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Apple Files Patent For New Proprietary Port

Posted by Soulskill on from the any-old-port-in-the-storm dept.

rwise2112 writes "Apple proposes a solution to multiple port requirements within limited space: the two in one port. The port is described as a 'Combined Input Port,' where two different interfaces could be in one port. The input port includes an outer wall defining a receiving aperture, a substrate positioned within the receiving aperture. One set of contacts is configured to communicate with a first connector and the second set of contacts is configured to communicate with a second connector. Looks like another addition to the special Apple cable lineup."

4 of 282 comments (clear)

  1. Prior art by AmiMoJo · · Score: 5, Informative

    Samsung and HTC, and doubtless others, invented this first. My Galaxy S3 has a combined USB, HDMI and audio port. My ancient HTC Hero had a combined USB and audio port. Different connectors used different pins.

    It seems like anything is new and worthy of patenting if it's on a computer, on the internet or on an Apple :-(

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    1. Re:Prior art by Kurast · · Score: 5, Informative

      The patent is only for a specific type of joint connector (not for all of them), and for this type, there is no prior art. The patent, if granted, secures only the schematics/diagrams mentioned in it.

      Even the title being generic, this does not mean they are patenting the abstract idea of combined ports. You have to read the patent to see what it mentions.

  2. Special Cable? not so much... by Tavor · · Score: 5, Informative
    From TFA:

    Apple illustrated the idea with discussion of a USB port and SD card reader, showing how the card reader and USB port could be integrated, but the port could house other interconnects.

    The summary is misleading in so many ways. This is just adding USB to a multi-card reader.

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  3. Reading comprehension fail by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    While the submitted made their hatred of all things Apple very clear, they also made clear that their rage obscures their ability to read.
    The patent is clearly for one port that you can plug multiple standard cables into -- so there is no call for the "looks like another addition to the special Apple cable lineup" snark.