of why apple needed a 30 pin connector.

      It helps if you follow the thread before rushing in to post the obvious.

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      Sig Battery depleted. Reverting to safe mode.
    111. Re:Fuck Apple. by jbolden · · Score: 1

      Yes and I'm not sure how that disagrees with what I said. They adopted Thunderbolt early, as early as Intel made it available and USB 3 late.

    112. Re:Fuck Apple. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      A phone with a USB 3.0 micro connector will work with a USB 2.0 cable. The standard was designed to be backwards compatible. All you lose is the Superspeed capability. So chargers with USB 2.0 micro connectors should be able to charge phones with the new connectors assuming they can provide enough current. On the other hand, if chargers switch to using USB 3.0 micro connectors, they will not be compatible with phones utilizing USB 2.0 ports since the male connectors are not backwards compatible. In short, if you upgrade you get to continue using your chargers with your new stuff, but you can't use your new chargers with your old stuff. Seems pretty reasonable to me.

    113. Re:Fuck Apple. by lsatenstein · · Score: 1

      If your profit is from selling hardware, what would your reaction be to the European Commission or to anyone else?

      --
      Leslie Satenstein Montreal Quebec Canada
    114. Re:Fuck Apple. by viperidaenz · · Score: 1

      You rattled off 3 cities that comprise 30 million people then state most of the planet has poor service?

    115. Re:Fuck Apple. by Guspaz · · Score: 1

      The agreement says "It's perfectly OK to do XYZ", they did XYZ, how is that in violation of the spirit of the agreement?

      I think you mean that it violates what you would like the spirit of the agreement to be.

    116. Re:Fuck Apple. by multiplexo · · Score: 1

      Assuming of course that the Micro plug is correctly attached to the system. I have an HTC Evo and have seen a lot of reports by EVO users of the connector on the phone failing, thus making it impossible to sync the phone or charge it.

      --
      cheap labor conservatives - they want to keep you hungry enough to be thankful for minimum wage.
    117. Re:Fuck Apple. by Guspaz · · Score: 1

      Fortnight.

    118. Re:Fuck Apple. by Guspaz · · Score: 1

      Lightning has 8 pins. USB 2.0 has 4 pins. Do you really think that it's nothing but a proprietary USB 2.0 connector? It has enough pins to make USB 3.0 work, and I suspect they've planned ahead for such things when it becomes required.

    119. Re:Fuck Apple. by Guspaz · · Score: 1

      I have more devices and more cables that use a 30-pin dock connector than micro USB, so that's a pretty standard cable to me that I have at home, work, friend's houses, in my bag, etc.

      The USB 2.0 limitation in Lightning would appear to just be either the initial implementation, or all they're choosing to use at the moment. The fact that it has double the pins of a USB 2.0 connector does indicate that there's more going on there, and there seems to theoretically be enough pins available for USB 3.0 if they should choose to implement that in the future.

    120. Re:Fuck Apple. by psiclops · · Score: 1

      I have more devices and more cables that use a 30-pin dock connector than micro USB, so that's a pretty standard cable to me that I have at home, work, friend's houses, in my bag, etc.

      unless you plan on buying a bunch of new adaptors they're not going to be particularly usefull for an iPhone 5.

      The fact that it has double the pins of a USB 2.0 connector does indicate that there's more going on there, and there seems to theoretically be enough pins available for USB 3.0 if they should choose to implement that in the future.

      not sure if it really has double or if this is just so you can stick it in either way around. either could be the case though.they could make it 3.0 compatible in the future however that would only work on future devices that could handle that.

      --
      i spent five minutes thinking and all i got was this crappy sig
    121. Re:Fuck Apple. by hawkinspeter · · Score: 1

      That's beside the point. If people want a new phone, they'll buy a new phone, whereas they would most likely re-use any chargers/cables that they'd already bought. This prevents any re-use of cables and chargers even if they choose to stick to the same platform.

      --
      You're a temporary arrangement of matter sliding towards oblivion in a cold, uncaring universe
    122. Re:Fuck Apple. by BasilBrush · · Score: 1

      If people want a new phone, they'll buy a new phone, whereas they would most likely re-use any chargers/cables that they'd already bought.

      Do any phones actually ship without chargers? I took a look at the Samsung Galaxy SIII as an example, as that seems to bt eht flavour of the month Android phone. Sure enough it ships with a charger.

      What about Google's flagship Nexus series? Yep, the latest one still ships with a charger.

      Really, the people who are criticising Apple on waste grounds are full of shit.

    123. Re:Fuck Apple. by AK+Marc · · Score: 1

      well, yeah. It works good in the dense areas, but most of the population is in intermediate cities, not the largest ones.

    124. Re:Fuck Apple. by ktappe · · Score: 1

      I can over DLNA. NO wires needed. Get with the program grandpa. Wires are so OVER.

      Go charge your Android wirelessly. I'll wait....

      --
      "We can categorically state we have not released man-eating badgers into the area." - UK military spokesman, July 2007
    125. Re:Fuck Apple. by ktappe · · Score: 1

      Apple's new proprietary connector is only there to continue to lock you into new products and to force 3rd party device creators to have to licence the new connector and create a whole new wave of for-iPhone-only devices. Every time you see any proprietary connector, think of it as someone poking you in the eye with a dick. That's really what it is. They are fucking you. In the eye. With a dick. So yeah, fuck Apple.

      Really. So the new connector has absolutely no advantages whatsoever over the old 30-pin connector with its now unused Firewire pins, or the non-reversible and only 2-pin data mini-USB? REALLY?

      Please go look at the specs before posting.

      --
      "We can categorically state we have not released man-eating badgers into the area." - UK military spokesman, July 2007
    126. Re:Fuck Apple. by icebike · · Score: 1
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    127. Re:Fuck Apple. by CleverBoy · · Score: 1
      Was that the idea, really? Read it again. We all apparently need to distinguish between what "THE" idea is, and what we think things she be in our own heads. Click the link after "Apple signed an agreement", and then read this part:

      "Which is the agreed common interface? On the basis of the Micro-USB interface, the companies have agreed to develop a common specification in order to allow for full compatibility of chargers and mobile phones. These specifications have been translated in European standards. N.B.: The agreement allows for the use of an adaptor.

      Sure... its "baby" steps, but there have been an ENORMOUS amount of proprietary charges out there. I've also gotten angry that even the ones that are USB compatible seem to modulate something about what they're doing so that the cable doesn't work with anything other than the charger that ships with the device (re: HP Touchpad, etc). Sometimes its a voltage limitation, but that's where standards help. Got a cable? Great... use any charger. That... is THE idea. Don't hault innovation by putting a constraint on how big, what shape, and how many pins the adapter should have. But, let's get everyone on board first with how you get power to the cable or adapter.

    128. Re:Fuck Apple. by hawkinspeter · · Score: 1

      Yes, phones usually come with a single charger. Most people I know also buy a charger for their car and often get an extra charger to use at home/work so that they don't have to keep carrying it around with them.

      I tend to agree that the "waste" argument is a bit weak, but changing connectors is an asshat thing to do. I hated it when Nokia changed their connector size - it's a pain in the arse to have to worry about whether to use the new style or old style connector. I long for the day when you can charge all mobile devices with the same charger - maybe wireless charging will be the answer.

      --
      You're a temporary arrangement of matter sliding towards oblivion in a cold, uncaring universe
    129. Re:Fuck Apple. by c++0xFF · · Score: 1

      The spirit of the agreement is to reduce waste by not making not making accessories (specifically, chargers) obsolete when you buy a new phone.

      Now tell me, will the amount of electronic waste be increased or reduced by introducing a new dock connector on the iPhone 5?

    130. Re:Fuck Apple. by Guspaz · · Score: 1

      The new dock connector will still allow you to charge your device from a standard USB charger just fine, thereby not making chargers obsolete, as was the intention.

    131. Re:Fuck Apple. by Kalriath · · Score: 1

      Again, though, individuals need not apply. Apple will not under any circumstances allow an individual to gain access to the MFi specs. You need to be a company, have legal counsel, and pay for a credit review(?!?)

      --
      For a site about things like basic rights, Slashdot users sure do like to censor "dissent".
    132. Re:Fuck Apple. by FireFury03 · · Score: 1

      No, but microUSB being a terrible and dead-end obsolete connector is a better excuse. Locking yourself down to USB 2.0 speeds for years to come would be idiotic.

      I might be being a bit special here, but does anyone actually transfer large amounts of data to/from their phone over USB?

      For me, the USB port on my phone gets used for exactly 3 things:
      1. Charging
      2. Tethering
      3. Flashing a new firmware

      (1) and (2) don't need super high-speed, (3) happens so rarely that I don't care if it takes a bit longer.

      For everything else, I just copy over wifi - far less faff than trying to find a cable to plug my phone into the computer (not to mention I can still do this if I left my phone somewhere else in the house rather than having to go get it just to retrieve some photos off it or similar).

      So is this supposed need to go faster than USB2 a real need, or an imaginary need that no one actually has?

    133. Re:Fuck Apple. by Miamicanes · · Score: 1

      Have you ever tried connecting a micro USB cable in the dark, or without stopping whatever you were doing and focusing 100% of your attention on it? EVERYONE hates that aspect of micro USB.

    134. Re:Fuck Apple. by phayes · · Score: 1

      You're referring to the host side of the connector which for your information is also an unchanged USB type A connector in current lightning cables. The device side of the micro-USB cable is not upwardly compatible so when phones other than new iPhones go USB3 they will need to change the device side connectors. The iPhone is just the first phone to change & from what I've seen of the future USB3 connectors, Lightning is clearly superior.

      --
      Democracy is a sheep and two wolves deciding what to have for lunch. Freedom is a well armed sheep contesting the issue
    135. Re:Fuck Apple. by Guspaz · · Score: 1

      My phone has 64GB of storage, it's not unusual for me to be going on a trip and wanting to copy over tens of gigs of stuff. Doing that over wifi (especially when 2.4GHz is painfully over-saturated and few phones support 5GHz 802.11n) can be rather slow.

  2. Is USB really better? by MrEricSir · · Score: 2

    I was under the impression that Apple's dock connectors were designed such that they could be plugged into various accessories (speaker docks, etc.) without the need for a lot of processing power to play music and such.

    Wouldn't using USB make this a major challenge for the companies building the accessories? After all, USB requires some heavy lifting on the host side.

    --
    There's no -1 for "I don't get it."
    1. Re:Is USB really better? by petteyg359 · · Score: 4, Informative

      Hardly. Any "smart phone" has plenty of CPU power to be a USB host, and various Android devices have been promoting that feature for several months.

    2. Re:Is USB really better? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      All they had to do was include an adapter.

    3. Re:Is USB really better? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      The point is not about if the standard USB dock is better in terms of functionality -- it's better in terms of standards and openness and inter-operability -- it's better we can reduce the amount of proprietary crap we buy and dispose of.

    4. Re:Is USB really better? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      All they had to do was include an adapter.

      But that would remove a considerable Apple tax from their user base. As such, it would entirely default the sole purpose of their new proprietary connector.

    5. Re:Is USB really better? by icebike · · Score: 3, Informative

      Wouldn't using USB make this a major challenge for the companies building the accessories?

      There are no shortage of accessories for Android phones, so I guess the answer to your question is and emphatic NO.

      There are a small handful of USB compatible sockets that allow charging with a standard USB charger, even though a slightly different cable can do additional things, such as direct HDMI tv connections, allow you to mount disk drives and thumb drives to the phone, etc.

      The idea is that if you forgot your charger cable, you could still charge your phone without buying a high priced proprietary charger. Any cheap USB charger cable would do.

      The fact that you couldn't dock with your bedside speakers was never the issue. Most people don't travel with those.

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    6. Re:Is USB really better? by DMiax · · Score: 2

      It does not have to be a USB for everything. What the EC asked was for USB to be the shape of the charging port. Anyway it cannot be too hard: other companies had no trouble adapting without loss of quality. Plus the EC is fine if they simply include an adapter from USB, IIRC.

    7. Re:Is USB really better? by kenorland · · Score: 4, Informative

      Android devices not only support USB Host (and support it well), the same micro-USB connector is also used for HD video and audio via MHL. Samsung shows that you can make a micro-USB connector that allows simultaneous micro-USB, charging, and MHL connections.

    8. Re:Is USB really better? by Missing.Matter · · Score: 2

      Plus the EC is fine if they simply include an adapter from USB, IIRC.

      How do creating adapters fit with the goal of producing less waste?

    9. Re:Is USB really better? by MichaelSmith · · Score: 4, Insightful

      USB is better because I have a bunch of USB cables right here. When my son loses his apple charging cable I have to go out and buy a new apple licensed cable.

    10. Re:Is USB really better? by MichaelSmith · · Score: 1

      I don't see how an adapter helps. If you can lose your apple charging cable, then you can lose the adapter as well.

    11. Re:Is USB really better? by DMiax · · Score: 1

      It is meant to drive us to a point where most people have one USB-based charger, virtually all the phones can be charged with it and the companies are comfortable not including a charger in the package anymore. Already now, think your proprietary charger for X dies, if they included an adaptor in the package you might simply start using a charger from another phone in the household, an old phone, or a friend's spare.

    12. Re:Is USB really better? by icebike · · Score: 2

      Plus the EC is fine if they simply include an adapter from USB, IIRC.

      Well, no, the EC is not fine with that. That was Apple's response last time, some silly little converter dongle that was MORE likely to be lost or forgotten while traveling than the cable itself. But because Apple was already committed on the iPhone 4 design at that point they got a pass.

      Fast forward 2 years, and Apple just abrogates the entire agreement because their engineers are too dumb to figure out what every other phone manufacturer has already figured out.

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    13. Re:Is USB really better? by Fast+Thick+Pants · · Score: 1

      Because instead of a drawer full of obsolete chargers for lost/broken/outdated devices, people will have a drawer full of spare chargers that can be used for any device (along with a small somewhat-less-wasteful pile of current and obsolete adapters from companies that refused to play ball.)

    14. Re:Is USB really better? by MobileTatsu-NJG · · Score: 0

      Any "smart phone" has plenty of CPU power to be a USB host, and various Android devices have been promoting that feature for several months.

      They've also been proudly promoting their dreadful battery life.

      --

      "I like to lick butts!" by MobileTatsu-NJG (#32700246) (Score:5, Informative)

    15. Re:Is USB really better? by icebike · · Score: 2

      Android devices not only support USB Host (and support it well), the same micro-USB connector is also used for HD video and audio via MHL. Samsung shows that you can make a micro-USB connector that allows simultaneous micro-USB, charging, and MHL connections.

      Yes, but that is not a standard MicroUSB port on the Samsung. Go count pins.
      Its compatible with any Mirco USB charger for charging purposes. But its not strictly a MicroUSB port. Its got something like 11 pins or something.

      That solution works for the EU's purpose.
      Too many people buying unnecessary chargers and cables at ridiculous prices while traveling, only to throw them all away again when they change phones.

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    16. Re:Is USB really better? by msauve · · Score: 2

      "you can make a micro-USB connector that allows simultaneous micro-USB, charging, and MHL connections."

      That' semi-correct, but in practice it's of limited utility. You can have a micro-USB connector, which can work as either USB or MHL, not both at the same time, as you claim. When it's running as MHL, what would normally be the USB data lines are in active use for MHL, so it's impossible to sense that a USB charger (which basically shorts the data lines together to indicate its presence) is connected, and it's also impossible to enumerate on the USB bus. As a result, the phone can't detect whether it's connected to a USB charger which can provide up to 1.5A, and it can't negotiate for the 500 mA allowed for a regular USB connection, so it's limited to drawing the max 100 mA allowed in those circumstances. That's if it's following the USB spec. Some phones will try to draw 500 mA regardless, that's a pretty widely encountered violation of the USB spec.

      In any case, since MHL is typically used for viewing video, the phone is unlikely to be able to draw more power than it consumes - so it discharges, not charges, while using MHL.

      --
      "National Security is the chief cause of national insecurity." - Celine's First Law
    17. Re:Is USB really better? by SScorpio · · Score: 4, Informative

      Or they could be the Samsung Galaxy II and III and support MHL.

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_High-Definition_Link

      MHL supports power to the device, CEC standard remote control for media playback control, 1080p uncompressed video, and 8 channels of uncompressed audio.

      The only issue with MHL is that Apple doesn't paid any royalties for every device that uses the connector. The Roku Stick which is a full Roku that is the size of a large thumb drive is pretty neat as well.

    18. Re:Is USB really better? by emt377 · · Score: 3, Insightful

      The idea is that if you forgot your charger cable, you could still charge your phone without buying a high priced proprietary charger.

      No, the idea is to get rid of the proprietary charger. The wall wart. Apple have always charged off USB, and Apple USB chargers can be used to charge any device with a USB cable.

    19. Re:Is USB really better? by msauve · · Score: 1

      If you can lose the adapter, you can lose the phone as well. Problem solved.

      --
      "National Security is the chief cause of national insecurity." - Celine's First Law
    20. Re:Is USB really better? by icebike · · Score: 2

      Yup.

      See your Ford dealer. Or Chevy, or Chrysler, or Mercedes or Volkswagen. Its not that hard.
      Now take your cables and go away, I'm busy watching a movie from the Android phone in my pocket on the 50inch TV on the wall.

      --
      Sig Battery depleted. Reverting to safe mode.
    21. Re:Is USB really better? by ericloewe · · Score: 1

      You can just get audio from the 3.5mm jack, video can be output through HDMI or MHL, anything else needs more complex processing anyway (all of which is easily done by the phone)

    22. Re:Is USB really better? by ericloewe · · Score: 1

      They are fine with it, but Apple never included it with the iPhones. That's the real issue - they want people to pay for the "privilege" of using microUSB

    23. Re:Is USB really better? by ericloewe · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Who cares if it's not really microUSB (besides the USB forum)? It works with anything designed for microUSB, and adds a couple of useful features. Sounds like win/win to me.

    24. Re:Is USB really better? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No, you sad Fandroid loving freak, the standard allows for an adaptor to be supplied, Apple supply an adaptor, so get the fuck over yourself and stop lying!

      People like you are whats wrong with this world.

      Sad, wanna-be Google-sucking CUNT.

    25. Re:Is USB really better? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      That does it! Discussing the technology of the subject matter of a Slashdot article has been modded "offtopic"?
       
      Slashdot is no longer a tech site. News for nerds? Give me a fucking break.

    26. Re:Is USB really better? by robmv · · Score: 1

      The idea of a standard connector is that I can use the same charger for every device, If I lose the adapter I need to go buy the adapter even if I have another USB charger. If I lose the USB charger I can use another of the chargers I have without the need to buy another one. The probability of someone having two USB chargers is higher than people having two Apple chargers/adapters, so, less wasted electronics, better for the environment, .....

    27. Re:Is USB really better? by DarwinSurvivor · · Score: 1

      Right, so now I'm carrying what 3 adapters as well as my normal usb cable and wall charger. There's a few reasons why Apple has yet to see a penny out of me, and this is DEFINITELY one of them!

    28. Re:Is USB really better? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If you have a "normal USB cable and wall charger," then ALL you're carrying extra is a second cable for your iPhone - the USB-to-Lightning cable that's included in the motherfucking iPhone box, that will work with ANY standard powered USB port.

      Or, you can carry your Apple USB charger, plus two cables (one Micro USB, one USB to Lightning), or you can carry either wall charger, plus a single MicroUSB cable, and a single MicroUSB to Lightning Adapter.

      Stop crying - even your limp wrists can handle the "added weight" involved in this scenario, faget.

    29. Re:Is USB really better? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      In any case, since MHL is typically used for viewing video, the phone is unlikely to be able to draw more power than it consumes - so it discharges, not charges, while using MHL.

      Mine doesn't (Sony Xperia GX). Care to give an example of one that does?

    30. Re:Is USB really better? by robmv · · Score: 1

      I think Sony Xperia line of products are doing something that allow USB data (OTG) and charging at the same time, see https://sites.google.com/site/sonicboomworld/ video here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-v7DjU6nsVM .

      This guy built a dock that is able to charge the device when it is being a USB Host. I have read the official Sony Live Dock does it and I think it is true (who will build a dock and advertise that you can plug a PS3 controller/Mass storage device... and not charge at the same time) but I am searching for confirmation

      What you can't do apparently is charge and power and USB guest device, If you are charging the external device must be powered by other means. The Sony dock apparently powers the device. This is what I have understood by I could be mistaken

    31. Re:Is USB really better? by Junta · · Score: 2

      Fast forward 2 years, and Apple just abrogates the entire agreement because their engineers are too dumb to figure out what every other phone manufacturer has already figured out.

      It almost certainly isn't because their engineers are inept, it is almost certainly because Apple executives want to enrich the dock accessory royalty revenue and keep an iron grip on customers. The moment Apple makes it easy to acheive functionality through standards (e.g. USB standard devices), a revenue stream dries up and lockin is reduced.

      --
      XML is like violence. If it doesn't solve the problem, use more.
    32. Re:Is USB really better? by Junta · · Score: 2

      On the other hand, the only thing I use with my Android phone that was in the box is the phone itself, I haven't had to keep track of any cables or adapters.

      For the removable battery, it isn't as much about the ability to swap batteries for more charge, it's about being able to cheaply replace the battery when it no longer reliably holds a charge (batteries have improved a lot, but it is still generally the first component to fail in an otherwise serviceable mobile device).

      --
      XML is like violence. If it doesn't solve the problem, use more.
    33. Re:Is USB really better? by kiddygrinder · · Score: 1, Insightful

      citation needed, only phones i know the battery life off of the top of my head piss on iphone battery life, for eg the galaxy 3: Talk Time Up to 10 hours
      Standby Time Up to 500 hours
      iphone 5:
      Talk time: Up to 8 hours on 3G
      Standby time: Up to 225 hours

      --
      This is a joke. I am joking. Joke joke joke.
    34. Re:Is USB really better? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

      MHL doesn't fix anything in this department--especially because the S III breaks compatibility with a new and different connector itself. From your own link:

      "The Galaxy S III is the first MHL device to use a different connector - one that is not compatible with all other MHL devices and accessories.[13] Consumers had assumed that the MHL branding implied some sort of compatibility so they were surprised when MHL accessories did not work with the Galaxy S III[14] (the incompatibility is due to the S3 using an 11 pin connector rather than a 5 pin)."

      One day, there might be a stable, standardized way for the industry to achieve what Apple did with the dock connector. MHL isn't that alternative, though, nor is it a complete replacement for all function of Apple's connector. It'd be nice if Apple opened theirs to everyone else, but Apple's not nice all that often, so there we are.

    35. Re:Is USB really better? by Junta · · Score: 1

      Well, Samsung's 11 pin MHL will work (though the stance that MHL doesn't require a particular connector certainly weakens its value as a standard).

      --
      XML is like violence. If it doesn't solve the problem, use more.
    36. Re:Is USB really better? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Accessories that can change volume through the USB interface?
      Accessories that can skip songs?
      Accessories that can change playlists?

      Nothing about the USB standard prevents any of these. I'm typing on a USB keyboard that can accomplish all of this on my computer. Why do you need a special connector for these things, exactly?

      Accessories that can do video out?

      MHL. An MHL connector can also work like a USB connector. No conflict.

    37. Re:Is USB really better? by aaarrrgggh · · Score: 1

      Yes, the 30-pin connector was designed (very well) for that. The new connector has some features that haven't fully been detailed yet, but I have heard some blather about USB3 and USB Host mode. Presumably, Apple didn't just do it for lock-in... they eliminated one good reason to not switch with the update. They must have some reason up their sleeves...

    38. Re:Is USB really better? by aaarrrgggh · · Score: 1

      But MHL doesn't have a standardized connector...

    39. Re:Is USB really better? by kiddygrinder · · Score: 1

      they ditched all the ipod control stuff in the lightning interface so it's actually worse than usb now

      --
      This is a joke. I am joking. Joke joke joke.
    40. Re:Is USB really better? by cheesybagel · · Score: 1

      This is all irrelevant anyway. Apple's new Lightning connector does not have separate audio or HDMI pins. It's just a digital data stream which can be transmitted by any digital interface with enough bandwidth and that includes bog standard micro-USB which runs at USB 2.0 speeds.

    41. Re:Is USB really better? by Guspaz · · Score: 4, Interesting

      MHL doesn't, however, allow the device to power the adapter needed to actually connect it to anything (like a TV). And since MHL doesn't define any connector standard, the convention of violating the USB spec by hijacking micro USB ports isn't even consistent.

      Want to connect your Samsung Galaxy S III to an HDMI television? No problem, you'll just need an 11-pin to 5-pin MHL adapter, a 5-pin MHL to HDMI adapter, some sort of external USB power source (MHL doesn't guarantee power, so not all devices can power an adapter properly), and a USB-to-micro-USB adapter to get the power to the MHL adapter... Oh yeah, and an HDMI cable.

      If I want to connect an iDevice to a television, I need one adapter, and one HDMI cable. Two components. If I want to connect an MHL device to a television, I potentially need up to six components.

      Why would I ever want to do this? MHL is a terrible idea on so many levels, and even when it works perfectly (with the minimum possible number of components), you've still managed to violate the USB spec.

    42. Re:Is USB really better? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      > Apple have always charged off USB,

      Wrong. I'm listening to my 4th generation iPod right now because it was the first model that Apple added USB charging support to. My 1st and 3rd generation ones do not charge off of USB, and my laptop doesn't have Firewire so I can only use my newest iPod while traveling.

      It's sad to see you Apple fan boys resort to bold-face lies to defend Apple.

    43. Re:Is USB really better? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Now take your cables and go away, I'm busy watching a movie from the Android phone in my pocket on the 50inch TV on the wall.
       
      Can be done with an iPhone too, pal. Nothing new there.
       
        See your Ford dealer. Or Chevy, or Chrysler, or Mercedes or Volkswagen. Its not that hard.
       
      This still requires substantially more hardware support on the client side than the same iPhone applications do. That means more money and more licensing per device you use your phone with.

    44. Re:Is USB really better? by msauve · · Score: 1

      My comment, and the comment I replied to, were specific to micro USB.

      I'd guess the Samsung connector your're talking about is like the ext micro USB connector HTC uses - it will accept a standard micro USB plug. But, the same problem applies, unless you use a proprietary MHL adapter. A standard MHL adapter connects using only the micro USB connections, the extra pins go unused.

      --
      "National Security is the chief cause of national insecurity." - Celine's First Law
    45. Re:Is USB really better? by msauve · · Score: 1

      Whoosh. Try to follow along. No one said anything about analog or HDMI signals, which makes your comment irrelevant.

      --
      "National Security is the chief cause of national insecurity." - Celine's First Law
    46. Re:Is USB really better? by alcmena · · Score: 2

      As an owner of both devices, I can tell you that the iPhone battery absolutely stomps the Galaxy S3's.

    47. Re:Is USB really better? by shutdown+-p+now · · Score: 1

      And it can be made as a basis of a new standard that's much more useful than a wholly new proprietary one.

    48. Re:Is USB really better? by BasilBrush · · Score: 0

      There's a few reasons why Apple has yet to see a penny out of me, and this is DEFINITELY one of them!

      So no change there then. Lets face it it makes absolutely no difference to Apple what Android fanboys think... they aren't potential customers anyway. What matter is what the normal consumer with no team affiliation thinks.

    49. Re:Is USB really better? by BasilBrush · · Score: 1

      And yet if it was Apple it would sound like a lose/lose to you.

    50. Re:Is USB really better? by jrumney · · Score: 1

      I was under the impression that Apple's dock connectors were designed such that they could be plugged into various accessories (speaker docks, etc.) without the need for a lot of processing power to play music and such.

      That was the argument used for the old 30 pin connector. It doesn't work though for the lightning connector, as they removed all analog pins from that.

    51. Re:Is USB really better? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      yeah it does have the same amount of pins or it wouldn't be usb.... the difference with OTG usb cables is that in a micro to normal usb cable.. (normal usb having 4 pins in the connector and micro having 5 though only 4 are used unless it's a otg cable then pins 4-5 are connected together to allow it to sense the connection of a thumb drive or whatever and enter host mode.

    52. Re:Is USB really better? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      As an owner of both devices, I can tell you that the iPhone battery absolutely stomps the Galaxy S3's.

      You are lying. End of story. Mark this one as a shill.

    53. Re:Is USB really better? by DarwinSurvivor · · Score: 1

      Before calling someone an "Android fanboy", perhaps you should check if they even OWN an Android device. FYI, I use an n900 and I'm no fanboy, it just does what I need it to do, unlike the other phones out there.

    54. Re:Is USB really better? by Guy+Harris · · Score: 1

      Plus the EC is fine if they simply include an adapter from USB, IIRC.

      Well, no, the EC is not fine with that.

      Well, yes, the EC is fine with that, unless they've changed the MoU since June 5, 2009. People who haven't read paragraph 4.2.1:

      4.2.1 In order that compatibility of as many Mobile Phones as possible with a Common EPS may be enabled, if a manufacturer makes available an Adaptor from the Micro-USB connector of a Common EPS to a specific non-Micro-USB socket in the Mobile Phone, it shall constitute compliance to this article.

      might not be OK with that, but that's another issue. (And "make available", for better or worse, doesn't necessarily imply "bundle with the Mobile Phone at no extra charge".)

    55. Re:Is USB really better? by phayes · · Score: 1

      The probability that someone will have an ipod or other apple device that uses the dock connector has been higher in my experience than having a micro-USB...

      --
      Democracy is a sheep and two wolves deciding what to have for lunch. Freedom is a well armed sheep contesting the issue
    56. Re:Is USB really better? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      ...except of course when thy charged off Firewire.

    57. Re:Is USB really better? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      That's a load of crap.

      You can buy third party Apple cables from ANY computer store or on eBay most of which will be from some no-name Chinese company.

      I bought a pack of 10 for $10.

    58. Re:Is USB really better? by bluescrn · · Score: 1

      What about after two years use? You can easily swap a new battery into the Galaxy. The iPhone is still a right pain for that. And after 2 years, the battery in my iPhone 4 is fairly hopeless.

    59. Re:Is USB really better? by ericloewe · · Score: 1

      Quite the contrary. I might have seriously considered an iPhone if it weren't for the proprietary stuff. Being able to use my existing microUSB cables and chargers, while adding some features (even if they're proprietary) without having to pay for or carry around an adapter is non-negotiable.

    60. Re:Is USB really better? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Well, win/win until people start building devices to take advantage of those features. This is the most effective way to undermine a standard.

    61. Re:Is USB really better? by oldlurker · · Score: 2

      The idea is that if you forgot your charger cable, you could still charge your phone without buying a high priced proprietary charger.

      No, the idea is to get rid of the proprietary charger. The wall wart. Apple have always charged off USB, and Apple USB chargers can be used to charge any device with a USB cable.

      My iPad2 does not charge if I plug the Apple connector cable into my standard USB charger. Has that changed?

    62. Re:Is USB really better? by MichaelSmith · · Score: 1

      I have more non-apple devices than apple devices.

    63. Re:Is USB really better? by MichaelSmith · · Score: 1

      I have a no-name chinese apple cable and it is almost impossible to use. I reckon it damages every device I use it with. Seriously: why are you arguing in favour of proprietary interfaces?

    64. Re:Is USB really better? by phayes · · Score: 1

      Well then good for you but please don't attempt to generalize from just your own personal devices into that being the case for everyone.

      When passing through a number of airports this summer the charging stations had more dock connectors than micro USB connectors. Given the huge sales of iPods, then iPhones & then iPads & all the clock radios, speakers, etc that have been bought for them, the dock connecter is very widely available when I find myself in need of a charge.

      Other than phones, little else uses the micro USB connector & they are thus less widespread.

      --
      Democracy is a sheep and two wolves deciding what to have for lunch. Freedom is a well armed sheep contesting the issue
    65. Re:Is USB really better? by electrosoccertux · · Score: 1

      Personally I think it's more along the lines that the USB-micro connectors don't last anywhere near as long. The connector on the phone seems to be ok, it's the connector on the cable that plugs into it that keeps losing rigidity and starts wiggling out if I pick the phone up after have plugged it in for charging for the night.
      I can't imagine what would happen if they put one of those on the bottom.

      The EU is a bunch of clowns that couldn't figure out why a unified currency with differentiated deficit spending was a recipe for disaster. The last thing I would expect them to be an expert on is device desgin.

    66. Re:Is USB really better? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Hint: You missed the point he was making. Try re-reading the post.

    67. Re:Is USB really better? by Aqualung812 · · Score: 1

      And after 2 years, the battery in my iPhone 4 is fairly hopeless.

      You make that sound like bug instead of a feature. Your contract is also up after two years. This is not a coincidence.

      --
      Grammer Nazis - I mod you "troll" unless you actually add something on-topic. Yes, I know I have mispellings in my sig.
    68. Re:Is USB really better? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Almost true. The original iPod used FireWire 400 as it's connectivity.

    69. Re:Is USB really better? by Script_God · · Score: 1

      The battery in my 2-year-old iPhone 4 still lasts almost as long as it did new. I go through a day which includes some web browsing and app usage and it's still only at 70% when I get home.

    70. Re:Is USB really better? by Script_God · · Score: 1

      IIRC, it doesn't say that it's charging, but it will trickle-charge. The problem is that USB ports don't provide enough power for a device that current-hungry to charge from. My ASUS Transformer Pad Inifinity is the same way: It doesn't say it's charging when I plug it into my computer, but it will slowly charge if I'm not using it (1% every 10 minutes or so).

    71. Re:Is USB really better? by kenorland · · Score: 1

      The MHL/micro-USB connector is a de-facto standard (there are two version: one that uses fewer pins and doesn't allow simultaneous use, and another one that uses more pins and allows simultaneous USB and MHL use).

      No matter which one of the two you use, it always functions as a standard micro-USB connector.

    72. Re:Is USB really better? by kenorland · · Score: 1

      That' semi-correct, but in practice it's of limited utility. You can have a micro-USB connector, which can work as either USB or MHL, not both at the same time, as you claim.

      That's incorrect. The Samsung Galaxy S3 micro-USB connector does both USB and MHL at the same time.

      Even for those connectors where simultaneous use isn't allowed, when running in MHL mode, it's the MHL-to-HDMI converter in the connector that also connects to the USB power supply, and it can talk to the USB host without restrictions.

    73. Re:Is USB really better? by kenorland · · Score: 1

      The Galaxy S3 does exactly what is required:

      - it provides a standard micro-USB connector compatible with existing USB cables and docks
      - it charges from standard and extended power charger
      - it works as a standard USB device and as a standard USB host.
      - it delivers high speed audio and video over MHL and HDMI
      - it allows simultaneous USB and MHL/HDMI usage
      - it can use MHL devices using the shared pinout using a small adapter

      That does everything the Apple connector is supposed to do, but allows reuse of a huge number of existing adapters and devices. It shows that there is no justification for Apple using a proprietary connector. Apple is screwing the environment and consumers in order to make more profit on overpriced accessories, it's as simple as that.

    74. Re:Is USB really better? by msauve · · Score: 1

      You're completely incorrect. The Samsung Galaxy S3 doesn't have a micro USB connector. It has a proprietary 11 pin connector into which a micro USB cable can be plugged.

      --
      "National Security is the chief cause of national insecurity." - Celine's First Law
    75. Re:Is USB really better? by msauve · · Score: 1

      As I explained elsewhere, you're exactly wrong. The S3 doesn't have a micro USB connector. It has a proprietary one, which was designed to allow a micro USB to plug into it. Not the same thing. To do what you claim, one must use a proprietary cable which makes use of the additional contacts which it provides beyond the micro USB ones.

      --
      "National Security is the chief cause of national insecurity." - Celine's First Law
    76. Re:Is USB really better? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The problem is that USB ports don't provide enough power for a device that current-hungry to charge from.

      This is simply not true, standard USB do allow for this, as multiple non-Apple tablets show (*). I was talking about a USB power adaptor, which is perfectly capable of this. When you mention charging from laptop USB plug it becomes a bit more variant, because many laptop USB ports do not support full power charging, but many do (on same laptop often some will, others won't).

      (*) It is actually amazing how many of the things Apple supporters claim are not possible with standard plugs (analogue audio, video, fast charging (really, fast is your iPad charing experience??) that is being done every day by competing devices. What you are saying is that Apple is not able to do it, just their competitors.

    77. Re:Is USB really better? by maccodemonkey · · Score: 1

      My iPad2 does not charge if I plug the Apple connector cable into my standard USB charger. Has that changed?

      Can't speak for the iPad 2, but I plugged my iPhone into a standard USB charger over the week and it worked just fine. Charged a little slower, but I'm sure the output of the charger was less.

      iPads generally require 10 watts or else they won't claim to be charging, even though they really are. It's possible in http://www.pcworld.com/article/217116/ipad_usb_charging.html

    78. Re:Is USB really better? by KDR_11k · · Score: 1

      A speaker should work just fine with the standard headphone jack present on all these devices (since plugging headphones into the large proprietary port is going to do wonders for durability).

      --
      Justice is the sheep getting arrested while an impartial judge declares the vote void.
    79. Re:Is USB really better? by KDR_11k · · Score: 1

      I need to use considerable force and plenty of attempts to make my iPod Touch charge, the connector has degraded so much that the plug will only barely get a connection and I have to apply pressure for several seconds to make it stay in place (have to slide my fingers off the plug after that, just lifting them pulls enough on the plug to make it disconnect again). It's not the fault of the cable, a different cable gets the same result.

      --
      Justice is the sheep getting arrested while an impartial judge declares the vote void.
    80. Re:Is USB really better? by kenorland · · Score: 1

      The S3 doesn't have a micro USB connector. It has a proprietary one

      It has a connector that standard micro-USB cables plug into and work, both for host and device usage. For MHL, you need a special cable, but it is not "proprietary".

      As I explained elsewhere, you're exactly wrong.

      I am right, you are simply trying to distort the facts. The Samsung connector gives you all the functionality I listed above. It is as compatible with all defined, open standards as possible. Apple could easily have adopted exactly the same connector. Instead, they chose one that is incompatible with all standards.

    81. Re:Is USB really better? by kenorland · · Score: 1

      Yes, but that is not a standard MicroUSB port on the Samsung. Go count pins.

      It is fully compatible with all existing micro-USB. Your quibbling of whether that constitutes a "standard" connector is totally irrelevant. Apple could have adopted the same solution, or the same kind of solution, instead of choosing to implement a completely incompatible, proprietary, and expensive solution.

    82. Re:Is USB really better? by kenorland · · Score: 1

      Stop mincing words and confusing the issue with irrelevancies. The Samsung Galaxy S3 has a connector that is fully compatible with micro-USB cables and accessories. The fact that it has additional functionality doesn't change that. Nor is there any indication that Samsung's connector is "proprietary".

      Apple could have adopted the same kind of solution: it satisfies all the requirements for modern smart phone connectivity. Instead, they opted to adopt a solution that creates tons of e-waste and makes iPhone accessories and iPhones incompatible with everything else.

    83. Re:Is USB really better? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      How about it uses the fact that it detects it is on MHL, to then assume that the other end of the device is an MHL device that can charge it.

      fuck. How dumb are you?

    84. Re:Is USB really better? by dimeglio · · Score: 1

      Unlike yours, my 2+ year old iPhone 4 keeps a pretty good charge. In fact, I haven't noticed a difference since I initially got it. Never had to change the battery.

      --
      Views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the author.
    85. Re:Is USB really better? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Are you going to also mention the Zune while we're at it? It was understood we're talking smartphones here.

    86. Re:Is USB really better? by dimeglio · · Score: 1

      The iPad 2 prefers to be charged directly from a power adapter. USB as a charging source is no longer enough for newer mobile devices. It was fine for devices from 2006-2009 but after that, things started to change quite a bit.

      --
      Views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the author.
    87. Re:Is USB really better? by dimeglio · · Score: 1

      You should tell Nintendo that. They have the most proprietary connector than any other manufacturer.

      --
      Views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the author.
    88. Re:Is USB really better? by maccodemonkey · · Score: 1

      The iPad 2 prefers to be charged directly from a power adapter. USB as a charging source is no longer enough for newer mobile devices. It was fine for devices from 2006-2009 but after that, things started to change quite a bit.

      Newer computers (especially Macs) will actually provide 10 watts over USB. So if you have a computer with 10 watt USB ports, USB is still workable.

      But I think in general you have a good point. As tablets become more like PCs and less like phones, the expectation they should be able to charge from USB should decrease.

    89. Re:Is USB really better? by unix_core · · Score: 1

      You should tell Nintendo that. They have the most proprietary connector than any other manufacturer.

      Don't wrorry, we are already boycotting Nintendo phones. By the way, be assured bringing up Nintendo makes a totally relevant argument in the favor of Apple, keep up the good work.

    90. Re:Is USB really better? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      How many fallacies do you want to make to prove your theory. Firstly, why would you need to power a TV via HDMI? HDMI spec never had power so HDMI devices will never expect it from a HDMI port.

      Secondly, your talk of adapters is a complete farce. If you want to connect an iDevice to a screen and power it you need a single cable, since Apple will sell you a HDMI cable for your product at 400% markup. If you want to connect to an Android smartphone and power it you will need two cables (Your MICROUSB ->USB PC connector and a micro HDMI to HDMI cable) and both of them come with your handset. I have owned a SGS2 and 3, and Motorola Atrix and Photon and all of them came with HDMI connectors.

      Posted as AC because /. Is an Apple downmod paradise.

    91. Re:Is USB really better? by ericloewe · · Score: 1

      Not having your DS charged is hardly a problem, unlike your phone.

    92. Re:Is USB really better? by msauve · · Score: 1

      Until you learn the difference between hardware and protocols, and the meaning of "standard" and "proprietary," you will continue to embarrass yourself.

      --
      "National Security is the chief cause of national insecurity." - Celine's First Law
    93. Re:Is USB really better? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      What "contract"? Do you have to "contract" something to buy an unlocked phone?

    94. Re:Is USB really better? by Riskable · · Score: 1

      I am no fan of Apple but I have to point out that your problem has nothing to do with the fact that your ipad2 has a proprietary connector. Your USB charger just isn't supplying the 2.1 amps required to charge an iPad.

      USB chargers may all have the same port but they are anything but equal. Look at the back of your charger... it probably says 5v @500mA. Almost all of the generic ones do. Especially if it is more than one year old.

      --
      -Riskable
      "Those who choose proprietary software will pay for their decision!"
    95. Re:Is USB really better? by kenorland · · Score: 1

      I know the difference, you simply fail to grasp that it is irrelevant here. It doesn't matter whether Samsung's connectors were "proprietary" or "non-standard", what matters is that the interoperate with standard cables and devices. Apple's connectors fail to do so and they screw their customers and the environment for no reason other than to maximize their own profit.

      However, I suggest you do look up the term "proprietary" yourself and then present some evidence that Samsung's connector actually is "proprietary".

    96. Re:Is USB really better? by Guspaz · · Score: 1

      Who said anything about powering the TV? I'm talking about powering the MHL to HDMI adapter. Some phones don't require this, some do. This is why most MHL to HDMI adapters have a socket for an external power source.

    97. Re:Is USB really better? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Apple have always charged off USB, and Apple USB chargers can be used to charge any device with a USB cable.

      Um. Kay.

      Given the flourish I'm assuming that you don't realise this is a seriously heavy mitigating factor? Not a get out of jail free card for sure cos there's still the wire with a funny plug on the end, but the bulk of the package - the plugtop deveice with the transformer, rectifier, regulator and maybe smoothing cap - is universal? EVIL! Destroy Apple!

      Whatever.

      It's not like every wire that looks like a 'standard' miniature USB connector actually behaves like one. And yes, I'm looking at Nokia and Motorola...

  3. Steve Jobs is happy... by madhatter256 · · Score: 0

    that his products still "sticks it to the man". I can picture him flipping the bird to EC...

    --
    Previewing comments are for sissies!
    1. Re:Steve Jobs is happy... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      that his products still "sticks it to the man". I can picture him flipping the bird to EC...

      Yes. Look up the word "hipster" and you will see a picture of Steve Jobs.

      In the definition, however, you will see the term "douche-bag".

    2. Re:Steve Jobs is happy... by icebike · · Score: 2, Insightful

      How happy will he be when the EU bans import?
      The law wasn't a suggestion.

      --
      Sig Battery depleted. Reverting to safe mode.
    3. Re:Steve Jobs is happy... by Anubis+IV · · Score: 4, Informative

      The law also doesn't say what the summary claims it says.

      It specifically allows for adapters to be used, and Apple has had a micro-USB adapter available for quite awhile now that complies with the standards that have been set.

    4. Re:Steve Jobs is happy... by msauve · · Score: 3, Informative

      "The law wasn't a suggestion."

      The law isn't even a law (or regulation, for that matter). It's a voluntary agreement ("Memorandum of Understanding").

      Secondly, the agreement only covers phones which "Supports USB user data handling as defined in 'Universal Serial Bus Specification'". Although there are no details available on Apple's new connector, it's possible that it doesn't handle USB directly, but relies on a conversion chip in an external adapter. That would place Apple in compliance with the MoU.

      The MoU also allows adaptors [sic] to be used - "An 'Adaptor' is defined as a device with a Micro-USB receptacle/plug connecting to a specific non Micro-USB connector. For clarification: an Adaptor can also be a cable."

      --
      "National Security is the chief cause of national insecurity." - Celine's First Law
    5. Re:Steve Jobs is happy... by cheesybagel · · Score: 0

      Do you honestly think Apple's little dongle you must pay for is according to the spirit of that directive? They may have got a free pass with their old devices but I doubt they will get one with something they designed several years after the directive was published.

    6. Re:Steve Jobs is happy... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Do you honestly think Apple's little dongle you must pay for is according to the spirit of that directive? They may have got a free pass with their old devices but I doubt they will get one with something they designed several years after the directive was published.

      You are stupid. Once again, the directive EXPLICITLY OKAYS what Apple is doing here. That means Apple was and is compliant with both the letter and spirit of the directive.

      What you idiots always seem to deliberately ignore is that the real e-waste issue here is people throwing away the little wall chargers. There's lots more hard-to-recycle components and toxic chemicals in a charger than in a cable (cables are mostly copper, which is easy and desirable to recycle). The EU's concerned about the wall wart, and the only purpose of specifying Micro-USB is to make sure there's a common connector and voltage and current standard so that it's always possible to cheaply connect anything to any wall wart.

      I'd also add that in practice, there's a far more universal de facto standard connector than micro-USB: USB type A. Virtually all cellphone wall warts today have a type A (full size) USB jack rather than a captive cable or custom jack. This lets manufacturers ship one phone-to-USB-A charging / data cable instead of two cables. Apple's chargers and data/charge cables are not an exception to this rule.

    7. Re:Steve Jobs is happy... by BasilBrush · · Score: 3, Informative

      Do you honestly think Apple's little dongle you must pay for is according to the spirit of that directive?

      Given that it explicitly allows companies to satisfy the directive with an adapter, yes. Did you honestly believe anyone would believe you'd read the directive?

    8. Re:Steve Jobs is happy... by makomk · · Score: 1

      It explicitly allows companies to use an adapter in order to allow companies with existing proprietary charge connectors to sign up to the MoU. Creating a new proprietary connector may not explicitly be against the rules, but it certainly seems to go against the spirit of the agreement.

    9. Re:Steve Jobs is happy... by dimeglio · · Score: 1

      When you're insanely rich, they call them "tycoons."

      --
      Views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the author.
  4. RTFA by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    From TFA:

    "Which is the agreed common interface?

    On the basis of the Micro-USB interface, the companies have agreed to develop a common specification in order to allow for full compatibility of chargers and mobile phones. These specifications have been translated in European standards.

    N.B.: The agreement allows for the use of an adaptor."

    Apple supplies adaptors, therefore they're not "scorning" the agreement.

    1. Re:RTFA by burne · · Score: 1, Flamebait

      Damn. Fresh out of mod-points, and somebody says something insightful instead of -1 troll or -1 flamebait.

      FWIW: I have 5 different models of nokia-charger. Some are 'backward' compatible (ie: it takes a day to charge your phone), others wont even fit the wrong phone. I have 4 different models of motorola-charger (all are mutually incompatible. the plug fits, but it doesn't charge).

      I have two models of Apple charger. Both use an USB-connector and a cable. One is slow, the other is fast, but only when charging my iPad. iPod and iPhone charge at the same pace. Better still: iPad, iPod and Iphone charge from any USB-port. iPad charges slow, iPod and iPhone charge at usual speed.

      From where I'm standing Apple has been doing what the EU wants since 2003.

    2. Re:RTFA by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      More apologetics from a fan boi.

    3. Re:RTFA by Anubis+IV · · Score: 4, Informative

      Apple supplies adaptors, therefore they're not "scorning" the agreement.

      Exactly correct. This agreement has already been in place for years, as the summary was quick to point out, but they failed to note the fact that Apple has been complying all along by including adapters. You can expect the same to be true for the iPhone 5 as well.

      And even if they had they changed to micro-USB, they would have exactly the same problems as the ones being cited in the summary, so this strikes me as a bit of a double standard. Since the data handling via USB on smartphones is not standardized, meaning that there is not necessarily any interoperability between devices with a particular accessory, you'd still have an industry dedicated to making Apple-specific accessories, simply due to the volume of devices that they could work with. Similarly, you would have rendered all of the previous accessories obsolete by moving to a new standard, and you'd have also been forced to introduce a new adapter. Also worth noting is that micro-USB is incapable of charging an iPad according to that article, which this new dock connector will surely be used for.

      The only argument left from the summary is that they've broken their promise to abide by the standard, and as you aptly pointed out, that is untrue.

      Considering how often this stuff has come up on Slashdot (particularly with the fact that it was a major point of discussion when the new dock connector leaked a few weeks back), I'm surprised it's not common knowledge on Slashdot how Apple has handled that agreement, even for our non-European friends.

    4. Re:RTFA by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      What the EU wants is that you should have one cable to fit ALL new devices. No matter if they're from Nokia, Samsung, Motorola, Apple, Microsoft, whatever. So no, Apple is definitely not doing what the EU wants: they are moving from one format that fits only Apple devices to another format that fits only Apple devices. What they want is that any charger will work for any phone. The iPhone 5 charger won't work for an HTC One X (for example), so they're definitely not complying.

    5. Re:RTFA by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The box also includes a USB-to-Lightning cable and a USB power adapter - so you can plug the single cable right into a USB port, or a wall outlet. If you MUST use a MicroUSB charger that works with other devices, a usb-to-lightning adapter for that is available for 15 pounds in the UK, as well.

      Personally, I've never found chargers to be that big a deal, and I have multiple devices - they all charge over USB, and I have a powered hub that I plug them all into when I want to charge them - each power cable stays plugged into the hub, ready for the device to be connected, unless I'm traveling, in which case the cables come with me.

      I can't think of any time I've needed to charge multiple devices one after another off a single cable, because I tend to need them to be charged in parallel - e.g., phone, camera, tablet all need charging overnight.

    6. Re:RTFA by Anaerin · · Score: 1

      I have to make a correction here. Apple doesn't SUPPLY the adapter, but it does make one available for you to BUY (At increased cost). And even with the adapter in question, it still means you can't use your Apple charger to charge your friend's Micro-USB phone.

    7. Re:RTFA by vakuona · · Score: 3, Insightful

      No, that is not what they want. That is what _you_ want them to want.

      If that is what they had wanted, they would have said so. How hard would it have been to say, "everyone phone should include a micro-usb port that you can use for charging and syncing"?

    8. Re:RTFA by vakuona · · Score: 1

      I have an iPhone and a (work) Blackberry. I lost my BB charger a long time ago. I charge my BB using my iPhone wall plug and a micro-usb cable that I bought with a pair of bluetooth headphones. I charge the headphones using the same wall plug by the way.

    9. Re:RTFA by emt377 · · Score: 1

      The iPhone 5 charger won't work for an HTC One X (for example), so they're definitely not complying.

      Yes it will. The Apple charger has a USB port. You plug the HTC One X (for example) into it and charge. Assuming it can charge from a USB port.

    10. Re:RTFA by ericloewe · · Score: 1

      Yes, up until recently, everybody had their own connectors. For quite a few years now, everyone has been moving to microUSB, and the iPhones must be the only smartphones that still do not charge via a microUSB port.

    11. Re:RTFA by emt377 · · Score: 2

      In fact, I'm right now using a Garmin USB charger for my iPhone 4. The Garmin charger came with a ForeRunner 405, which also doesn't have a micro-usb port. Yet I can use the same chargers for either device - and this is what the EC agreement is about. Cable reduction is a plus, but they're not idiots, so understand a USB port isn't always going to be a suitable device interface. My Garmin 405 for instance is water resistant, something that would be greatly complicated by providing a USB port on the device itself. Instead it has a clamp that attaches to a few pads. It's a poor design (as is the entire 405), but not because of a lack of a USB port.

    12. Re:RTFA by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yes you can, dipshit. The apple charger is a USB charger - meaning it's a wall plug, some electronics, and a USB port that you connect to.

      Into that standard USB port, you plug your USB-to-Lightning cable, that's included in the box, or you plug your MicroUSB cable from some other device. Either way, one end of the cable is a standard USB plug, and the other end will deliver power to appropriately-port-capable devices.

      It would help if your "corrections" weren't completely-fucking-wrong-in-every-way-that-matters.

    13. Re:RTFA by ericloewe · · Score: 2

      You're missing a small but very important detail: Apple does not include the necessary adapter, which was part of the agreement.
      The claim that microUSB can't safely supply 2A seems a bit farfetched, but the iPad is irrelevant here because it's not a phone and it hasn't been updated yet.

    14. Re:RTFA by emt377 · · Score: 1

      I have to make a correction here. Apple doesn't SUPPLY the adapter, but it does make one available for you to BUY (At increased cost). And even with the adapter in question, it still means you can't use your Apple charger to charge your friend's Micro-USB phone.

      No, the iPhone 5 charges off USB like any other Apple device. The Apple charger has a USB socket. So anything that can charge off USB will charge from it. The iPhone 5 comes with a USB cable, both to charge and to interface it with a computer.

      What it doesn't come with is an adapter for legacy 30-pin accessories. This you have to buy. It has nothing to do with USB charging, and has only to do with charging the iPhone 5 in docks made for previous generation iPhones and iPads.

    15. Re:RTFA by aaarrrgggh · · Score: 1

      The requirement is to provide an adapter from USB-A.

    16. Re:RTFA by cheesybagel · · Score: 1

      You must pay for the adapter and it is not included with the device.

    17. Re:RTFA by Guspaz · · Score: 1

      The Samsung Galaxy S III doesn't charge from a microUSB port. It has an 11-pin monstrosity that looks like a microUSB port that they can't legally call a microUSB port.

    18. Re:RTFA by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Insightful

      No, you're missing a small but important detail. In regions where the agreement applies, Apple ships the phone with the required adaptor.

    19. Re:RTFA by jrumney · · Score: 1

      You do realise that Apple came up with their own standard for high current chargers, so plugging your Apple device into a standard USB charger will only allow the device to charge slowly, and likewise when plugging other devices into Apple chargers.

    20. Re:RTFA by jrumney · · Score: 1

      Since the data handling via USB on smartphones is not standardized, meaning that there is not necessarily any interoperability between devices with a particular accessory, you'd still have an industry dedicated to making Apple-specific accessories

      MTP, HID and USB-Audio are standardized. An accessory could do a lot with those protocols if manufacturers would support them for their intended purpose.

    21. Re:RTFA by jrumney · · Score: 1

      The claim that microUSB can't safely supply 2A seems a bit farfetched

      Not really. Full sized USB cannot safely supply 2.1A either according to the USB Implementors Forum (max is 1.5A, same as microUSB), but that does not stop Apple from selling USB chargers that charge iPads and iPhones at that current.

    22. Re:RTFA by nedlohs · · Score: 1

      No one cares about the port. What matters is that it can charge from a microUSB cable. Mine is sitting on my desk charging from my computers USB port via the cable that came with my mouse.

    23. Re:RTFA by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I call Bullshit. microUSB is indeed perfectly able to charge any ipad if it provided a wall wart such as all other android devices provide(if needed). I've seen usb ports putting out 2.1 amps and maybe more.... If they used a usb3.0 micro connector they could probably get even more power to charge the device... more than enough for an ipad...

      they just think they are special.. hell that connector isn't even apples, apple might have helped some, but INTEL is the one who designed and holds the rights to that connector.

    24. Re:RTFA by vovin · · Score: 1

      The Samsung Galaxy S III doesn't charge from a microUSB port. It has an 11-pin monstrosity that looks like a microUSB port that they can't legally call a microUSB port.

      Huh?

      They why does my S3 charge fine from my old blackberry charger? It also charges fine when plugged to Motorola car charger.

      Weird.

    25. Re:RTFA by Dahamma · · Score: 1

      No, but they sell it *cheap*.

      http://store.apple.com/uk/product/MD099ZM/A/apple-iphone-micro-usb-adapter

      Sure, they could have increased the price of the phone by $10 in Europe, but given they already include an AC adaptor and USB cable with every iPhone, that would have basically been a complete waste of money for 98% of the users.

      And yes, they could have chosen NOT to include the AC adaptor and cable with the phone, just the microUSB adaptor, but that would have been much less convenient and more expensive for many users who would have just gone out and bought the Apple AC adaptor anyway.

      Complain if you want but I think if you polled their customers a significant majority would say they made the right decision.

    26. Re:RTFA by Anubis+IV · · Score: 1

      Sorry, I should have been clearer. Yes, there are standards, but as you pointed out, they are not widely implemented (i.e. they're not a standard feature on products), and that was my intended meaning.

    27. Re:RTFA by Anubis+IV · · Score: 1

      It's a bit hard to take your concluding rant seriously when you're clearly confusing Thunderbolt (née Light Peak), which has nothing at all to do with micro-USB but is indeed Intel's technology (though Apple is rumored to have had a hand in it), with the new Lightning dock connector, which has absolutely nothing at all to do with Intel.

    28. Re:RTFA by viperidaenz · · Score: 1

      My Motorola Defy is water resistant too, it also has a micro usb port.

    29. Re:RTFA by ImaLamer · · Score: 1

      Since the data handling via USB on smartphones is not standardized, meaning that there is not necessarily any interoperability between devices with a particular accessory...

      Not true, there are various standards - among them USB-On-The-Go which will even allow a phone act as a USB host, many Android phones/tablets can use the PS3 controller with no additional setup. There are Bluetooth standards for wireless devices and so forth. The only issues is non-standard interfaces on particular phones, such as the LG Vortex (as marketed by Verizon) or the HTC Droid Incredible which try to continuously load drivers and bloatware onto Windows machines. Or possibly no support in various ROM kernels for USB OTG (or even Bluetooth profiles for that matter) - which can be possibly fixed in updates or custom ROMs/kernels.

      In fact, I don't know in any way Android accessories aren't compatible among differing devices unless the software on the accessory is vendor-locked to a phone itself (unless you count docks that conform to the form factor of a phone you don't actually own...). But there is no mandate from Google, Motorola, LG, HTC, Samsung, etc who cause these types of problems. Apple will never allow the PS3 controller to work with the iPhone (you'd need to do hardware hacking alone before you could even start) and yet you can plug it into a Nexus 7, Transformer Prime or even possibly the OUYA Android based game console.

    30. Re:RTFA by ImaLamer · · Score: 1

      USB On-The-Go is supported in the 3.0 kernel used on Android devices, thus any ICS or JB phone - unless the manufacturer compiled the kernel without it on purpose. Which would be strange because the Android crowd tends to be more technical and this is (an albeit growing) selling point.

    31. Re:RTFA by ImaLamer · · Score: 1

      This is not at all recommended. Pick up three different wall-warts ready to accept the standard USB interface and read the amperage and volt output. Each model of phone does not conform to the same output and while there is typically protection on the side of the phone - you have no idea. So stop, please.

      I've seen .7 to 1.1 amp outputs from HTC to Samsung to others (in current phones - older phones I've seen up to 5 Watts of output total). We aren't talking USB via your PC - we are talking about an AC adapter (AC/DC converter) which is why you read in this very thread different charging times based on which wall warts are used against certain devices. The question is - was your manufacturer smart enough (or not cheap enough) to be able to handle a variance from what they supplied you because you have 5 wall-wart (AC/DC converters) laying around from devices from almost 10 years ago.

      Protip; this is why your Nokia chargers changed overtime. It's not the phone connector that mattered - it was the converter. They were protecting your phone from a surge.

    32. Re:RTFA by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Don't mess with regulators, this is a Gentleman agreement. If they attempt to circumvent it the EU would take consequences.

    33. Re:RTFA by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You have no idea how electricity works. The amperage is irrelevant to the phone except in so far as, below a certain battery-dependent threshold, charging times will increase. There is no need for any "protection" on the phone with regard to amps at all. You can't have an overcurrent condition on the receiving end. Only voltage matters, and they all output 5 volts, just like they're supposed to.

    34. Re:RTFA by ericloewe · · Score: 1

      It sure is cheaper than when I checked, but there are still a few problems:
      1) They don't sell it in stores (at least not in Portugal)
      2) 8£/10$/10€ buys me two bargain bin microUSB cables or one good microUSB cables
      3) They're not keeping with the spirit of the agreement
      4) Their insane profit margin means they can include their 0,50€ adapter with their 600€/700€/840€ phones without raising the price

    35. Re:RTFA by ericloewe · · Score: 1

      I'm sorry, let me rephrase:

      "the iPhones must be the only smartphones that still do not natively accept a microUSB cable for charging."

      It may not be microUSB, but it's compatible and adds new stuff. Where's the problem in that? I'd be okay with it if Apple had done it.

    36. Re:RTFA by ericloewe · · Score: 1

      No, it doesn't. I know, I've bought two. Guess how many adapters I've received. None.

      Please, stop spreading disinformation.

    37. Re:RTFA by jittles · · Score: 1

      Also worth noting is that micro-USB is incapable of charging an iPad according to that article, which this new dock connector will surely be used for.

      That article would be incorrect. I have an iPad 2 and an iPad 3 that I use for development. Both of them can (and do) charge via 1A USB port on my computer. I have never, in the 6 months since my company issued me the iPad 2, had to plug it into anything but my computer to keep it charged.

      Secondly, the Nexus 7 tablet that I use charges just fine over micro-USB. Its adapter puts out the exact same 2A at 5V as the iPad 3 charger. In fact, I can swap chargers between it and the iPad without any issue. So if it can charge the Nexus 7, or the HP Touchpad, Asus Transformer, and every other android tablet out there, why can't it charge the iPad 1,2 or 3? Because Apple said so, and made their own special connector.

      I don't care if my iDevice or android device has a separate port for TV, or whatever else I want to use it for, but I want all my devices to charge via micro USB or induction. Why? Because I don't want to have to dig out a special cable to charge my device while traveling. Or if I am at a friends house and need some extra juice. And there is certainly no reason for me to throw away a power brick that puts out the exact same power that an iPhone needs just because it doesn't have Apple's connector on it. So yes, there will still be Apple-specific accessories, but there should be uniformity for the most important accessory of all, the charger.

    38. Re:RTFA by kenorland · · Score: 1

      Since the data handling via USB on smartphones is not standardized, meaning that there is not necessarily any interoperability between devices with a particular accessory

      USB-to-go and USB host are standard and supported by most smartphones. In addition, MHL-over-micro-USB is a de-facto standard.

      If Apple had adopted a standard micro USB connector with Samsung's 11-pin MHL integration, a huge number of accessories would have become instantly available, and would continue to function with Apple and non-Apple products interchangeably for years to come.

      I'm surprised it's not common knowledge on Slashdot how Apple has handled that agreement, even for our non-European friends.

      Yes, we know about the clause with the adapters. But in the end, Apple is complying with the letter of the agreement, not with the spirit, and they are giving the finger to the EU, their customers and the environment in the process.

    39. Re:RTFA by PensivePeter · · Score: 1

      Every other manufacturer made the effort to eliminate adaptors but not Apple. Two reasons: they hate standards unless they own them; they encourage not only a fanboy user base but a fanboy ecosystem of manufacturers of otherwise useless peripherals.

    40. Re:RTFA by c++0xFF · · Score: 0

      Time for a conspiracy theory! Apple is the only company out there that I know of that uses the exception. Could it be that the exception was made explicitly for them? Did they "buy" the exception somehow?

    41. Re:RTFA by Misagon · · Score: 1

      The iPad is not a phone? I have used it lots of times as a speaker phone with Skype and 3G (UMTS).
      Are you telling me that Skype and UMTS are not phone protocols?

      --
      "We mustn't be caught by surprise by our own advancing technology" -- Aldous Huxley
    42. Re:RTFA by ericloewe · · Score: 1

      What I mean is that the iPad is not marketed as a phone and thus not covered by the agreement to use microUSB for charging.

    43. Re:RTFA by Guspaz · · Score: 1

      By your logic, charging my iPhone with an Amazon Kindle charger means that I have a full-sized USB connector somewhere on my iPhone.

    44. Re:RTFA by Guspaz · · Score: 1

      No, what people care is what they can charge from. An iPhone charges from any standard USB charger.

    45. Re:RTFA by KDR_11k · · Score: 1

      That requires having the HTC's cable at hand.

      --
      Justice is the sheep getting arrested while an impartial judge declares the vote void.
    46. Re:RTFA by KDR_11k · · Score: 1

      But only if you have Apple's cable. The cable that came with the standard USB charger won't plug into the iPhone.

      --
      Justice is the sheep getting arrested while an impartial judge declares the vote void.
    47. Re:RTFA by nedlohs · · Score: 1

      Which is what I said. My phone battery was low so I pluged it into the charger cable for my mouse. If an iPhone does that then fine, I dont't really care what it does since it's not the phone I happen to have. I was just responding to "The Samsung Galaxy S III doesn't charge from a microUSB port" - no one cares what the port is called they just care that they can take the phone out of their pocket and plug it into the cable from some other device that happens to be around to charge it with.

    48. Re:RTFA by Anubis+IV · · Score: 1

      If it's just on those devices, then it still isn't widely implemented yet (ICS was only at 16% adoption as of last month), which was the point I was making, though that will clearly change over time to be less of an issue, hopefully.

    49. Re:RTFA by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Because they asked for a lot more than that. They asked for a common spec on a data level too, so docks would work across platforms. With that spec, a dock wouldn't be 'for iPhone' or 'for SGS2'. It would be 'for smartphone' as every single smartphone's electronic interface would be able to communicate with every peripheral. This apple can't adhere to now unless the design of it's adapter allows it to fit in every dock ever made on microusb, and the change was more protocol based with a plan to release a dock to MICRO-USB adapter for your smartphone too. The connector only exists to compartmentalize apple's portion of the dock market and issue a wave of new dock products to support the fanfare of the unremarkable iPhone 5.

      In other words, completely predictable and preying on the assumptions of the public (that its better in some way).

    50. Re:RTFA by AmiMoJo · · Score: 1

      So Apple screws you for a £25 micro-USB adapter unless forced to by your country. Nice.

      --
      const int one = 65536; (Silvermoon, Texture.cs)
      SJW, n: "Someone I don't like, and by the way I'm a fuckwit" - AC
  5. They include an adaptor for the EU by SuperKendall · · Score: 1, Insightful

    Apple ships a Micro-USB adaptor with every iPhone in the EU.

    The new connector is not a missed opportunity. Micro-USB sucks, the cables suck, the connectors are weak and prone to failure - not to mention by any measure it's superior to have a directionless connector. How is it better for the environment to buy cables more often?

    And what about the NUMBER of micro-USB connectors. There are at least three that look nearly alike, I'm sure one of them is the official Micro-USB connector but how can you tell when you have multiple cables each with slightly different tiny connectors?

    I would say the EU has failed you all by locking the nation into a poor standard for all phones to have to use, instead of allowing companies to continue to iterate over better connector designs. Instead you wound up with the least common denominator of connectors, dooming yourself to poor power transfer abilities and as I said badly designed connectors prone to breaking.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
    1. Re:They include an adaptor for the EU by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      In the article provided it says an adapter can be used. Keep the Iphone as-is and ship out an adapter. Problem solved. Now you need your phone and adapter to charge your phone from a "common standard connector". This is great for those airport Kiosks that are available to quick charger your phone. They provide the Micro-USB adapter and any inconvenience is put onto the consumer to carry an additional adapter for their phone. If you don't like to carry an extra adapter, then purchase a phone that does have the Micro-USB port. This doesn't really change much as phone companies want to sell the adapter too since it is known to work with the phone. If I buy a $600 phone, I demand that it comes with a plug-in charger.

      This was a good idea for the EC to save on waste, but I think there is a lot of other electronic waste out there. Next thing I'm going to hear is that the phone manufacturer is going to void my warranty because of a faulty power adapter that was used. But it's the standard??? But it is not "blessed" by the manufacturer.

      Article states:
      > N.B.: The agreement allows for the use of an adaptor.

    2. Re:They include an adaptor for the EU by spleck · · Score: 3, Insightful

      If the EU had standardized on a free (no royalties) Lightning connector, everyone would be crying foul over government mandates and how it stifles innovation.

      The goal was to get rid of large power bricks attached to proprietary connectors. Apple has for MANY years supplied a power plug with a standard USB connector and used the same cable/connector for 10 years. THAT has reduced waste. What other phone manufacturer has stuck with their plugs that long? How many phones will charge from a 10 year old cable?

      What about all those phones that include a micro-USB port for charging, but then have ANOTHER port or a ANOTHER special proprietary cable to get audio/video out?

    3. Re:They include an adaptor for the EU by Anaerin · · Score: 2

      They don't ship them in the EU, they just make them available to buy.

    4. Re:They include an adaptor for the EU by ericloewe · · Score: 2

      Apple has also used a proprietary method of signalling that devices can draw more than 500mA from the USB port.
      Nokia has stuck with its connectors for quite a while (two sizes, older adapters can use a simple adapter to charge), even supporting them after adopting microUSB (Symbian^3 phones charge via microUSB and their charging connector). Apple's Dock Connector actually dropped firewire charging (which was very popular with docks) 4 years ago, so it hasn't been kept fully compatible, either.

      Please, name one phone with a proprietary solution to output A/V, besides the iPhone. Even then, you can keep your phone working without proprietary crap.

    5. Re:They include an adaptor for the EU by MtViewGuy · · Score: 1

      I think there was two reasons why Apple did not adopt a native Micro USB connection for the iPhone 5:

      1. Micro USB connectors are fragile and prone to break rather easily, as many cellphone users have found out the hard way. As such, Apple designed the "Lightning" connection to NOT be a keyed connection and also designed it to be durable in the first place.

      2. The "Lightning" connector may allow far higher bandwidth of audio and video out than the Micro USB connection. I wouldn't be surprised that "Lightning" is ready to be fully compliant with USB 3.0 connections at full USB 3.0 speed.

    6. Re:They include an adaptor for the EU by viperidaenz · · Score: 1

      MicroUSB is rated at 10,000 insertions. Good luck charging your iPhone 10,000 times, the irreplaceable battery won't event last 1,000. A standard USB port is rated at 1,500 insertions, so switching cables at the charger end is going to wear out the quickest.

    7. Re:They include an adaptor for the EU by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No, the EU has refrained from mandating a standard by having the mobile supplyers coming up with one on their own. If companies fool the European regulators they would take more robust action in the future. This is not the US, you expect companies to comply and do as they are told.

    8. Re:They include an adaptor for the EU by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "If the EU had standardized on a free (no royalties) Lightning connector, everyone would be crying foul over government mandates and how it stifles innovation."

      Europeans are not Libertarians. They expect companies to comply with the law and do as they are told to do. In fact the EU is free to call upon CEN or ETSI to present them with a standard or even take legislative action. The sort of wimp-state "don't regulate" for more competition is contrasted by the stzrong ordo-liberalism as the German tradition of Brussels where you enforce competition and make markets happen.

    9. Re:They include an adaptor for the EU by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I think there was two reasons why Apple did not adopt a native Micro USB connection for the iPhone 5:

      1. Micro USB connectors are fragile and prone to break rather easily, as many cellphone users have found out the hard way. As such, Apple designed the "Lightning" connection to NOT be a keyed connection and also designed it to be durable in the first place.

      2. The "Lightning" connector may allow far higher bandwidth of audio and video out than the Micro USB connection. I wouldn't be surprised that "Lightning" is ready to be fully compliant with USB 3.0 connections at full USB 3.0 speed.

      Any citations to back up claim 1? This keeps being repeated by Apple users that don't use MicroUSB themselves, but is so far from my experience with MicroUSB over several years, and of all the others I know that actively use MicroUSB. MiniUSB had some known issues, that are completely irrelevant to the MicroUSB standard. It seems like an urban myth propagated in Apple forums.

    10. Re:They include an adaptor for the EU by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I would say the EU has failed you all by locking the nation into a poor standard for all phones to have to use, instead of allowing companies to continue to iterate over better connector designs. Instead you wound up with the least common denominator of connectors, dooming yourself to poor power transfer abilities and as I said badly designed connectors prone to breaking.

      Like what EU did with their broadband. And look where it got them: 1 Gbit/s fiber to the home for 60 USD a month.

      What do you get in the states? A couple of empty yoghurt cans and a string for the last mile. Enjoy the industry innovation.

    11. Re:They include an adaptor for the EU by dimeglio · · Score: 1

      Well I had my iPhone 4 for two years and 4 months charging it about once a day. That's about 840 and I'll probably upgrade to the iPhone 5 by November. So far, it feels like I just bought it. So that irreplaceable battery and connector is doing good so far and might go past that 1000 mark should my I pass down my iPhone 4 to my son.

      Rated are usually minimums.

      --
      Views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the author.
    12. Re:They include an adaptor for the EU by MtViewGuy · · Score: 1

      I have an old Samsung Gravity cellphone with the Micro USB connector. From looking at the plug and receptacle, they look pretty fragile and one wrong move could break either--no thank you! As such, since the "Lightning" connector is not keyed and designed to be very durable, I expect a lot less connection issues than with Micro USB connectors.

  6. Import Ban by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Why don't Apple's competitors get EU countries to ban import because they are not following trade agreements?

  7. So lame! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    All this complaining is so lame.

    If you don't like the connector, then grow some fucking balls and don't buy the product. Period. As for me - don't have an iPhone/iPad/iWhatever and don't want an iPhone/iPad/iWhatever - and the same for Android whatever too.

    As for the bitching about changing the connector - so, what, are they supposed to make one connector and then support it forever, never changing it? How long is long enough? It's been TEN YEARS! Christ - you're lucky it made it THAT long. Besides which, if you keep using the product (Phone/Pod/whatever) you bought for your whatever, you will run into no problems with the connection at all.

  8. Fanbois be quiet... by wbr1 · · Score: 1

    All connectors wear out. Id micro usb the best possible? No. But it strikes a good compromise and likely does reduce wast, though I have no studies to back that up.
    Apple: The bottom line and 'image' are most important. To that end we only play at giving an actual two shits about you, our workers, and the environment.

    --
    Silence is a state of mime.
    1. Re:Fanbois be quiet... by MBCook · · Score: 2

      Apple has been complying since that ruling was made, they give European buyers a little adapter.

      The new Lightning connector (not a fan of that name, btw) has some benefits over micro-usb. Reports say that it plugs into the phone pretty securely. When I use micro-USB on my Kindle, I can tell you it doesn't feel like the most secure thing. More importantly from an ease of use perspective, the new connector doesn't have to be plugged in a specific way, there is no "up".

      I'm curious to see what the pinout ends up being. Apple might have some surprises in store for us.

      --
      Comment forecast: Bits of genius surrounded by a sea of mediocrity.
    2. Re:Fanbois be quiet... by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

      All connectors wear out.

      Yes, but micro-usb wears out faster than other designs.

      The small shape with sharp corners means you are always putting some force on the thing to plug it in. Over time I've had a number of connectors fail on cords, and had to throw away the cords. It's also rough on the connector in the device, if it's not built well that can work loose or fail over time also.

      But it strikes a good compromise and likely does reduce wast

      I do not see how a design that makes me buy cables more often reduces waste.

      I understand the theory, you can have just one cable - but that remains true if you want to use the iPhone that way, as it comes with a Micro-USB adaptor.

      And does it really matter that much? Most people just have one phone to charge. So they can use whatever cable and then isn't it better that they can have a design for the plug that's easier to use? I really prefer reversible designs, they are much less frustrating over time.

      Furthermore the thing that really annoys me about standardizing on USB is that it places a cap on how much power you can transfer. I would prefer to be able to use a system that allows for faster charging.

      Why are people not up in arms over the phones shipping with wireless chargers? That's almost a worse situation at the moment, you need a very bulky adaptor that likely only works with that one device. Only you are still traveling so you also need a USB charging cord. At least with the iPhone you could use the USB cord for home and travel and just use the one tiny adaptor.

      Apple: The bottom line and 'image' are most important.

      I posit an alternate explanation. Apple is about producing something they think will work best for the user, regardless of government regulations that standardize on the lowest common denominator of connectors. And Apple is producing cables a lot better for the environment than your average cheap USB cable that goes in the trash eventually.

      --
      "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
    3. Re:Fanbois be quiet... by SuricouRaven · · Score: 1

      I know exactly what the pinout will be.

      Patented.

    4. Re:Fanbois be quiet... by Urza9814 · · Score: 1

      Well, there's no reason you couldn't make a micro-USB compatible plug that does in fact lock. You could probably even make one that's reversible...

    5. Re:Fanbois be quiet... by MBCook · · Score: 1

      You can't patent a pin out.

      Now the physical design of the connector... we all know that's patented to hell.

      --
      Comment forecast: Bits of genius surrounded by a sea of mediocrity.
    6. Re:Fanbois be quiet... by MBCook · · Score: 2

      If you do, it's not micro-USB anymore. And if you wanted to call it "USB" then you have to get the standard committee to approve it. At that point you'd just have a non-proprietary Apple connector, but it still wouldn't be compatible with any other phones or cables without an adapter. Plus we already have USB A, B, micro-A, micro-B, micro-AB, 5 pin mini-B, 4 pin mini-B, USB 3 A, USB 3 B, and USB 3 micro-B.

      They all have problems. USB A would be good, expect it's a perfect rectangle that can't be inserted in either direction. There is no way to tell if you have it right-side-up or not. Some of the later ones, like micro-B, are obviously keyed so they can't be inserted the wrong way, but they still have to be positioned correctly. Plus most of the micro ones are so short they don't feel like they're gripped very well by the device (at least in my limited experience).

      FireWire 400 had a great connector. It only went in one way, but it was very easy to figure out which way it went either visually or by feel. The FireWire 800 connector is quite a bit worse. It has a small notch on top so can feel which end is up on the cable, but it's not visually distinct enough.

      I think Apple actually came up with a very nice design. I haven't touched one yet (so it could turn out to feel terrible), but it seems well designed.

      --
      Comment forecast: Bits of genius surrounded by a sea of mediocrity.
    7. Re:Fanbois be quiet... by emt377 · · Score: 1

      The small shape with sharp corners means you are always putting some force on the thing to plug it in. Over time I've had a number of connectors fail on cords, and had to throw away the cords.

      But hey, they're easy to find so in the name of waste reduction you can go buy a new failcable every few months...

    8. Re:Fanbois be quiet... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You are completely missing the point. The goal is that in the long term "everyone" has a whole bunch of micro-USB chargers at home, just like it happened for those USB-A to USB-B cables. At that point, mobile phones would be shipped without a charger just like printers no longer come with cables. This should greatly reduce the amount of electronic waste from chargers.

    9. Re:Fanbois be quiet... by ericloewe · · Score: 1

      Apple has been complying since that ruling was made, they give European buyers a little adapter.

      No, they don't. They sell it. For 20 bucks (dock connector) or 30 bucks (Lightning).

    10. Re:Fanbois be quiet... by ericloewe · · Score: 1

      I've had microUSB connectors go through more than 1000 insertion/removal cycles, with no problems at all so far.

      Also, the iPhone does not ship with the microUSB adapter. I know that from experience, and Apple just confirmed they won't be doing that with the iPhone 5 either.

    11. Re:Fanbois be quiet... by Guspaz · · Score: 1

      Perhaps, but the last proprietary physical connector Apple developed ended up as an industry-wide royalty free standard. That'd be miniDP, which can be found now on laptops from most companies (even Microsoft's surface devices), and is part of the DisplayPort 1.2 spec. The connector was later used for Intel's Thunderbolt spec, which you'll eventually find in laptops and desktops from all manufacturers (it's currently only available in a few PC motherboards, but it's coming).

    12. Re:Fanbois be quiet... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The fact that this conversation is based on waste reduction is hilarious. An entirely 100% elective requirement of owning a high speed data connected mobile telephone/computer, when multiple hundreds of millions of people live without one completely, let alone fret the type of charging cable they use.

      Keep shooting for the stars you fucking idiot pretend friends to the environment.

    13. Re:Fanbois be quiet... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      FireWire800 SUCKS, my wire constantly falls out of my laptop at the slightest nudge which has caused me repeated dataloss when using external hard drives. It's so bad that I use my firewire drives usb cables instead.

    14. Re:Fanbois be quiet... by MBCook · · Score: 1

      You too? I have to be quite careful around mine, but I always figured it was just because I'm using the ultra-cheap cable that came with my drive. Maybe it is the connector's design after all.

      --
      Comment forecast: Bits of genius surrounded by a sea of mediocrity.
    15. Re:Fanbois be quiet... by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

      I've had microUSB connectors go through more than 1000 insertion/removal cycles, with no problems at all so far.

      They are no looser? The cable works exactly as well?

      I treat the cables gently and still have some fail on me (I use them for camera gear). Cheap connectors in devices often do not hold the cables well and get worse over time.

      --
      "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
    16. Re:Fanbois be quiet... by viperidaenz · · Score: 2

      You won't find a mDP port on a Samsung laptop. Apple has a termination clause in the license for mDP: "if you at any time during the term of this Implementation License commence an action for patent infringement against Apple."

      https://developer.apple.com/softwarelicensing/agreements/pdf/MiniDisplayPortImpLicense.pdf

    17. Re:Fanbois be quiet... by ericloewe · · Score: 1

      I've had microUSB connectors go through more than 1000 insertion/removal cycles, with no problems at all so far.

      They are no looser? The cable works exactly as well?

      I treat the cables gently and still have some fail on me (I use them for camera gear). Cheap connectors in devices often do not hold the cables well and get worse over time.

      My relatively old Nokia charger (which I've kept using because it supplies 1.2A, unlike most USB chargers) works just as well as it did on day one, going through at least one cycle per day, often two cycles or more. I also have a Nokia USB to microUSB cable that's been around just as long (though it hasn't seen nearly as much use), that I kept using because it has a sort of plastic cable holder, which is useful to keep it in a tidy shape. Both work perfectly.
      The charger was even crushed once (probably got stuck under some furniture) and had its locking tabs stuck, so it was loose inside the device's port. Still managed to fix it with a needle and it's still working perfectly.
      The devices themselves should see minimal wear, as it's the cable that locks, unlike USB and miniUSB, where the port locks.

      Just my experience with microUSB.

    18. Re:Fanbois be quiet... by cynyr · · Score: 1

      I've owned my current phone (HTC Glacier) for almost 2 years now. Every night i plug it in at my desk and every morning i unplug it by pulling on my phone so that the cord pops out. Still works with no issues (around 600 sets of plugs/unplugs).

      There might be a bit more wiggle, but no connectivity issues.

      --
      All of the above was encrypted with a Quad ROT-13 method. Unauthorized decryption is in violation of the DMCA.
    19. Re:Fanbois be quiet... by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

      I'm not talking about chargers though - all of the Apple USB chargers continue to work as well, being nearly indestructible. I'm just talking about the cables and micro-USB connectors (normal USB connectors I've not had any issues with wear, just the constant annoyance of often trying to plug them in the wrong way first).

      --
      "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
    20. Re:Fanbois be quiet... by ericloewe · · Score: 1

      Should've specified - the cable isn't removable, it's fixed to the charger itself. 3 years and going strong.

    21. Re:Fanbois be quiet... by Guspaz · · Score: 1

      It's certainly unfortunate that all the mobile vendors went down this path, but it's not an unreasonable provision in this sort of license. That said, the Apple license seems to be from 2008, before miniDP was made part of the DP v1.2 spec. I'm having trouble finding any information on the licensing situation for the full DP spec.

    22. Re:Fanbois be quiet... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Seriously, all that text and jaded opinion just to tell us that the only real advantage of the new connector is that you can turn it upside down? /picard facepalm

    23. Re:Fanbois be quiet... by SuricouRaven · · Score: 1

      On the other hand, the iPod dock connector (which this places) was not royalty free, and Apple only licensed it to accessory makers, not other phone manufacturers. My theory is that Apple wants to maintain a segregated accessory market - one set of accessories for iPhones, one for non-iPhone phones, and no way to use a phone with an accessory from the wrong family. That way a lot of the premium accessories are iPhone-exclusive.

      If you want to talk about connectors, the magsafe is a good one. Apple holds the patent to that, and won't license it to anyone else at all. Apple, and Apple alone, can use it. Thus there are no third-party chargers for macbooks.

  9. Thinness by Missing.Matter · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I still don't really understand the rationale behind the new connector. It seems the whole motivation for it was to make the iPhone thinner... which, I don't see as a real selling point at this point, especially given all the frustration with having to replace accessories or buy a new set of $30 adapters, and the fact that the iPhone 4s is really thin enough. As for simplicity, it really goes against the Apple aesthetic. One picture from the event made that evident.

    Meanwhile, the rest of the industry seems to be moving away from wires and toward wireless. Wireless payments, wireless charging, wireless audio, etc. with NFC and other related technologies. Apple is for some strange reason the last to adopt these innovations, and it will be a whole year before they come up with an answer. In the mean time, they're piling on connectors and dongles galore. It's very strange.

    1. Re:Thinness by MBCook · · Score: 1

      The old connector had a few problems. It was big and bulky, that's certainly true. But it also had a ton of extra pins that aren't needed. It supported USB, USB charging, Firewire, Firewire charging (not supported on the iPhone 4 and beyond), analog audio out, analog audio in, and composite and s-video out.

      In fact, that's one of the reasons for the $30 price. There are no analog out pins in the new connector. So those adapters have to include DACs to provide audio to whatever gets plugged in. If the adapter did nothing but charging and data it would probably be cheaper. I wonder how many adapters they'll end up selling. I need one for my car, but will many "normal" people bother to buy one?

      Remember that Apple has been using that connector for 8 or 9 years. It used to be common (before other makers went to micro-USB) for each new phone model to have a new connector, requiring new power adapters. The iPod/iPhone universe has kind of spoiled us.

      I would like wireless charging, I've wanted it ever since I saw the Palm Touchstone. Apple claims people are happy enough without it... it's not a big enough thing to stop me. Maybe having to set my phone down on a specific spot where I kept a special charging pad/device would annoy me. Since Nokia just put it in the new Lumia, I'm hoping it shows up later. There are also claims that NFC isn't in there because it would require a plastic back (less durable, feels cheaper) or an additional antenna.

      I will say the gizmo-nerd in me was really hoping for NFC. It seems so perfect for Passbook, I thought that alone might do it. If NFC ever catches on, I'm sure Apple will include it. I was hoping Apple would because I figured that would cause an explosion in adoption.

      --
      Comment forecast: Bits of genius surrounded by a sea of mediocrity.
    2. Re:Thinness by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I don't see as a real selling point at this point, especially given all the frustration with having to replace accessories or buy a new set of $30 adapters, and the fact that the iPhone 4s is really thin enough

      Don't worry, an Android phone will be released soon that's as thin or thinner, then you can come here and tell us how superior android devices are because they manage to be thinner than Apple's iPhone.

      As far as "simplicity" there is almost NO scenario where you will need the 30-pin to Lightning connector, except - perhaps - in a car stereo adapter kit (and even those are mostly using Bluetooth for connection these days (which the iPhone has supported for some time), so it'd just be for charging the device while you're in the car). The devices COME with a USB-to-Lightning cable in the box, so for just about any typical charging or connecting scenario, you'll simply use that cable.

    3. Re:Thinness by farble1670 · · Score: 1

      Apple is for some strange reason the last to adopt these innovations

      the just got LTE w/ the iphone 5. they still don't have NFC. that's just not how apple roles. they add features when they make sense for the masses, not for the hype. yeah i can't believe i just said that either, but when it comes to feature adoption, it's true.

    4. Re:Thinness by CodeheadUK · · Score: 1

      There are already a bunch of phones that are thinner than the iP5. http://www.webpronews.com/these-phones-are-thinner-than-the-iphone-5-2012-09 Personally I'd rather have more battery. Most people will chuck on an ugly bulky bumper case anyway.

    5. Re:Thinness by thegarbz · · Score: 1

      I still don't really understand the rationale behind the new connector. It seems the whole motivation for it was to make the iPhone thinner... which, I don't see as a real selling point at this point,

      My very thin iPod would like to ask, huh?

      Like really the iPod is half the width of the iPhone so somehow I don't think thickness was the deciding factor. It may have been a poor excuse for other reasons just like much of the world was not convinced that the reason the white iPhone4 was delayed was because it caused issues for the camera despite the camera being self contained, sealed, and surrounded by a bezel.

    6. Re:Thinness by Mia'cova · · Score: 1

      The only advantage I see (besides lockin/marketing) is that it could potentially be the only thin connector that is forward compatible to usb 3. As far as I know, there's no single port which can do micro usb 2.0 and 3.0. They release the iphone 5 with usb 2 but perhaps their next model needs faster data for some tasks. They can update to support usb 3 via their connector without having to change ports. While most manufacturers probably wouldn't consider it a big deal to switch to the new micro usb 3 port in the future, it would be hard for apple to build a huge accessory market if they didn't stick to a single connector for a reasonable amount of time.

    7. Re:Thinness by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Unreasonable profits is the ONLY reason for ANY proprietary connector. I'm just surprised they let the old one last this long before changing it.

    8. Re:Thinness by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I hope apple doesn't go fully wireless... having to buy their special air would just be another expense.

    9. Re:Thinness by tonique · · Score: 1

      Yeah, you'd have to buy those MacBook Airs to fill the space.

    10. Re:Thinness by c++0xFF · · Score: 1

      I was shocked they didn't update the Shuffle to use Lightning. Seemed like a perfect match to me. The real benefit isn't the thinness, but the smaller width. The Shuffle would be compatible with docks if they put this connector on.

    11. Re:Thinness by maccodemonkey · · Score: 1

      Meanwhile, the rest of the industry seems to be moving away from wires and toward wireless. Wireless payments, wireless charging, wireless audio, etc. with NFC and other related technologies. Apple is for some strange reason the last to adopt these innovations, and it will be a whole year before they come up with an answer. In the mean time, they're piling on connectors and dongles galore. It's very strange.

      Apple supports wireless sync just fine (and wireless video/streaming via AirPlay.) What Apple is not doing, however, is making assumptions that someone buying the device has these technologies at their disposal.

      I'd also like to see this wireless charging system you're talking about that doesn't at all involve a cord plugged into a wall.

    12. Re:Thinness by metaforest · · Score: 1

      I still don't really understand the rationale behind the new connector.

      ..and that is obvious from your comment.

      Using a Lightening port may have form factor considerations, but the key reason for using it is that it dramatically increases the available bandwidth (10Gb/s) and flexibility of the iDevice interface port.

      The way to think about Lightening is as a ePCI interface piped through a LVDS PHYS.
      It is signal compatible with Display Port/HDMI as well as being able to support docking stations with multiple I/O interfaces. This is something that is actually very difficult to do with the 30 pin interface because it only had a single USB OTG port and a dog's breakfast of analog / low-speed digital interfaces.

      What apple has done is push most of that 30 pins of crap to the external device where it belongs. Doing so frees up precious space on the iDevice that can be used to increase battery life, reduce parts count, and reduce the complexity of the iDevice motherboard.

      Do recall that Apple did this before with the iPod line when they went from a FireWire based docking port to a USB OTG based docking port so that they could support Wintel hosts* as well as more advanced external docking stations.

      While I dislike that Apple keeps the external interface developers on a very short leash, I expect to see a lot of excellent docking stations that make stuff like this:
      http://www.alesis.com/iodock
      look like a joke.

      TL;DR: There are a lot of really good reasons to go with Lightening. Good change is good.

      *(at the time few PC systems supported FireWire)

    13. Re:Thinness by dimeglio · · Score: 1

      So how do you connect your "wireless" charger(s) to the power outlet?

      --
      Views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the author.
    14. Re:Thinness by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The old connector was bigger than it needed to be and Apple wanted to be able to shift the headphone jack - thus keepinf all socketry at one end of the device.

      Granted, *any* connector smaller than the old Dock connector by the required amount would have done.

      As for all the wireless 'standards' mentioned, there have been funtionally equivalent implementations of all the above for some time. They just weren't adopted by ;. In fact I'm reasonably sure most showed up on feature phones or as 3rd party additions to feature phones, before the iPhone 1 first launched. So, the relevance of their current incarnations not being implemented by everyone *now* is...?

  10. My pet peeve... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    The proprietary connector, whether it's the old one or the new one, is the reason I don't buy Apple gadgets (although I do buy and love Apple's laptops). The recent development that all devices use microusb for charging is the best thing ever. I can charge my Kindle, cellphone, cordless mouse, and bluetooth hands-free, all with the same, omnipresent standard cable.

    A couple of years ago, I worked in a small desert town in Iran. I had forgotten to bring the Apple cord for my iPod Touch. I had any number of "normal" usb cords available, including micro and mini, but there was no place where I could get hold of an Apple cord. My iPod was useless. I can't believe they still haven't wised up to the idea of a standard connector.

    Certainly a pet peeve of mine. If it wasn't for the stupid connector, my awesome Macbook Pro would be connected to an iPhone right now, instead of to a Galaxy S3.

    1. Re:My pet peeve... by MobileTatsu-NJG · · Score: 4, Insightful

      My Galaxy Tab's cable looks similar to Apple's pre-Lightning cable.

      So are we ready to sharpen our pitchforks and light our torches at Samsung?

      --

      "I like to lick butts!" by MobileTatsu-NJG (#32700246) (Score:5, Informative)

    2. Re:My pet peeve... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I do have one issue with micro-usb however. They really should have made it agnostic to which side is up.
      USB in general is a fairly decent standard, but darn is it annoying trying to guess which way the contact goes.
      I suppose that would have made the receptible slightly more complex, but imo it would be well worth it.

      This is also why I like the TRS connectors used for audio. They are simple, easy to use, and generally gets
      th ejob they're supposed to do done. There's also a 4-contact TRRS version, which could in principle
      have been used for serial data + power, but I guess that would have been confusing, and maybe the contacts
      do not handle a large enough bandwidth or something.

    3. Re:My pet peeve... by Bing+Tsher+E · · Score: 1

      My Galaxy Tab has that connector, too. Bu there is a nice little adapter Samsung sells that plugs into it to provide a USB host connector. So combined with the micro-SD card, which most people stick semi-permanently in their android device for more storage, any generic USB thumb drive, or camera that acts as a drive,etc., can be plugged in for quick transfers.

      Its the opposite of how things work on Apple devices, which is to say it's practical convenient connectivity.

    4. Re:My pet peeve... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      funny thing, i have more ipod cables than micro-usbs.

      it all depends.

      a defacto standard is still a standard eh

    5. Re:My pet peeve... by MobileTatsu-NJG · · Score: 1

      So combined with the micro-SD card, which most people stick semi-permanently in their android device for more storage, any generic USB thumb drive, or camera that acts as a drive,etc., can be plugged in for quick transfers.

      My Tab does not have a micro-SD card or any other port. It certainly doesn't have Micro or Mini USB.

      Its the opposite of how things work on Apple devices, which is to say it's practical convenient connectivity.

      It's exactly how Apple does it. I have *one* cable I can charge my Tab with. I also haven't been able to update my Tab to ICS without Samsung's blessing until a month or so ago. So... pitchforks, right?

      --

      "I like to lick butts!" by MobileTatsu-NJG (#32700246) (Score:5, Informative)

    6. Re:My pet peeve... by queazocotal · · Score: 1

      There is another issue.
      It's essentially impossible to make a dock with a micro USB connector.
      if you tRy to slam it into a dock with even .5mm of error, the connector will snap off.

    7. Re:My pet peeve... by cheesybagel · · Score: 1

      I have a Galaxy Tab with a micro-SD card slot.

    8. Re:My pet peeve... by Guspaz · · Score: 2, Informative

      Your Samsung Galaxy S3 also doesn't have a standard connector. It has a wonderful proprietary 11-pin connector that they can't legally call micro USB.

    9. Re:My pet peeve... by MobileTatsu-NJG · · Score: 1

      Do you have the 10.1?

      --

      "I like to lick butts!" by MobileTatsu-NJG (#32700246) (Score:5, Informative)

    10. Re:My pet peeve... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      > The proprietary connector, whether it's the old one or the new one, is the reason I don't buy Apple gadgets (although I do buy and love Apple's laptops).

      So how do you charge your Macbook?

    11. Re:My pet peeve... by vovin · · Score: 1

      Your Samsung Galaxy S3 also doesn't have a standard connector. It has a wonderful proprietary 11-pin connector that they can't legally call micro USB.

      Huh?

      They why does my S3 charge fine from my old blackberry charger? It also charges fine when plugged to Motorola car charger.

      Weird.

    12. Re:My pet peeve... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Apple already did, and you cheered for Samsung. The fact that the cable looked almost exactly like a black iPhone cable was part of their design patent claims.

    13. Re:My pet peeve... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If it looks like a duck and charges like a duck...

    14. Re:My pet peeve... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      But can you charge it using any micro USB cable?

    15. Re:My pet peeve... by itsdapead · · Score: 1

      My Galaxy Tab has that connector, too. Bu there is a nice little adapter Samsung sells that plugs into it to provide a USB host connector.

      You mean, a bit like the nice little adaptor that Apple sells that plugs into the iPad to provide a USB host socket. To be fair, the OS doesnt support general external memory at all, so it's main purpose is loading photos from cameras, but it does work with some USB devices such as keyboards. Of course, Apple will now have to produce a new version of this...

      --
      In a survey of 100 programmers, 111111 thought that duck-typing was a good idea.
    16. Re:My pet peeve... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      In the EU it uses micro USB.

    17. Re:My pet peeve... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yup. But the fact is that he can charge it with the same cable. What they can "legally call" anything doesn't change that fact.

    18. Re:My pet peeve... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Shush! No explanations inside the church!

    19. Re:My pet peeve... by packslash · · Score: 1

      "(although I do buy and love Apple's laptops)." which have a proprietary connector. Apple's new connector is reversable and better than micro usb.

    20. Re:My pet peeve... by Guspaz · · Score: 1

      No, it doesn't. Samsung has a proprietary 11-pin MHL implementation built into the socket that puts it in violation of the microUSB spec.

    21. Re:My pet peeve... by Guspaz · · Score: 1

      ... then you'd better watch out when the duck starts asking you if you know John Connor.

    22. Re:My pet peeve... by Guspaz · · Score: 1

      My iPhone charges from my old Kindle charger. Funny that. I guess that means my iPhone has a standard full-sized USB connector, if your logic is sound.

    23. Re:My pet peeve... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Luckily it still works like it (for charging and other USB like tasks), and we aren't pedants.

    24. Re:My pet peeve... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Your Samsung Galaxy S3 also doesn't have a standard connector. It has a wonderful proprietary 11-pin connector that they can't legally call micro USB.

      I refuse to believe you are actually that stupid. Please stop clutching at pedantic straws.

      Samsung gets the point of standard connectors. You can plug a standard micro USB cable into a Samsung Galaxy S3 and use it to charge the phone from a standard micro USB charger.

      Apple does not get the point of standard connectors. You cannot plug a standard cable of any sort into an iPhone. You cannot charge an iPhone without a unique proprietary cable or an ugly, easily-lost adaptor.

      To claim that Samsung is as bad as Apple just because Samsung extended a standard (while maintaining full compatibility with all standard peripherals) is just being wilfully dense. Stop it.

    25. Re:My pet peeve... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      My Galaxy Tab's cable looks similar to Apple's pre-Lightning cable.

      So are we ready to sharpen our pitchforks and light our torches at Samsung?

      Your Galaxy Tab uses PDMI which is also a standard, albeit much less common than USB. So no, torches and pitchforks can stay on the shelf for now.

  11. Tough for the EU, tell them they can buy it 2014 by WillAffleckUW · · Score: 1

    The new adaptor is cheaper and more useable.

    But basically the EU can choose: either you get what comes out or you get to wait until 2014.

    Your choice.

    --
    -- Tigger warning: This post may contain tiggers! --
  12. lock in & license fees. by hxnwix · · Score: 5, Insightful

    If you invest in accessories for the new connector, you'll be less inclined to buy a non-Apple phone.

    Perhaps their connector has additional pins for HDMI, but they could have placed a real HDMI connector beside the USB connector for easy docking. Alternately, they could sell a dongle to pipe HDMI video out from USB2 as other manufacturers already do.

    But then they couldn't lock their customers in and charge exorbitant licensing fees for their connector.

    1. Re:lock in & license fees. by MBCook · · Score: 2

      They have actually said they will be selling Lighting to HDMI and Lightning to VGA adapters. I'm interested in finding out what the pinout is. I doubt it carries pins dedicated to HDMI. The adapters could be active devices. One of the reasons for the $30 and $40 cost on the adapters (besides "they can") is that they have DACs for audio, since the new connector doesn't have analog audio pins.

      --
      Comment forecast: Bits of genius surrounded by a sea of mediocrity.
    2. Re:lock in & license fees. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      But then they couldn't lock their customers in and charge exorbitant licensing fees for their connector.

      Yes, how dare a company try to make money.

    3. Re:lock in & license fees. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I have a Motorola Electrify that has exactly this.

    4. Re:lock in & license fees. by SecurityGuy · · Score: 1

      There's nothing wrong with them trying to make money. There's just also nothing wrong with us getting ticked off by it and some fraction of us choosing not to buy one as a result.

  13. Re:With great power... by travisco_nabisco · · Score: 1

    So you don't want your phone using the battery while it is sitting in a dock? That doesn't make any sense. The dock charges the battery so there no reason that a bit of extra processing will make a bit of a difference.
    Do you have any ideas for interesting application that the CPU cycles can be used for while it is sitting in said dock?

  14. Hyperbolie much? by rabtech · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Geez, nice hyperbolic story.

    First, Apple is keeping to the requirement by offering a micro-USB cable.

    Second, the reason they didn't use micro-USB is because it doesn't have the requisite number of pins. As we saw with Thunderbolt, the USB folks will *not* allow you to add non-standard pins to their connector.

    This connector must support at least 2 amps of charging for the iPad (in the future presumably). That puts micro-USB right out of the picture.

    It must also support digitally sending all the data necessary to support the 30-pin compatibility, including the upcoming HDMI and VGA adapters. Building any sort of intelligence into the cable or other end would require an actual USB interface chip and would require extending the USB specification in non-standard ways... not that you could push enough data on the 2 data pins to run a 720p HD display anyway, unless you piggy-backed some custom protocol on top of USB, then had some sort of hand-shake mode to figure that out... assuming the USB people didn't sue you for abusing their standard to begin with.

    The connector itself is far better designed than any USB connector ever; it is reversible and it has self-cleaning contacts, yet it is stronger than micro-usb.

    It's OK though; I expect a barrage of anti-Apple FUD every time they release a new device. I'm used to it by now. If you want a legit complaint, the price of the 30-pin adapters is ridiculous.

    --
    Natural != (nontoxic || beneficial)
    1. Re:Hyperbolie much? by bobbutts · · Score: 1
      The Micro-USB charger for the Nexus 7 is 2amps

      Tech Specs
      AC INPUT
      110V-240V
      DC OUTPUT
      5Vdc/2A

    2. Re:Hyperbolie much? by Anaerin · · Score: 1

      They offer a cable for sale, not included in the box, and it still means you can't use an Apple charger to charge any other device, which is the whole point of the standard. But that aside, given that the adapters/cables for Lightning->30 pin ALREADY have a chip in them for this, that point is moot. As for "Extending the USB specification in non-standard ways", how about the MHL standard, that Android phones have been using for some time now to output HDMI over MicroUSB. In fact, Samsung has got it down so well, you can charge your phone, access it's contents AND output HDMI at the same time over one MicroUSB connector.

    3. Re:Hyperbolie much? by Apotekaren · · Score: 1

      First, yes Apple is keeping to the requirement with the micro-USB adapter, but since no-one will be carrying it around, the iPhone 5 users will not get the advantage of just using a friends charger(especially now that their friend needs to have a Lightning-charger instead of the quite ubiquitous 30-pin).

      One link to refute your point on digital video:
      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_High-Definition_Link
      Uncompressend 1080i. Yup.

      --
      She: Hey, are you a traitor? Me: No, I'm atheist.
    4. Re:Hyperbolie much? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The trolls are out in force with mod points today. Why is this post being down-voted when it has far more factual information than the article. I suppose it's the fact that reality doesn't agree with the zealots.

    5. Re:Hyperbolie much? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I see the Google shills have mod points today. Nothing in your post is trolling, although the point about 2A current limitation was off.

      What I like about this is the strength of the connector. Micro USB absolutely sucks with angular force. So many people I know have charging problems with USB connectors.

    6. Re:Hyperbolie much? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      Sure, but the USB protocol doesn't allow negotiating to 2A. If it does, it cannot bear the USB logo. So, what you've described here is a non-standard proprietary connector that can only be fully utilized by a proprietary charger.

    7. Re:Hyperbolie much? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      They offer a cable for sale, not included in the box, and it still means you can't use an Apple charger to charge any other device, which is the whole point of the standard.

      Really? I have one charger on my desk, and about 3 more *in* my desk. All made over the last 3 years (only one made in the last year). I use the one charger for my iPhone, a WP7 device, a Sony Reader, and a few other things. The 3 in my desk can all do the same thing, but they tend to hog more of the power strip than I'd like, and one only delivers 500mA, while the others deliver 1A. All the devices output power via a standard type-A USB port. The one on my desk is an iPhone charger from 2 years ago. The ones in my drawer are bigger ones from the other devices that all included them.

      However, I do have two cables: one USB->iDevice cable and one microUSB cable. I could probably cut that down to one cable + adapter if I really wanted, but I get so many damn cables included with devices as it is, I have a drawer full of them.

      If the point of the standard was to do what you say, we wouldn't have had to do anything... the industry was already standardizing on USB port toting chargers which charge most anything as long as you have the right cable, and once the USB power standard settled down a bit (it was messy a few years ago when some chargers handshook, some didn't, etc). The problem is that we want some sort of standard smartphone connectivity for power, audio and video. Unfortunately, the EU only defined something for power, leaving the audio and video parts dangling in the wind and OEMs fighting over what it should look like. There's a couple promising standards emerging, but we are still stuck waiting to see what actually takes hold and becomes *the* defacto standard.

    8. Re:Hyperbolie much? by BasilBrush · · Score: 1

      it still means you can't use an Apple charger to charge any other device

      No it doesn't. As for most of the last decade, the Apple Charger has a USB port on it. It'll charge anything that charges via USB. Anything that'll plug into a PC USB port for example.

    9. Re:Hyperbolie much? by Guy+Harris · · Score: 1

      They offer a cable for sale, not included in the box, and it still means you can't use an Apple charger to charge any other device,

      Why does an Apple USB Power Adapter plus a USB Standard A to Micro-USB B cable not allow you to charge other devices that accept power from a Micro-USB B-Plug?

      which is the whole point of the standard.

      Well, half the point of the standard - the other half is allowing standard chargers to charge an Apple device.

    10. Re:Hyperbolie much? by viperidaenz · · Score: 1

      Try reading the USB charging specification 1.2. A dedicated charging port is allowed to supply 5A. No negotiation required. http://www.usb.org/developers/devclass_docs/BCv1.2_011912.zip

    11. Re:Hyperbolie much? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      They offer a cable for sale, not included in the box

      Wrong. The USB-to-Lightning cable is included in the box. The adapter, which converts a MicrosUSB plug to a Lightning plug, is NOT included in the box.

      You absolutely CAN use the Apple charger to charge any other device, and you absolutely CAN use the included USB-to-Lightning cable to charge your iPhone with any other standard USB charging device. If it has a standard powered USB plug, it will charge an iPhone with the cable that's included in the iPhone box, or a standard micro-USB cable with the adapter (purchased separately) attached to the Micro USB end of the cable..

      You keep repeating these blatant lies as if repeating them will make them true - it won't, it'll only succeed in making you look like a clueless twat.

    12. Re:Hyperbolie much? by dimeglio · · Score: 1

      Positive iPhone comments labelled trolls.

      What has /. become. Sad.

      --
      Views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the author.
  15. Jimmy Kimmel's take on the "new" iPhone 5 by nullchar · · Score: 5, Funny

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdIWKytq_q4

    Enjoy watching Apple fans "fall in love" with the "new" iPhone 5 !

    (Spoiler: they're all playing with an iPhone 4s, thinking it's the new iPhone 5)

    1. Re:Jimmy Kimmel's take on the "new" iPhone 5 by BasilBrush · · Score: 3, Insightful

      So most people is the street don't currently have even an iPhone 4S, but when they're given the chance to play with it they realise t's better in some ways that the phone they do have.

      The very last guy on the tape says he does currently have an iPhone 4S. But hey, you video people all day long and you're bound to find saying something that isn't true. Either because they are trying to impress, or because they just don't actually know the right answer.

      You want me to show you a YouTube video showing that Americans don't know where Australia is?

    2. Re:Jimmy Kimmel's take on the "new" iPhone 5 by nagasrinivas · · Score: 1

      Most did compare it with the old phone (lighter, faster, bigger). Some did have an iPhone too. But yeah - when hang out the whole day with a camera you can just choose to show iSheep.

    3. Re:Jimmy Kimmel's take on the "new" iPhone 5 by Dixie_Flatline · · Score: 1

      I cringed a bit and thought the piece was funny, but how many people did they have to interview for that clip? By the very nature of the show, you're only seeing the ones that are funny. If they'd done that to me, I'd've told them I knew they were lying. I bet most Android users would fall for the same sort of thing. By virtue of being the largest platform, they're going to capture a significant portion of people that just aren't that clever.

      Long story short: most consumers aren't like us.

    4. Re:Jimmy Kimmel's take on the "new" iPhone 5 by Tom · · Score: 1

      Then they aren't true Apple fans.

      If they were, they would
      a) own an iPhone 4 and could compare
      b) read all the news about the iPhone 5 and know it is taller

      Basically, anyone who has watched TV for a few hours knows that it is trivial to find a couple suckers on the street for even the dumbest things.

      --
      Assorted stuff I do sometimes: Lemuria.org
    5. Re:Jimmy Kimmel's take on the "new" iPhone 5 by Unipuma · · Score: 1

      Actually, if you watch the video, you see that these are people who compare it to the current version (which is also the 4S) and make up all kinds of things about it.
      Most of them state that it is better than the one they -have-, one of them even specifically says he has an iPhone 4S, and that this one (the supposed 5) is better.

      So yes, the video does indeed show current iPhone users being silly and not even noticing that they are holding the same phone that they already own, but still thinking it is faster, lighter, better.

    6. Re:Jimmy Kimmel's take on the "new" iPhone 5 by BasilBrush · · Score: 1

      Most of them state that it is better than the one they -have

      But not the iPhone 4S (or even iPhone) they have. Just the phone (of no stated type) they have. That MIGHT already have the 4S, but they don't say that. Except for the one person, that I already pointed out in my original post that you responded to.

      Oh, and since people are continuing to doubt the nonsense of drawing conclusions from vox-pops, here's the video showing Americans don't know where Australia is.
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hp4iI59BfpQ

  16. Slashdot, where it's oh-so-hip . . . by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Troll

    . . . to tell everyone else what to buy and what not to buy.

  17. I don't get the EU's stance on this.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Apple ships a generic USB charger. It has a USB A hole on one end and comes with a cable designed to convert that to whatever hole Apple put on the phone. If you want a microUSB plug end, just get a USB A - to microUSB cable and you're done with it. When you dispose of your iPhone, you're free to keep the generic USB charger and use it on your next iPhone, of Galaxy S12 or whatever. The only eWaste is the proprietary cable. Now granted, you can't use a microUSB charger with a captive USB cable on it to charge your iPhone, but I'd argue the captive cable problem is more wasteful than what Apple does.

    1. Re:I don't get the EU's stance on this.... by CanHasDIY · · Score: 1

      It has a USB A hole

      :D

      Late Friday afternoons, my maturity level drops significantly...

      --
      An enigma, wrapped in a riddle, shrouded in bacon and cheese
    2. Re:I don't get the EU's stance on this.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The EU is perfectly fine with what Apple does since the standard allows adapters. It's just the iHaters who whine.

  18. Misleading story, Apple complies by making adaptor by Master+Of+Ninja · · Score: 4, Informative

    This is just another misleading story - Apple actually has complied by providing an adaptor for charging. They specification that they are adhering to is the Common External Power Supply and allows the use of adaptors. They already have on for older type of dock connector. I suspect Apple has valid reasons as they want data transfer to be as fast as possible with their proprietary adaptors, but still allow micro-usb charging if people want it.

  19. Technically, Apple IS compliant. by fluffy99 · · Score: 5, Informative

    Technically, Apple IS compliant.

    From the agreement at http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise
    Undertaking 4.2.1 states that “if a manufacturer makes available an Adaptor from the Micro-USB connector of a Common EPS to a specific non-Micro-USB socket in the Mobile Phone, it shall constitute compliance”. Annex II futher states that “An EPS provided with a detachable cable shall be equipped with a USB Standard-A receptacle. Above requirement also applies to detachable cables used as adaptor i.e. where the Micro-B is replaced by a proprietary plug”

    Switching to just a micro-USB would have been stupid as you can't get analog audio or HD video through USB 2.0. Still I feel for all the people who've invested in accessories that use the standar Apple 30-pin. Expensive accessories like docks, iHome clocks, etc.

    1. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by Iniamyen · · Score: 2

      LOL, am I reading this correctly? Let me paraphrase:

      Compliance is using a standard, rather than proprietary, adapter*

      *Note: Instead of one standard adapter, using two proprietary adapters to emulate a single standard adapter, shall constitute compliance.

      What. The. Fuck.

    2. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by Coolhand2120 · · Score: 3, Informative

      Not sure if you knew this fluffy99, but the new connector doesn't support analog either. Also, it's proprietary, so it really fucks everyone good. Not sure if you enjoy watching everyone get fucked, but that's what proprietary connectors do. Besides, fluffy, what's wrong with digital audio and digital video? It's coming off a DAC anyhow, why not just avoid the generation loss that you would incur from unnecessarily converting it to analog?

    3. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by ericloewe · · Score: 3, Informative

      Switching to just a micro-USB would have been stupid as you can't get analog audio or HD video through USB 2.0. Still I feel for all the people who've invested in accessories that use the standar Apple 30-pin. Expensive accessories like docks, iHome clocks, etc.

      Analog audio is easily available from the 3.5mm jack they moved right next to the new dock connector. HD video is easily available through HDMI (mini or micro, both of which have cheap adapters to full-size HDMI) or MHL, which can be implemented in a microUSB connector. USB handles all other data you might need.

      As you see, there's no reason to use something proprietary, especially if you won't be supporting analog video out anymore.

    4. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      ....Still I feel for all the people who've invested in accessories that use the standar Apple 30-pin. Expensive accessories like docks, iHome clocks, etc.

      That sort of happened before; the physical connector did not change but all earlier ipods charged using the firewire power pins. When the phones came out (note sure if the original iPhone or the 3G were the first to do this) they switched to using the USB pins for charging. ALL the existing docks and power adapters would not work for charging newer devices after that change was made (some could still perform their main functions, audio, etc). So your phone would display a warning and would run down the charge while being used in the dock. We replaced an expensive clock dock as a result

    5. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by farble1670 · · Score: 1

      Switching to just a micro-USB would have been stupid as you can't get analog audio or HD video through USB 2.0

      MHL.
      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_High-Definition_Link

    6. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by Junta · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Switching to just a micro-USB would have been stupid as you can't get analog audio or HD video through USB 2.0. Still I feel for all the people who've invested in accessories that use the standar Apple 30-pin. Expensive accessories like docks, iHome clocks, etc.

      Actually, the new dock connector is said to eliminate analog audio anyway, so that's BS. Second, for USB speed, nothing says it can't be USB 3.0. Third, that's all a moot point to video, MHL devices do HDMI out out of a physical port that is micro usb compatible. In most cases, using the same pins as USB, but in the case of Galaxy S 3, through 6 additional pins that are accomodated without breaking micro usb mechanical compatibility.

      Apple's use of a proprietary connector is exactly because of one reason: because they can get away with it. It's part of their business plan, plain and simple. When they sell an iDevice, they don't take a loss, but they also endeavor to maximize ongoing revenue potential. One mechanism is by using a proprietary connector and forcing third party accessories to pay a license fee for the privilege of supporting iDevices. Bonus: vendors largely end up ignoring Android compatibility since they have to pick *either* Apple or other devices if they can only afford one device.

      It's a very anti-consumer move, plain and simple.

      --
      XML is like violence. If it doesn't solve the problem, use more.
    7. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by Guspaz · · Score: 1

      Except micro USB limits you to a single orientation (slashdot users might not care about that kind of thing, but my parents sure as hell do), and if you want something the same size as a lightning connector, micro USB limits you to 480 Mbps, which is pretty backwards-thinking.

    8. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by berashith · · Score: 0

      you forgot to end this comment with " so yeah, fuck apple"

    9. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by Guspaz · · Score: 2

      MHL is not USB (completely unrelated protocols/signaling with no commonlity), and MHL does not define any connector standard whatsoever. It's up to the implementer to decide what port to use; the convention (not standard, and not universal) is to use a standard micro USB connector, but doing that is actually a violation of the USB standard, which explicitly forbids doing exactly this (for the same reason they refuse to recognize eSATAp connectors).

      For all we know, Apple's new connector may support MHL.

    10. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by Solandri · · Score: 2

      Switching to just a micro-USB would have been stupid as you can't get analog audio or HD video through USB 2.0.

      So putting in an industry-standard micro-USB port, an industry-standard micro-HDMI port, and an industry-standard 3.5mm analog audio jack like other phones do is stupid. But combining them all into a proprietary port makes perfect sense?

    11. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by Mabhatter · · Score: 1

      Meaning you buy a small adapter and use mini-USB power you already have. Alternatively, the Lightening cable is just USB so most third parties have started making "compatible" equipment by putting standard USB on chargers.

      The joke is that even with using miniUSB, most chargers from other phones I have don't have the "handshake" or lately the power wattage requirements for modern phones. Unless you are buying iPad compatible 10W chargers most smartphones are pushing past most chargers you already have.

    12. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by tgibbs · · Score: 1

      Good that Apple has decided to go with a connector that preserves much of the functionality of the old connector, while providing the smaller form factor required by the new devices (with a micro-USB adaptor available for the European market, which ensures compliance with the standard).

    13. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by thegarbz · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Switching to just a micro-USB would have been stupid as you can't get analog audio or HD video through USB 2.0.

      Indeed this is a shortfall of USB. I propose we create a new technology one which is pin for pin compatible with USB devices and yet allows vendors to plug digital devices into the phones and tablets which then have the ability to convert to analogue. I imagine a device like this may cost all of $0.45 in bulk and can probably be purchased in a TSSOP package so the devices would not need to be any bigger since we fit these components in the same space as the old dock connector.

      I envision a kind of Universial Serial Bus which allows pretty much any functionality on the other end of the cable. We could attach better GPS receiver, better wireless devices, media converters, camera, card readers, laptops, mice, keyboard, video cards, TV tuners.

      I've even thought of a fancy name for this. We can call it USB-Host mode.

    14. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Not sure if you knew this fluffy99, but the new connector doesn't support analog either. Also, it's proprietary, so it really fucks everyone good. Not sure if you enjoy watching everyone get fucked,

      I am sorry, but this should be rated "Asshole", not "Informative". GP was explaining why Apple is (likely) compliant, not supporting their move. Nowhere in his post does fluffy99 express support for Apple's actions!

    15. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by farble1670 · · Score: 1

      i didn't say MHL was USB. MHL is a way to provide HD audio / video over a USB connector. the (obvious) point is that apple could have chosen to use micro USB connectors, and existing (proposed) standards like MHL to provide features on-top of USB.

    16. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by CODiNE · · Score: 4, Informative

      But can you put 10W over a micro-USB cable? If you charge an iPad over a normal USB plug it takes forever. The iPad power plug goes way over normal USB spec. Using their own connector means they can do crazy stuff like that without worrying about frying other devices it might plug into.

      I totally agree they overcharge though.

      --
      Cwm, fjord-bank glyphs vext quiz
    17. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by Bill_the_Engineer · · Score: 2

      Not sure if you enjoy watching everyone get fucked, but that's what proprietary connectors do.

      I love how people are supposedly getting fucked by a proprietary cable. Jeez it's a fucking cable. If you're so bent out of shape go get an adapter that allows you to use the micro-USB (I think it comes gratis with the phone in the EU).

      Personally I like the idea of not having to worry about plug orientation since my eye sight isn't getting better with age. I don't care what signals the cable may or may not have, and I think the vast majority of the people don't care either.

      My carrier doesn't have the iPhone, and I don't value the iPhone enough to change carriers. I'll settle with my Android phone (warts and all) and may get another one with wireless charging. I suggest you be happy with your choice of phone too.

      --
      These comments are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of my employer or colleagues...
    18. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by fluffy99 · · Score: 2

      The joke is that even with using miniUSB, most chargers from other phones I have don't have the "handshake" or lately the power wattage requirements for modern phones. Unless you are buying iPad compatible 10W chargers most smartphones are pushing past most chargers you already have.

      I've noticed this on the cheap Chinese made chargers that cost about a buck on eBay. They also tend to be overrated on amperage, as none of the 1amp ones I tested put out more than 600ma. One even melted down drawing 500ma. Get a decent brand or at least get one that claims to be iPad compatible.

    19. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by fluffy99 · · Score: 1

      But can you put 10W over a micro-USB cable? If you charge an iPad over a normal USB plug it takes forever. The iPad power plug goes way over normal USB spec. Using their own connector means they can do crazy stuff like that without worrying about frying other devices it might plug into.

      I totally agree they overcharge though.

      Technically you should not put 10W over a micro-usb connector as that's outside of the spec. USB 2.0 spec is 2.5watts and USB 3.0 is 4.5watts. I found most USB ports on new computers will deliver up to 1amp though.

    20. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by Guspaz · · Score: 2

      They could have, but micro USB isn't a terribly good connector, and MHL isn't a terribly good standard. They both have issues, some of which Lightning tries to address (how well it succeeds is yet to be determined). microUSB is also a dead-end connector seeing as how adopting it means being stuck with USB 2.0 speeds forever (microUSB 3.0 has a substantially larger connector that achieves backwards compatibility in the most braindead manner possible). While Lightning is only shipping with a USB 2.0 cable to start, that doesn't rule out using the same connector for USB 3.0 in the future, or perhaps something else entirely, if the device supports it.

    21. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Dude, don't use logic - you're throwing out the anti-innovation / anti-apple vibe.

    22. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by Guy+Harris · · Score: 1

      Technically, Apple IS compliant.

      From the agreement at http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise

      Said agreement being at http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/newsroom/cf/_getdocument.cfm?doc_id=5274.

    23. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by jrumney · · Score: 1

      iPhone is where they dropped Firewire charging altogether. Before that, iPods were able to charge off either USB or Firewire pins (with the latter deprecated) since before the iPod was really popular.

    24. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by Guy+Harris · · Score: 1

      LOL, am I reading this correctly? Let me paraphrase:

      Compliance is using a standard, rather than proprietary, adapter*

      *Note: Instead of one standard adapter, using two proprietary adapters to emulate a single standard adapter, shall constitute compliance.

      If you read the June 5, 2009 Memorandum of Understanding regarding Harmonisation of a Charging Capability for Mobile Phones, you see that:

      ...the Signatories:

      ...

      4.2 Undertake, subject to the satisfactory completion of the activities described in article 4.1, including successful standardisation as required, to ensure their Mobile Phones are capable of being charged at the Preferred Charging Rate by any EPS meeting the requirements of a Common EPS.

      So "compliance" means "[ensuring] that [your] Mobile Phones are capable of being charged at the Preferred Charging Rate by any EPS meeting the requirements of a Common EPS.", where "EPS" is "external power supply" and

      2.4 A ‘Common EPS’ is an EPS which meets the requirements of the specifications and standards which will be developed under article 4.1 and as may be revised under article 4.5.
      The specifications are expected to include:

      2.4.1 A Micro-USB B-Plug attached via a cable which delivers power to the device being charged.

      So this means that if you have a power supply that has a Micro-USB B-Plug, it should be possible to use the B-Plug to charge the phone. It doesn't say that the phone must have a B-Plug receptacle built into it; in fact, it explicitly says, in the section to which you're responding, that one way to accomplish this is to have an adapter that plugs into the phone and accepts a B-Plug.

      So, no, this doesn't "[use] two proprietary adapters to emulate a single standard adapter". It uses an adapter to plug into a proprietary connector and offer a standard socket, allowing you to charge an iPhone 5 with any external power supply that has a Micro-USB B-Plug.

      I think the EC could argue that Apple should bundle that adapter with all phones sold in the EU, although the MoU just says that Apple has to "make available" the adapter to comply.

      And, no, the MoU wasn't so broad as to be "aimed at reducing electronic waste resulting from mobile phone accessories." It was aimed at reducing electronic waste from a particular mobile phone accessory, namely the charger.

    25. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Why would you want analog audio on digital gadget which is going to convert it to digital anyway? Anything digital goes through even USB 1.0, just not realtime.

      If you meant realtime HD video can't get through USB 2.0, why should it be possible? It is just a phone.

    26. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by ericloewe · · Score: 1

      After using your device for one or two weeks, you have the process mechanized. Nobody ever complained that microUSB or Apple's dock connector didn't go in both ways, but if Apple suddenly gives everyone an excuse to be lazy, damned be standards and all other concerns, we can plug it in upside down!

      Also, microUSB 3.0 is only slightly larger than the standard port and is backwards compatible. Considering phones have a pretty hard time staurating USB 2.0, it's not much of a concern, either.

    27. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by zyzko · · Score: 1

      This is hilarious. On the first dock connector it was analog audio that was soooo important that it justified the dock connector no one else uses (or can use). Before that it was FireWire and USB connectivity on the same connector.

      It can be only inserted in single orientation. And you can't tell the difference by looking at the connector (it seems like it could go in both ways, you have to spot the logo on the connector to know which way is up).

      *Now* that Apple dropped the analog signals it is all about lack of "single orientation".

      Yes, micro USB sucks if your eyesight is poor. The ability to plug the connector "both ways" is a good thing. But justifications to use proprietary connectors should be better than just using the current "must have" feature while ignoring that the "must have" feature changes when Apple decides that it is time to change...mindboggling.

    28. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by c++0xFF · · Score: 1

      The micro USB 3 connector is capable of 30V, 1.5A (45W). It's just that the specification limits to 5V 900mA. There's nothing that prevents a manufacturer from making a 10W USB 3 charger, as long as the device stays within limits otherwise.

    29. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by jittles · · Score: 1

      Yes, yes you can. Why the NExus 7 comes with a 2A 5V USB to 110V adapter and charges via microUSB. SO does the HP Touchpad. I haven't seen any problems with burned out cables, fires, or other issues.

    30. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by jittles · · Score: 1

      Except that even cell phones charge at 5W. Every HTC, Motorola, and other microUSB android phone I have seen uses 1A at 5V to charge when you use the wall-plug. Even my desktop motherboard outputs up to 5W over USB 2.0

    31. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by Guspaz · · Score: 1

      Micro USB also sucks if you want to support anything faster than USB 2.0 in the future. There is a micro USB 3.0 connector, but it's a joke, the same width as a full-sized USB 3 connector with a bizarre dual-socket thing going on.

    32. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by Guspaz · · Score: 1

      Umm, I complained about microUSB not going in both ways. I'm constantly trying to plug the cable into my Kindle upside down, and that cable is constantly falling out.

      As for microUSB 3.0, are you seriously saying that it's not bad because microUSB 3.0's connector is only slightly larger than full-sized USB? Doesn't that defeat the whole purpose of the "micro" part there? About the only thing positive you can say about it is that it's thinner than a standard USB connector. It's a joke of a connector; instead of adding additional pins to a standard microUSB port, as Samsung did, they went and made something that positively screams "worst compromise from a committee".

    33. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by ericloewe · · Score: 1

      I understood your complain and dismissed it as something easily mechanized.

      As for microUSB 3.0, I meant that its connector is only slightly larger than the microUSB 2.0 connector. The design seems somewhat rushed, I'll give you that, but then again, we're nowhere near needing USB 3.0 for phones, so there's still hope for a better connector

    34. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by dimeglio · · Score: 1

      Interesting. Sounds like a half-handed measure. People should blame government then and not Apple.

      Also, I'm certain there will be iPhone 5 adapters to fit on the older docking connectors. It's not going "junk" all previous accessories.

      --
      Views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the author.
    35. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by dimeglio · · Score: 1

      This was in 2009 so based on phones from 2007 and 2008. This is a seriously outdated agreement given how fast smartphone industry moves.

      I would probably give Apple kudos, re: the environment, for releasing software which remains mostly compatible with their previous smartphones. I'm sure you'll find less iPhones in landfills compared to other phones released around the same time - proportional to their sales volume of course.

      --
      Views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the author.
    36. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by ktappe · · Score: 1

      Not sure if you knew this fluffy99, but the new connector doesn't support analog either. Also, it's proprietary, so it really fucks everyone good. Not sure if you enjoy watching everyone get fucked, but that's what proprietary connectors do.

      They also advance standards. Micro-USB has many failings compared to the new connector. New things are good, not "fucked", CoolHand. I think the new connector is pretty cool. The only thing wrong is Apple charging $29 for an adaptor. That part is indefensible.

      --
      "We can categorically state we have not released man-eating badgers into the area." - UK military spokesman, July 2007
    37. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by fluffy99 · · Score: 1

      Interesting. Sounds like a half-handed measure. People should blame government then and not Apple.

      Also, I'm certain there will be iPhone 5 adapters to fit on the older docking connectors. It's not going "junk" all previous accessories.

      I can see some adapters being made, but consider the Apple one is at least 3/4" long and you start to wonder if it will physically stay in the dock. Also, their adapter does not bring analog audio out which is used by a large number of accesories like iHome clocks. No analog video either.

      Still, I can understand why Apple chose not to go backwards with a USB 2.0 connection as the only connector and adding an additional connection works against their goal of lighter and thinner.

    38. Re:Technically, Apple IS compliant. by denelson83 · · Score: 1

      I totally agree they overcharge though.

      "Overcharge" as in money or as in electricity? :

  20. Apple moving heavily into wireless by SuperKendall · · Score: 2

    Wireless payments, wireless charging, wireless audio, etc. with NFC and other related technologies.

    Apple has adopted Bluetooth LE (as have other companies) which allow all those things to occur. NFC is not required for any of those things.

    Furthermore Apple instead of providing NFC, has a much more practical means (for the U.S.) of electronic payment in Passbook. There's almost no NFC support in the U.S..

    Apple of course also heavily promotes AirPlay, which is quite wireless...

    In the mean time, they're piling on connectors and dongles galore. It's very strange.

    They are not "piling on" anything. They fully support Bluetooth LE as noted, they are simply changing out a connector standard for something more modern. Who would not prefer to have charging and video output options that all come out of a single port? It also allows for faster charging than you could have if you simply support USB, important for tablets.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
    1. Re:Apple moving heavily into wireless by R3d+M3rcury · · Score: 1

      Actually, I have to admit one thing about NFC that has nothing to do with payments but I think is pretty cool.

      Bumping Phones.

      There's a Samsung ad that demonstrates this. I take a picture of the group. I then go and touch each phone with my phone and you have the picture. Doink. Done. No syncing with The Cloud and having people subscribe to my photo stream or any of that. No "pairing phones" over Bluetooth. Bump. There's the picture. Done.

      Now it's an ad, I will grant you, and "Lies, Damned Lies, and Advertising" apply. So perhaps in practice it isn't that simple. It might also be a Samsung thing, so it won't work with my friend's Droid.

      But, in theory, the sheer simplicity is appealing.

      Samsung has some very slick stuff in the Samsung Galaxy S3 software. Things like what I mentioned. Things like not dimming the screen if you're looking at it. Very "Apple" ideas.

    2. Re:Apple moving heavily into wireless by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

      I then go and touch each phone with my phone and you have the picture. Doink. Done.

      Also easily possible with Bluetooth LE. Or indeed even without Bluetooth, there was (probably still is) an app called Bump on iOS that let you share contacts exactly this way - you ran bump on both, bumped them, and voila the contacts were sent. It used the position and identical accelerometer readings to know who was exchanging...

      Bluetooh LE is REALLY simple. It's what Bluetooth should have been all along and is a lot more flexible than NFC.

      --
      "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
    3. Re:Apple moving heavily into wireless by jrumney · · Score: 1

      NFC is very slow for transfering data (that is not its intention). The transfer is being done over either Bluetooth or WiFi Direct, NFC is just used to authenticate each end. There is an app for both iOS and Android called Bump that can do this without NFC, merely using Bluetooth field strength and the sensors in the phone to detect when the phones are touched together.

    4. Re:Apple moving heavily into wireless by viperidaenz · · Score: 1

      Bluetooth LE doesn't support wireless charging. No current systems allow Bluetooth LE to pay for things. I does do wireless audio though. 1 out of 3 isn't bad. There is already a bunch of NFC equipped phones in my country that allow wireless payments http://www.2degreesmobile.co.nz/touch2pay

    5. Re:Apple moving heavily into wireless by Bob+The+Cowboy · · Score: 1

      I see plenty of credit card machines at stores which support NFC payment. Sure, you probably won't see it in Kansas, but in my neighborhood in San Diego, California its not uncommon at all.

    6. Re:Apple moving heavily into wireless by AmiMoJo · · Score: 1

      Apple has adopted Bluetooth LE (as have other companies) which allow all those things to occur.

      Except no-one supports Bluetooth LE for wireless payments. We have NFC for that.

      Furthermore Apple instead of providing NFC, has a much more practical means (for the U.S.) of electronic payment in Passbook.

      Are you kidding? Passbook is a joke, there have been any number of identical apps available on Android and I imagine on iOS for years. All it does is display bar codes. You can't use it to pay for stuff like with NFC, you can't swipe your way onto the subway or buy your groceries. You can't use it to transfer data like contacts or photos between phones without mucking around with Bluetooth passcodes or USB either.

      Passbook is a lame attempt to make up for the lack of NFC. Maybe in the US you can get by without it but the rest of the world is moving forwards. It has been a major disappointment here in Japan, where most smart phones have had NFC for a years now and it is widely accepted. It is a major selling point of phones because apart from the convenience it allows workers to easily itemize their spending to claim it back on expenses, and lots of games use it.

      --
      const int one = 65536; (Silvermoon, Texture.cs)
      SJW, n: "Someone I don't like, and by the way I'm a fuckwit" - AC
    7. Re:Apple moving heavily into wireless by AmiMoJo · · Score: 1

      Hit reply too soon...

      Who would not prefer to have charging and video output options that all come out of a single port? It also allows for faster charging than you could have if you simply support USB, important for tablets.

      Micro USB supports full HD video. My Galaxy S III has it. Digital audio as well.

      The micro-USB spec rates the connector at a minimum of 1.8A, but that is the minimum and there is no reason why they couldn't make an up-rated version to hit the only slightly higher 2A required by the iPad.

      The only reasons they have a special connector are to limit who can make accessories and tax them, and to screw you every time you need to buy one. There is no technical reason for not using USB.

      --
      const int one = 65536; (Silvermoon, Texture.cs)
      SJW, n: "Someone I don't like, and by the way I'm a fuckwit" - AC
  21. "Apple Only Accessories" by BoRegardless · · Score: 1

    If it is a "bad deal", Apple's competitors will eat the "Apple" marketshare up.

    I can see the need to modernize connectors and to present the best you can to give long term value to customers over a long time period, just like the prior connector.

    The future iPhones will break traditions again and people will keep saying "but it isn't like other smartphones."

    The only thing needed is to answer customer needs. For me that is lighter, smaller, more adaptable to varying use conditions.

  22. Wrong, ships with adaptor in EU by SuperKendall · · Score: 5, Informative

    I have to make a correction here. Apple doesn't SUPPLY the adapter, but it does make one available for you to BUY

    In the EU they DO ship with a Lightning->MicroUSB port.

    You are probably thinking about the U.S., where it does NOT ship with a Lightning->iPod 30-pin adaptor. But it does ship with a Lightning->USB cable to connect to any standard USB port... if you can connect to a standard USB port already does it matter so much if there's an adaptor? It's mostly for accessories.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
    1. Re:Wrong, ships with adaptor in EU by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      In the EU they DO ship with a Lightning->MicroUSB port.

      Do you have a source for this? Everything I've seen says you have to pay money for the adaptor and that Apple aren't making it available for purchase in the US.

    2. Re:Wrong, ships with adaptor in EU by cheesybagel · · Score: 1

      Actually from what I heard in the US you can't even buy the adapter. In the UK it is optional and you must pay to get one.

    3. Re:Wrong, ships with adaptor in EU by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Wrong. They do not ship with the lightning to microUSB adapter. Maybe you should go take a look in the webstore from apple and see on the specification page what is in the box. There is no lightning to microUSB adapter mentioned:

      http://www.apple.com/uk/iphone/specs.html
      http://www.apple.com/fr/iphone/specs.html

    4. Re:Wrong, ships with adaptor in EU by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

      From what I had read before I thought Apple was required to ship the adaptor by law, otherwise what's the point of the standard if it doesn't come standard?

      I could be wrong on this though, the other poster that posted the specs from the UK and France sure does not list it as included.

      --
      "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
    5. Re:Wrong, ships with adaptor in EU by AmiMoJo · · Score: 1

      It matters if you want to use non-Apple chargers, or the same charger with a micro-USB connector that you use on other devices. That was the whole point of the EU's push for a standard.

      --
      const int one = 65536; (Silvermoon, Texture.cs)
      SJW, n: "Someone I don't like, and by the way I'm a fuckwit" - AC
  23. Re:With great power... by Jerslan · · Score: 3, Informative

    Dock's weren't the only accessory that used that connector. Example: I have a dongle for connecting to Ant+ sensors (Heart-Rate, Cadence, Stride, etc..). That's not going to charge it while consuming the extra power.

  24. A comment from the article by SternisheFan · · Score: 3, Informative

    Someone posted some interesting points in the linked article, I've pasted it here. ( Don't shoot the messenger who is an android fan.) Discuss... *** “Apple has reneged on that commitment to the European Commission to change to micro-USB”. This is simply false. Undertaking 4.2.1 states that “if a manufacturer makes available an Adaptor from the Micro-USB connector of a Common EPS to a specific non-Micro-USB socket in the Mobile Phone, it shall constitute compliance”. —http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise... Annex II futher states that “An EPS provided with a detachable cable shall be equipped with a USB Standard-A receptacle. Above requirement also applies to detachable cables used as adaptor i.e. where the Micro-B is replaced by a proprietary plug” —http:// ec.europa.eu/enterprise... Apple’s decision not to use a Micro-USB connector is in keeping with the agreement, as they also offer a Micro-USB to Lightning adaptor. Their charger also appears to be a common EPS, so that any USB-A to Micro-USB cable can be used with it to charge any other compliant phone; and the iPhone 5 can be charge from any other common EPS with a detachable cable (i.e. with a USB-A port, as per the standard."

    1. Re:A comment from the article by Guy+Harris · · Score: 1

      Someone posted some interesting points in the linked article, I've pasted it here. ( Don't shoot the messenger who is an android fan.) Discuss... *** “Apple has reneged on that commitment to the European Commission to change to micro-USB”. This is simply false. Undertaking 4.2.1 states that “if a manufacturer makes available an Adaptor from the Micro-USB connector of a Common EPS to a specific non-Micro-USB socket in the Mobile Phone, it shall constitute compliance”. —http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise...

      Here's a URL for the MoU that replaces "..." with something actually useful, and is an actual link to boot - http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/newsroom/cf/_getdocument.cfm?doc_id=5274.

      Annex II futher states that “An EPS provided with a detachable cable shall be equipped with a USB Standard-A receptacle. Above requirement also applies to detachable cables used as adaptor i.e. where the Micro-B is replaced by a proprietary plug” —http:// ec.europa.eu/enterprise...

      Here's a URL for Annex II that replaces "..." with something actually useful, and is an actual link to boot - http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/newsroom/cf/_getdocument.cfm?doc_id=5272.

      Apple’s decision not to use a Micro-USB connector is in keeping with the agreement, as they also offer a Micro-USB to Lightning adaptor. Their charger also appears to be a common EPS,

      Section 2 "DC Plug Connector Specification" of Annex II says "Standard detachable cable assembly, supplied for use with the EPS, shall have Standard-A and Micro-B plugs...". Does Apple provide such a cable standard with the Apple USB Power Adapter? If not, maybe they can still squeak past

      4.3 Undertake, subject to the satisfactory completion of the work described in article 4.1, to ensure that each EPS equipped with a Micro-USB connector placed by them on the market for use with Mobile Phones is a Common EPS.
      For the avoidance of doubt, this MoU does not preclude the supply of an EPS which has a specific non-Micro-USB connector provided the Mobile Phone with which it is intended to be used can also be charged with a Common EPS under Article 4.2.

      in the MoU by not placing any external power supplies equipped with a Micro-USB connector on the market and ensuring that the iPhone 5 can be charged with a Common EPS (which it can, with the Lightning-to-Micro-USB adapter).

    2. Re:A comment from the article by youn · · Score: 1

      yes, you can find a lot of technical details how they appear to comply and in a way I understand apple likes their innovation but seriously, why can't they make a standard usb cable like all the other manufacturers... imagine if all outlets in homes were slightly different? Standards are good. The EU has a valid point.

      --
      Never antropomorphize computers, they do not like that :p
  25. They do have an adapter available by brokeninside · · Score: 2

    The question is if all of the older accessories will work with the adapter. If they do, the main thrust of this complaint is misguided. If they don't, then it's spot on.

    1. Re:They do have an adapter available by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Unless you realise that millions of tonnes of electronic waste could have been avoided If apple could actually adhere to what they agreed instead of forcing people to buy countless new cables and adapters by introducing yet another closed system.

  26. One new connector form factor every ten year by Brannon · · Score: 1

    seems pretty reasonable to me--it's not like apple is changing it every year.

    1. Re:One new connector form factor every ten year by c++0xFF · · Score: 1

      To me, its not the change that's the problem, it's the change to yet another proprietary connector. If you're going to inconvenence your customers, at least do the right thing and go to something standard. "But it's reversible!" isn't good enough excuse.

  27. lol u mad android losers? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    whats the matter? can't trade your foodstamps for a new adapter?

    1. Re:lol u mad android losers? by SternisheFan · · Score: 1

      whats the matter? can't trade your foodstamps for a new adapter?

      You go to school to be an a-hole, or does it come natural to you? See, THAT's exactly the "Superior" attitude a lot of iPhone owners are famous for. A lot of overpriced luxury car owners too. If all you have about you that says "I'm superior to others" is a hunk of plastic phone in your hand, then you have my pity. Some people in this world really think that they are better than others because they 'own' more. They're sad. You come into this life with nothing and you leave with nothing but your life's deeds. I hope someday you "get it." Try not to be a jerk all your life.

    2. Re:lol u mad android losers? by BasilBrush · · Score: 1

      Don't be so easily trolled. That's an AC, and not necessarily an iPhone owner.

    3. Re:lol u mad android losers? by SternisheFan · · Score: 1

      Don't be so easily trolled. That's an AC, and not necessarily an iPhone owner.

      Right, thanks. I'm still in the learning phase of how /. works.

  28. Micro USB sucks by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I used micro usb for 3 years until I switched to the iphone and hated the micro-usb. Doesn't fit tight, always had bad connections, only fits one way, etc.

    If Apple's new connector has a more snug fit, doesn't loose any features from the 30pin connector and fixes the other things then I am all for it. It sucks that the old iphone connector is going away, but if they are going to make things smaller then the connector has to be smaller as well. Heck the 30 pin connector has been around for how many years!

    To follow standards I first thought the same they should use the micro-usb then I thought how much I hated it and hoping the new Apple connector will fix its weaknesses then who cares. I'm sure third parties will make the cables as well and will be cheap instead of having to buy the $30 apple ones so no big deal here.

    But i'm sure the anti-Apple crowd will stir up a huge debate over the issue.

    1. Re:Micro USB sucks by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      yeah, i have an android tablet with microusb the shit is retarded half the time you trying to plug it in upsidedown because it's tiny and if you try and plug it in in a dark room its always shitty and also it won't hold the weight of my tablet so if i leave it hanging off the connecter it could fall and drop. micro usb might be cool for really tiny mp3 players like the sansa clip but for phones or tablets it's shit.

    2. Re:Micro USB sucks by SternisheFan · · Score: 1

      yeah, i have an android tablet with microusb the shit is retarded half the time you trying to plug it in upsidedown because it's tiny and if you try and plug it in in a dark room its always shitty and also it won't hold the weight of my tablet so if i leave it hanging off the connecter it could fall and drop. micro usb might be cool for really tiny mp3 players like the sansa clip but for phones or tablets it's shit.

      So, put a dot of whiteout on the "up" side off the plug and treat all electrical devices with more care. FTFY.

    3. Re:Micro USB sucks by Mia'cova · · Score: 1

      My cables look like this:

      ||
      |\
      | |

      Since the connector on my phone is at the top left and I know which way the notch goes, I almost never get it backwards. It's muscle memory at this point.

    4. Re:Micro USB sucks by youn · · Score: 1

      Come on man, it's not that hard... I believe in you, One day, you too can learn to plug it in the dark just like the other billions of people who do it almost every day :)

      --
      Never antropomorphize computers, they do not like that :p
  29. Re:With great power... by travisco_nabisco · · Score: 1

    Ah thanks for the clarification, I had forgotten about that type of add-on accessory.

  30. Chinese copper stockpile by istartedi · · Score: 1

    There's a stockpile of copper in China. Somebody has to use it. Trouble is, I don't think there's going to be anywhere near as much copper going into these connectors as went into all the empty skyscrapers they built.

    --
    For all intensive purposes, "whom" is no longer a word. That begs the question, "who cares"?
  31. Re:Misleading story, Apple complies by making adap by ericloewe · · Score: 0

    I suspect Apple has valid reasons as they want data transfer to be as fast as possible with their proprietary adaptors, but still allow micro-usb charging if people want it.

    That one made me laugh! So, adding a weird plug makes USB go faster?

  32. HTC mini usb by luigi517 · · Score: 1

    I think it's interesting to note that htc developed a 12 pin connector compatible with standard mini usb cables and their connector, yet apple, who is supposed to be the father of all things innovative has to create a whole new proprietary connector to get 8 pins. http://pinouts.ru/images/htc_headset.gif

  33. Now they're trolling you by gelfling · · Score: 1

    Soon they're gonna make you buy an iVan der Graaf iGenerator

  34. Re:With great power... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Dock's weren't the only accessory that used that connector. Example: I have a dongle for connecting to Ant+ sensors (Heart-Rate, Cadence, Stride, etc..). That's not going to charge it while consuming the extra power.

    Huh? Consuming what extra power? Did you forget what was being discussed here, or does your Heart-Rate monitor play back music?

  35. They do it on purpose by kawabago · · Score: 1

    They get a cut of everything you buy for an apple device so there is a huge incentive for Apple to make a new proprietary connector for each edition of it's products. If you keep buying Apple, you're a fool throwing money down a bottomless Apple pit.

    1. Re:They do it on purpose by BasilBrush · · Score: 1

      And yet Apple have use the same proprietary connector for the last decade. Whilst all other manufacturers have gone through several different ones.

      Who's the fool?

  36. Re:With great power... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    Tell, me, please, where you got the idea the Apple's proprietary royalty-laden connector requires no CPU time to decode input...

  37. compliance by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The solution for the EC is simple, if they really aren't compliant.
    They just have to recall at apple's expense all non-compliant devices, and 3 party adaptors, and make apple replace them all.

    Problem solved.

  38. I thought Apple got an exemption? by roc97007 · · Score: 1

    I could be wrong (if so someone is sure to tell me) but I'm pretty sure Apple got an exemption from that European rule.

    --
    Oliver's law of assumed responsibility: If you're seen fixing it, you will be blamed for breaking it.
  39. Re:Misleading story, Apple complies by making adap by roc97007 · · Score: 1

    > I suspect Apple has valid reasons as they want data transfer to be as fast as possible with their proprietary adaptors, but still allow micro-usb charging if people want it.

    Yeahhhh.... my BS detector just blew a circuit breaker. I hate it when that happens.

    --
    Oliver's law of assumed responsibility: If you're seen fixing it, you will be blamed for breaking it.
  40. That standard is/was about CHARGERS by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Go back and reread this with open eyes, folks. The EU standard is about charging.
    Do none of you remember the last 10 years where you had custom chargers? And even if it was USB port SHAPED, you had to still have proprietary charger to "activate" it? ( here's looking at you Motorola )

    Apple has ALWAYS been compliant with this. Since the ipod days even... ( post firewaire anyway ) You don't have to use their charger to charge their devices.
    You can plug it into any USB charger.

    And now Apple is still compliant with this standard. The iPhone 5 comes with a USB charging cable.
    Done and Done. Get over yourself.

    1. Re:That standard is/was about CHARGERS by jrumney · · Score: 1

      Apple's chargers are not compliant with the USB charging standard. They use a specific resistance across the data pins to identify as capable of high current charging, while the USB charging standard mandates shorted data pins for this purpose. Also, there are two variants of high current charger - 1A for the original iPhone, and 2.1A for iPads and iPhone 4 and later. The USB spec is 1.5A, which is the maximum current that a USB plug is designed to carry.

    2. Re:That standard is/was about CHARGERS by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You are mistaken, the USB Charging Spec permits up to 5A for dedicated charging and downstream both:
      http://kinetis.pl/sites/default/files/BC1.2_FINAL.pdf ( page 44 )

      And I can personally verify that you don't need Apple's charger for the iPad. I've used the charger that came with my HP touchpad to charge my wife's Ipad2 many times. And vice versa... I've charged my HP touchpad and my Droid incredible off of the ipad charger.

      So I don't know what your beef is.

    3. Re:That standard is/was about CHARGERS by jrumney · · Score: 1

      You are reading the wrong figures. The charger must shut off the current before it reaches 5A, which Note 1 says is for safety reasons. Allowed PD Current Draw from Charging Port is 1.5A (7th row in the table on page 44).

  41. Re:Tough for the EU, tell them they can buy it 201 by cheesybagel · · Score: 1

    If I was the Commissioner in charge of this I would slap Apple with a fine and force them to give a free adapter to everyone which has an Apple phone.

  42. Kimmel "iPhone5" bit on YouTube by SternisheFan · · Score: 1, Funny

    Jimmy Kimmel passed off an iphone4 as an iphone 5 to get reactions from the street, hilarious! http://www.youtube.com/watch?nomobile=1&v=rdIWKytq_q4

  43. Re:With great power... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    maybe in the future it will convert body energy into battery charging?

  44. Boo Fucking Hoo by Sandor+at+the+Zoo · · Score: 1

    If you don't like it, don't buy one. It's that simple.

    For actual reasons why Apple didn't go with a micro-USB connector, check out Boom.

    People keep asking why Apple didn’t opt for the micro-USB connector. The answer is simple: that connector isn’t smart enough. It has only 5 pins: +5V, Ground, 2 digital data pins, and a sense pin, so most of the dock connector functions wouldn’t work – only charging and syncing would. Also, the pins are so small that no current plug/connector manufacturer allows the 2A needed for iPad charging.

  45. Missed Opportunity by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    If the UEC had any willpower they would ban the import of the Iphone5 and sue Apple for breach of contract. But we all know that won't happen. Evil will always triumph because good is dumb.

  46. Re:Tough for the EU, tell them they can buy it 201 by BasilBrush · · Score: 1

    Yes, well thankfully being a commissioner doesn't actually allow you to do whatever you damn well please. Apple's adapter solution is specifically allowed for in the MOU.

  47. Re:Misleading story, Apple complies by making adap by BasilBrush · · Score: 2

    Lightning to Lightning may well be faster. Which may prove useful in the future as Lightning peripherals come along.

  48. Then the iPhone meets that goal by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    The goal is that in the long term "everyone" has a whole bunch of micro-USB chargers at home

    Then the iPhone is already on target. It ships with a USB charger into which you can plug ANY USB cable. The Apple Lightning cable is only proprietary at one end, on the other end it's a standard USB cable for connecting to a computer or charger.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
  49. Apple stuff is more environmentally friendly. by beltsbear · · Score: 1

    Apple stuff is more environmentally friendly because it is re-used, repaired and re-purposed much more often then android equipment. With the large numbers of each Apple iPhone made there are larger stocks of replacement parts. If a screen breaks on a HTC phone you have to pay more for that part if you can find it at all, on iPhone they are readily available. People do not often throw them out or toss them in a drawer till they are trash... they sell them or give them away and they find another life. I have not tossed a single iPhone nor do I know anyone who has. I know of people with hold phones like the g1 and the Samsung captivate that just are not worth dealing with as used. Have an old Apple 30 pin adapter? I bet you know a ton of people who could use it. If not only the cable is wasted, the charging block is good for any USB device.

  50. Android devices come with cables, where is savings by drnb · · Score: 1

    Yes, new items will increase waste (old items), increase production of new items (emissions), and cause problems for the consumer (multiple cables). So... unless you have some magical idea that will remove all of this, it will harm the environment.

    And what Android devices do not come with a cable, expecting you to reuse your old cable. So an iOS device comes with a cable and an Android devices comes with a cable. Same waste (old items), same increased production (emissions). It seems the only real criticism is needing multiple cables for people who own both platforms.

  51. GOOD APPLE ! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    just because some eurobureaucrats decide so it doesnt mean it makes any sense ! Just look at the mess Europe is now ! JUST THANKS to stupid decisions like imposing absurd regulations instead of letting the free market and best of breed technology prevail. Another blalantly stupid Eurobureaucratic law states that electric plugs adaptors should all be shucko, possibly THE worst, most wasteful plug type ever invented, but of course it's designe in Germay so must be good , right ?

  52. Fuck Slashdot and its anti-Apple bias by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Christ. It seems like every article about Apple here is Chock-full of vitriol and anti-Apple propaganda. I'm sick of it. They aren't the best company in the world but people actually LIKE the products they make. It's not that they're "sheeple", Apple's products are actually appealing. Stop lambasting the company just because they're on top. It's starting to get even more ridiculous than the old Microsoft/Evil Empire routine - and so far, Apple hasn't pulled half the shit those guys did.

    As for the.dock connection. Micro-USB doesn't have the necessary signals And bandwidth to do what Apple wants to do over a cable. That's it, end of story. No evil master plan, no nefarious intent. The hardware wasn't a match for their intended capabilities.

    And no, I'm not a "fanboi" (can we please stop using that label? It's an insulting stereotype). My primary phone is an HTC One X. Sitting in my desk drawer next to me: Nexus One, Samsung Galaxy S2 and an HTC Sensation 4G. I've also got a Nexus 7 and Transformer Prime tablet... And yes, there's an iPad and an iPhone 4S here too. And on top of all that, I was an embedded Linux develop for years, working on tablet devices back when at least half of you were still in high school. So fuck yeah, I know some shit about open hardware and software.

    But hey, why listen to me? Go wrap yourselves in your name warm blankets of righteous open source Apple hatred and take a nice nap. You'll feel better in the morning.

  53. Wrong end of the cable! by Ossifer · · Score: 1

    The EU is concentrating on the wrong end of the charging cable. If they really cared for the environment they would mandate that phone come only with a charging cable, and that having a simple USB A plug. The real problem is the unnecessary transformers on the wall side...

  54. ...and that conenctor is a great feature by lsolano · · Score: 1

    Quite off topic but I can't help to say it: it's amazing how Apple, in the iPhone5 video, mentions the new connector as a new feature, and as if it was a gift from God, they say that it's reversible.

    We can not deny they're marketing genius, the way they do those videos with Jony Ive and the other guy acting skills describing characteristics already in other devices as a incredible step in technology history, like LTE.

    "We've created the new, much smaller lightning connector." Wow, what would this world be without it?

    "And we made it reversible, so it fits either way." Thanks for explaining me that it fits either way, when I heard reversible, I did not catch it.

    (My karma went from "Excellent" to "Good" recently, don't be so hard, please).

  55. Accessories are irrelevant to the agreement by Guy+Harris · · Score: 1

    If you read the linked-to page about the agreement, you'll see that the title is "One charger for all - Frequently asked questions", emphasis mine. The first FAQ, "What's the issue?", says:

    Incompatibility of chargers for mobile phones is a major environmental problem and an inconvenience for users across the European Union. Currently, specific chargers are sold together with specific mobile phones. A user who wants to change his/her mobile phone usually acquires a new charger and disposes of the current one, even if it is in perfect condition. This unnecessarily generates considerable amounts of electronic waste.

    and the second FAQ, "What is the solution envisaged?", says:

    Harmonising mobile phone chargers will bring significant economic and environmental benefits. Following a request from the European Commission and in close co-operation with the Commission services, major producers of mobile phones have agreed in a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) to harmonise chargers for data-enabled mobile phones sold in the EU. The industry commits to the provision of compatible chargers on the basis of the Micro-USB connector. Once the commitment becomes effective, it will be possible to charge compatible data-enabled mobile phones from any common charger.

    The astute reader will note that a certain word that begins with "c" and ends with "harger" appears quite frequently in those items. This was not about "mobile phone accessories" in general, it was about a particular accessory, namely the charger, so "they have junked earlier iPhone accessories, forced a new industry in Apple-only accessories to arise" is 100% irrelevant to the MoU.

    As for the charging part - the only part relevant to the "promise to the EC" - TFMoU explicitly says that "[making] available an Adaptor from the Micro-USB connector of a Common EPS to a specific non-Micro-USB socket in the Mobile Phone" is sufficient to ensure compliance. Perhaps Apple phones sold within the EU should ship with that adaptor, rather than selling it as an add-on, but that's another matter.

    Now, TFMoU also says that the Signatories:

    4.3 Undertake, subject to the satisfactory completion of the work described in article 4.1, to ensure that each EPS equipped with a Micro-USB connector placed by them on the market for use with Mobile Phones is a Common EPS.

    where an "EPS" is an external power supply and

    2.4 A ‘Common EPS’ is an EPS which meets the requirements of the specifications and standards which will be developed under article 4.1 and as may be revised under article 4.5.
    The specifications are expected to include:

    2.4.1 A Micro-USB B-Plug attached via a cable which delivers power to the device being charged.

    so if, for example, the Apple USB Power Adapter sold in one EU country doesn't provide "a Micro-USB B-Plug attached via a cable which delivers power to the device being charged", then they're not conforming to that part of TFMoU. At least from the picture, it offers what appears to be a USB 2.0 Group 7 - Standard “A” Receptacle, rather than a "USB 2.0 Group 7 – Micro-USB B-Plug", so, unless it includes a cable that plugs into the Standard A-Receptacle and has a Micro-USB B-Plug, they aren't complying - and the Apple page says they include an "Apple Dock Connector to USB Cable", which plugs into the Standard A-Receptacle but has an Old Fashioned 30-Pin Apple Dock Connector, so no go.

    So maybe the title should be changed to "Apple USB Power Adapter Scorns Standard Promise To European Commission", as the iPhone 5 does something that TFMoU considers OK.

    1. Re:Accessories are irrelevant to the agreement by Guy+Harris · · Score: 1

      So maybe the title should be changed to "Apple USB Power Adapter Scorns Standard Promise To European Commission", as the iPhone 5 does something that TFMoU considers OK.

      Then again, if Apple haven't "placed ... on the market" any "[EPSes] equipped with a Micro-USB connector", maybe they conform to the letter, if not the spirit, of the MoU.

  56. Wow by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The amount of emotional apoplexy over this fucking connector is pathetic.

    Have you dumb fucks read the news lately? Do you have any clue in those geek pea brains what the ever loving fuck is going on in this world right now?

    The geek community is one gigantic embarrassment operating at the lowest level of intellect possible. Fuck every single one of you sideways, you pathetic loser shits.

  57. Wireless is not enough by AwaxSlashdot · · Score: 1

    On the other side, you can find people moking Apple because their Lightning/USB cable (currently) only support USB2.0 and not USB3.0.
    However, USB2.0 is MUUUUUUUUUUUCH faster than LTE or WiFi n.

    So, you can't go all wireless until wireless has leaped the bandwidth of wired connections.

    --
    Sig (appended to the end of comments you post, 120 chars)
  58. juxtaposition by rainmouse · · Score: 2

    Laughed myself sick when I saw this story right next to Monkeys made smarter with prosthetic device.

  59. Is that a distinction that matters, though? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I own a Galaxy S3 and the phone is currently connected to my PC (and being charged) with a standard micro USB cable... an this is the first time I've heard about it not having a real micro USB connector. I guess that the distinction matters if you want to repair your own phone and the Samsung connectors are somehow harder to come by...? But most of time, all I care about is being able to say "Damn, I'm low on power... Do you have a cable I could charge my phone with?" when I'm visiting friends that have different phones than I do.

  60. OK, so the iPad is a power hog. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    You NEED 10A for your iPad? Jeesus, that's inefficient.

    1. Re:OK, so the iPad is a power hog. by CODiNE · · Score: 1

      Your USB port uses 1V? That's weird.

      --
      Cwm, fjord-bank glyphs vext quiz
  61. Re:Misleading story, Apple complies by making adap by ericloewe · · Score: 1

    Lightning is, in all likelihood, just USB + general use pins, like the old dock connector.

    Besides, if they really needed something faster, there's always microUSB 3.0.

  62. The link in the summary is wrong by Plumpaquatsch · · Score: 1
    http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/rtte/chargers/questions/index_en.htm#6 (not #8)

    Which is the agreed common interface?

    On the basis of the Micro-USB interface, the companies have agreed to develop a common specification in order to allow for full compatibility of chargers and mobile phones. These specifications have been translated in European standards.

    N.B.: The agreement allows for the use of an adaptor.

    --
    Of course news about a fake are Fake News.
  63. What power supply? by doghouse41 · · Score: 2

    Actually I think that Apple go one better than the EU standard. A lot of iDevices (such as the nano, touch?) ship without a charger. All you get is a cable to connect your iDevice to a standard USB port on a computer or USB charger wall-wart (which you can purchase separately in the unlikely event that you don't already have one).

    Result - no power supply to throw away at the end of life.

    As to the change from the old 30-pin connector to lightning - I think that was going to happen anyway at some point. How many Samsung/Nokia/LG/Motorola phones have kept the same connector for the last 10 years? Devices have come down in size to the point where making them any smaller (or thinner) would have been impossible withoug getting rid of the old connector.

    What most people care about is that their new iDevice comes with a cable that they can use to connect it to a computer/wall wart for charging purposes.
    So long as Apple keep the same connector format for the next 10 or so years, accessoies will catch up quite quickly. I don't see most people having a problem with that.

  64. Apple should be banned by fish_sauce · · Score: 1

    Apple should be banned from selling all its products in Europe for pulling a stunt like this

    1. Re:Apple should be banned by fish_sauce · · Score: 1

      This is not the first time an american company have completely and disrespectfully ignored the laws and agreements of other countries.
      America wants other countries to respect their laws and even forcefully adopt them but they do not give a crap about other countries laws.

      I just wish everyone would stop exporting to america until america learns its lesson

      Trying to stop myself from ranting about american bullying and threatening, corrupt and misuse patent and copyright laws, anti-competitive methods etc
      Use excuses like childporn and security to remove freedom and options,

  65. who cares? by GrimShady · · Score: 1

    If I were Apple I wouldn't give a rats ass what the EU wants. There isn't a law that requires them to use USB so they should do what the decide is the best way to go. Random countries in Europe are always flogging apple in their courts over stupid shit so I would have told them to piss off as well. Never let the government dictate what is the best course of action for anything. They really suck at it.

  66. What a fucking load of crap. by multiplexo · · Score: 1
    Seriously, what a fucking load of crap. Apple has introduced one new connector in ten years. OMFG, they're as evil as Hitler times Stalin raised to the power of Osama bin Laden (Hitler*Stalin)^(Osama bin Laden). Let's see, we have people bitching because Apple is using a proprietary connector. Hey, it's their product, they can do what they want with it. Then we have a bunch of useless eco-cunts bitching because of the impact on the environment. What impact? The only thing you need to charge this phone with any device with a USB A port is a $19 cable that weighs a couple of ounces, anyone who is concerned about the impact this might have on the environment should put their money where their mouth is and reduce their carbon footprint by killing themselves. Then we have people saying that Apple should put a micro-USB connector on and a Lightning connector, which would make the device more expensive and complicated because you'd have to put two connectors on the phone and then design the charging circuitry so that it could handle edge cases such as someone plugging chargers into both ports. Then you have a bunch of twats wailing and saying that Apple should use USB 3.0, which is a real piece of shit as standards go, in fact USB 3.0 is such a piece of shit that even Intel, some of you fucks might have heard of them, they invented USB, lagged behind in implementing it on their own chipsets and didn't ship a chipset with integrated USB 3.0 until this year. Oh, and USB 3.0 still isn't finalized, the standards committee is dicking around with power delivery to increase the amount of power that a USB 3.0 port can deliver, so there's a very good chance that any USB 3.0 device you purchase today won't be able to support higher power charging on USB 3.0 devices made in the future. Then there's the USB 3.0 connector itself. The connector design isn't a bad idea, it takes the micro USB connector and adds an additional connector on the side for the new USB 3.0 signals, that's actually a pretty good design. The problem with this is that every single USB 3.0 cable I've seen so far is really flimsy.

    There also isn't any standard for how you can get video data off of a USB 3.0 port in On-the-Go mode. In theory you can do this, USB 3.0 has the bandwidth to to this, but converting that signal into something that you can connect to a monitor is going to require some sort of external adapter circuitry. Some of the whiny fucks who are bitching about this will shit themselves and wail and say "well Apple should have put an HDMI port on the phone". Really? Why? I have an HTC Evo, it has a micro USB port and a mini HDMI port for connecting to an external monitor. In the two years I've had this phone I've used that adapter exactly zero fucking times. Are there any other useless ports that you twats would like to see on the new iPhone 5? How about an RS-232 serial port, oh, and a Centronics parallel port in case I want to connect the phone to my old HP LaserWriter, and a pair of PS/2 ports would be nice too, you can never tell when you'll want to plug in an old Logitech keyboard and mouse.

    There is, in case you didn't know, a thing called "market research". It's where you go out and try to figure out what people will want to buy so you can make stuff that they'll want to buy. Apple did some market research and said "hey, you know what, most people don't connect their phones to their TV sets and don't really want to, so let's do something other than put a useless mini HDMI connector on our phones. Apple is really good at this and always has been. In the 1970s Jobs and Wozniak said "Hey, we think people would like to buy an affordable computer that's easily programmable and expandable" and the Apple I was born. Which every other manufacturer then proceeded to copy with varying degrees of success. Then in the 1980s Apple looked at the Xerox Star and said "Hey, we think that people would like to buy a computer that's easier to use". They made a few fumbles along the way (the Lisa, the original 128k Mac) but eventually got it right with the Ma

    --
    cheap labor conservatives - they want to keep you hungry enough to be thankful for minimum wage.
  67. why have a new connector? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    so drunk people like me can plug the damn thing in however we want, in the dark, without fiddling with it. just plug it in and go.

    you people are babies. no one's forcing you to buy an iphone, so kindly stfu and go play with your buggy droid