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The idea of Apple moving to Magsafe charging for iOS devices has been aired before, but the lack of data transfer stymied such plans. Now, however, an Apple patent suggests that future Magsafe connectors will be able to shift data. Bye bye 30-pin connector?
Using “coded magnets” the cable described in the patent can simultaneously charge a device and shift information, too. Accordinfg to Apple Insider:
“The solution proposed by Apple is a new universal cable, much like the existing 30-pin iPod connector, but one that features programmable magnets. These coded magnets, found inside both the cable and the portable device, would share identifying information on the device with the cable.
By sharing information from the magnets about the device, the cable could appropriately connect to it and provide the correct number of pins. The application describes a controller that would repurpose one or more of the pins on a cable to connect certain communication channels.
“The magnets (would) create a universal port that detects the coded magnet ‘signature’ of a particular cable type and reconfigures itself accordingly,” the filing reads.”
The patent also suggests that the cable could handle audio. While that’s not terribly exciting — and might be a real headache in terms of using third-party headphones — it does have one thing in its favour. If the only port on an iOS device was a Magsafe connection, it would be possible to completely seal the device. Anybody for a waterproof iPhone?
Whether much will come of the patent is up for debate. Moving to an entirely different connection for all iOS devices would create some fairly irritating legacy issues, but maybe the benefits would be worth it. [Apple Insider; Image: Travis Isaacs]
Okay… ‘simultanoeuly’, ‘headahce’, ‘deabte’, ‘compoletely’, ‘failry’.
Just a little pathetic, no? Even my two-year-old-black-plastic-slab of a slow Toshiba laptop has managed to cover your ‘article’ in red squiggly lines …ever heard of proof-reading?
Apologies for troll-esque rant, but, frankly, when it’s so frequent that it’s making you cringe every second line, it’s just a little annoying…
Crumbs, I have no idea how they escaped through the net. I’m so sorry! A stern email will be written…
Seems really interesting! It makes sense to do this, especially if they can get data running through power lines more efficient than they are. I’d imagine only the EU would find some problem with this.
“Magsafe” is the lamest shittiest word ever.
I HATE marketing buzzwords like that.
All of the Apple marketing buzzwords suck, and it’s vaguely sickening that they make it into the lexicon of so many consumers.
Like “buzzwords”
What would *you* call it? It must be clear so consumers of all levels of technical ability can understand it, and no more than lets say 10 characters long.
Without knowing what this does – Magsafe does not clearly define its use.
It snaps away from the connector when/if someone knocks the wire. No more laptops throw off the table. It’s saved my macbook countless times. Though… It does increase your battery charge cycle count. Lesser of two evils perhaps.
The American version of the English language consists almost entirely of buzzwords. The kids can’t get enought of it.
“Magsafe” Isn’t that where you keep your Maglite torch, I mean Flashlight.
I’m not sure why the author assumes the device can be sealed to make it waterproof if there’s a magsafe connector instead of a normal type. By that logic you should be able to seal a normal headphone socket just as well. In both cases the metal contacts will still be exposed making short-circuiting possible.