[LINK] iPhones

[stephen at melbpc.org.au]

Anyone thinking of buying or standardizing on Apple iPhones, (and things 
that plug into the bottom of them, eg speakers, docks, chargers etc) had
best delay that decision, according to these news items ..  

 
'Every iPhone Accessory You Own is Now Obsolete'   June 22, 2012
 
ALL those expensive iPhone accessories you own, the stuff that plugs into 
the bottom of the device - speakers, docks, chargers etc. They're about 
to become obsolete. 

Tech blog TechCrunch reports that Apple plans to change the design and 
size of the connector for the iPhone 5.

The old 30-pin connector, which has been the standard since the third 
generation iPod, is to be replaced by a 19-pin mini connector.

"TechCrunch has independently verified that Apple is working on adding a 
19-pin port to the new iPhone. It is a move that will surely send shocks 
through the iPhone accessory ecosystem.

"The new port is similar in size to the Thunderbolt port available on 
many MacBook devices but (TechCrunch) has been told by three independent 
manufacturers that the pin-out will be different.

"It's clear Apple is more concerned with space savings inside each 
device."

Leaked video footage claiming to be of the iPhone 5 shows a smaller 
connector.

TechCrunch's prediction that the news will send shockwaves is spot on.

Tech blogger Robert Scoble said the change would give Apple a tighter 
control on iPhone accessories.

"It will be nearly impossible to make unlicensed devices," he wrote on 
his blog. "Unfortunately these design goals mean making obsolete the 
something like 10 power chargers in my home. Sigh."

Awesome Robo's Sirio Brozzi wrote: "People are stunned by this 
possibility, myself included. I mean, why fix something that's not 
broken?"

Writing on Forbes.com, Dave Thier said: "Apple is great at getting us to 
buy new products, and this may be one its biggest coups yet. The 
environment will suffer, like usual, but expect accessory manufacturers 
to make a mint after an uncomfortable transition."

Apple has yet to respond to questions about the new connector design.

Ref: <http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/every-iphone-accessory-you-own-
is-now-obsolete/story-e6frfku0-1226405836260#ixzz1yWraI09e>

And: <http://techcrunch.com/2012/06/20/confirmed-the-new-iphone-will-have-
a-19-pin-mini-connector>
--

Cheers,
Stephen

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