That device is a flash memory card reader, just like Apple's, though more expensive. Useless to get data OFF the iPad or phone.
Ah, you’re talking about getting data OFF the iDevices. I always looked at trying to avoid people stealing data by putting it ON iDevices to take with them. Now I get it, that makes a lot more sense.
I believe you are incorrect about meeting the EU's requirement. The purpose of the requirement was to allow any charger to work with any phone. Thus you reduce cost having to buy new chargers every time you get a new phone. And there's less environmental waste disposing of all the proprietary chargers. The requirement is for the B-side USB connector to be a mini-USB port. Apple's dock connector is on the B end of the cable (the A end plugs into your computer). Therefore, Apple's dock cable would not meet the requirement (or the intent) of the rule.
Also related to the fact that USB has designated A/B ends of the cable, a mini-USB port on an iPad would be a B-end connector, designating the iPad as the client. You'd still need a master (A-end) device to manage any data movement off the iPad. Apple could easily simply not include the data pins in the mini-USB port since it's only needed for charging, or they could include the data pins but have it act the same way the USB-B data pins in the dock connector behave. So there'd be no additional data security risks compared to the dock connector.
This is a correct analysis. Another benefit would be: check into any hotel, and there's a charger to be had either in the room or at the front desk as a loaner. At airports as well as coffee shops, bars, et al. Ubiquitous availability. Use/charge & re-charge anywhere. Extremely convenient for road warriors.
This will probably come to pass because the EU market is a big $$$ market for Apple. But it won't be a data connection - only a power port. Apple will not easily surrender their iTunes control - maybe someday they'll become more valuable to their customers by becoming more data-centric than device-centric but that someday is not 2011.
I would imagine they could put a horizontal PCB mount USB-B mini socket right next to the 30-pin and share the power traces on the board. Simple layout. It would impact the BOM cost by less than twenty cents, including R's & C's & labor/machine time to populate.
Not sure if this is a pile or true, but I would really like to have USB connectivity. The main reason is to achieve a useful line-in audio pathway, hopefully with multi-channel capabilities. For live audio applications, the iPad would be great for capturing simple recordings, adding Fx, live looping in performance, etc., etc, if it had the ability to be run to/from a small mixer or sound board via USB. You would then have the ability to choose how channels are routed to/from the iPad on the fly for various applications. So, I for one, hope the rumor is true.
Steve Jobs would sooner allow cockroaches to burrow inside his navel than put a "kickstand" on his magnum opus.
Yeah, I get that about Jobs. Hence I'm skeptical about an ugly, so-last-decade USB port besmirching the solid, seamless iPad. Battery compartments..gone. Latches...nearly invisible.
But I would have thought that about the lampshade iMacs. Apple did it in such an innovative, unusual way that it became a highlight of the product.
Same with 2-button mice. Steve Jobs put seams and holes in his mice? Not on your life. But then we have a seamless 2-button mouse. Then we have the nipple added later.
If they could figure out a very clever, brilliant, unusual way to add a way to prop up the iPad, it could just become a reality. I used the term 'kickstand' knowing that such a drab thing as what everyone usually thinks of (or how Dell would do it) will never occur.
But maybe there's a way we haven't thought of....... Apple's engineers are brilliant.
First of all, Apple doesn't need a USB port to meet the EU requirements for chargers when Apple's cable will work.
Agreed.
I'll eleborate a bit. EU is saying that we need to be able to charge using USB, iPad already charges using USB. Perhaps the cable will be a mini usb on the device for charging only, no way in hell will it handle data.
It seems I am in the minority here. I, for one, would welcome a USB port. Ability to use USB cable to charge iPad, in addition to the Dock Connector cable, isn't a bad thing.
More importantly, it would reduce the need for iPad Camera Connection kit. I can simply connect my camera (or USB memory card reader) directly to iPad to transfer images and video. In addition, it will let me use USB keyboard and USB headphones/microphones, too.
And for some, USB may realize iOS 4.2's MIDI instruments support. Current iPad Camera Connection kit does not carry enough current for most USB MIDI instruments. But iPad 2's USB port might and I can see Apple releasing GarageBand for iPad with support for USB MIDI instruments (in addition to Apple's proprietary WiFi MIDI standard).
Actually the USB port would be handy in that one can use USB accessories in that port while charging the iPad through the dock connector. Hopefully in that scenario, the USB port could provide more power, maybe enough to charge a daisy-chained iPhone at the same time.
That's the whole point of the EU regulation...to reduce the waste on all those cables!
Considering Apple has been using the same connector for 8(?) years it seems a bit ironic. And as previously stated, it?s micro-USB on the charger component, not the device.
Actually the USB port would be handy in that one can use USB accessories in that port while charging the iPad through the dock connector. Hopefully in that scenario, the USB port could provide more power, maybe enough to charge a daisy-chained iPhone at the same time.
Built-in USB would be a welcome change, but I really had my hopes pinned on LightPeak.
You mean THAT's true too??!!! Koool!!! iPad2 is going to kick butt. A flux capacitor would really increase battery life. When the battery gets low, it simply goes back in time to when it was fully charged. Brilliant!!!
Other than generating licensing fees and additional cables/adapters purchases, what is the iPod dock connector capable of that a USB connector is not?
I'm not sure I understand your ? ....
The Dock connector has 30 contacts; the USB B-mini has 4, and one must be used for ground. So, it would appear that the iPod dock connector is vastly more capable of a myriad of functions than a simple USB B-mini.
Comments
That device is a flash memory card reader, just like Apple's, though more expensive. Useless to get data OFF the iPad or phone.
Ah, you’re talking about getting data OFF the iDevices. I always looked at trying to avoid people stealing data by putting it ON iDevices to take with them. Now I get it, that makes a lot more sense.
That's the whole point of the EU regulation...to reduce the waste on all those cables!
Not just of cables; AC adapters as well.
... for the idiotic masses ...
Wow, so I'm an idiot for using Apple products, now that's new!
I believe you are incorrect about meeting the EU's requirement. The purpose of the requirement was to allow any charger to work with any phone. Thus you reduce cost having to buy new chargers every time you get a new phone. And there's less environmental waste disposing of all the proprietary chargers. The requirement is for the B-side USB connector to be a mini-USB port. Apple's dock connector is on the B end of the cable (the A end plugs into your computer). Therefore, Apple's dock cable would not meet the requirement (or the intent) of the rule.
Also related to the fact that USB has designated A/B ends of the cable, a mini-USB port on an iPad would be a B-end connector, designating the iPad as the client. You'd still need a master (A-end) device to manage any data movement off the iPad. Apple could easily simply not include the data pins in the mini-USB port since it's only needed for charging, or they could include the data pins but have it act the same way the USB-B data pins in the dock connector behave. So there'd be no additional data security risks compared to the dock connector.
This is a correct analysis. Another benefit would be: check into any hotel, and there's a charger to be had either in the room or at the front desk as a loaner. At airports as well as coffee shops, bars, et al. Ubiquitous availability. Use/charge & re-charge anywhere. Extremely convenient for road warriors.
This will probably come to pass because the EU market is a big $$$ market for Apple. But it won't be a data connection - only a power port. Apple will not easily surrender their iTunes control - maybe someday they'll become more valuable to their customers by becoming more data-centric than device-centric but that someday is not 2011.
I would imagine they could put a horizontal PCB mount USB-B mini socket right next to the 30-pin and share the power traces on the board. Simple layout. It would impact the BOM cost by less than twenty cents, including R's & C's & labor/machine time to populate.
That's the whole point of the EU regulation...to reduce the waste on all those cables!
Oohhh, well then, I'm thinking of this differently now lol
Steve Jobs would sooner allow cockroaches to burrow inside his navel than put a "kickstand" on his magnum opus.
Yeah, I get that about Jobs. Hence I'm skeptical about an ugly, so-last-decade USB port besmirching the solid, seamless iPad. Battery compartments..gone. Latches...nearly invisible.
But I would have thought that about the lampshade iMacs. Apple did it in such an innovative, unusual way that it became a highlight of the product.
Same with 2-button mice. Steve Jobs put seams and holes in his mice? Not on your life. But then we have a seamless 2-button mouse. Then we have the nipple added later.
If they could figure out a very clever, brilliant, unusual way to add a way to prop up the iPad, it could just become a reality. I used the term 'kickstand' knowing that such a drab thing as what everyone usually thinks of (or how Dell would do it) will never occur.
But maybe there's a way we haven't thought of....... Apple's engineers are brilliant.
Wow, so I'm an idiot for using Apple products, now that's new!
Actually it's your response here that makes you an idiot
I said "Apple is about making money for it's share holders by making products that run well for the idiotic masses"
Think about this for a second: Did I say using an Apple product makes you an idiot, or did I say Apple makes products that idiots can use?
First of all, Apple doesn't need a USB port to meet the EU requirements for chargers when Apple's cable will work.
Agreed.
I'll eleborate a bit. EU is saying that we need to be able to charge using USB, iPad already charges using USB. Perhaps the cable will be a mini usb on the device for charging only, no way in hell will it handle data.
More importantly, it would reduce the need for iPad Camera Connection kit. I can simply connect my camera (or USB memory card reader) directly to iPad to transfer images and video. In addition, it will let me use USB keyboard and USB headphones/microphones, too.
And for some, USB may realize iOS 4.2's MIDI instruments support. Current iPad Camera Connection kit does not carry enough current for most USB MIDI instruments. But iPad 2's USB port might and I can see Apple releasing GarageBand for iPad with support for USB MIDI instruments (in addition to Apple's proprietary WiFi MIDI standard).
First person I am hearing that from...
What is wrong with FaceTime's UI? (Or are you talking about the availability issues, i.e. only on WiFi, etc.?)
Sorry, I should have said the Mac desktop beta. It is nowhere near Apple UI standards of refinement.
That's the whole point of the EU regulation...to reduce the waste on all those cables!
Considering Apple has been using the same connector for 8(?) years it seems a bit ironic. And as previously stated, it?s micro-USB on the charger component, not the device.
Actually the USB port would be handy in that one can use USB accessories in that port while charging the iPad through the dock connector. Hopefully in that scenario, the USB port could provide more power, maybe enough to charge a daisy-chained iPhone at the same time.
Built-in USB would be a welcome change, but I really had my hopes pinned on LightPeak.
Apple to add blu-ray to next-generation iPad.
ha! thats more likely. and a flux capacitor
ha! thats more likely. and a flux capacitor
You mean THAT's true too??!!! Koool!!! iPad2 is going to kick butt. A flux capacitor would really increase battery life. When the battery gets low, it simply goes back in time to when it was fully charged. Brilliant!!!
</sarcasm>
In other news, the sun will rise tomorrow.
Other than generating licensing fees and additional cables/adapters purchases, what is the iPod dock connector capable of that a USB connector is not?
I'm not sure I understand your ? ....
The Dock connector has 30 contacts; the USB B-mini has 4, and one must be used for ground. So, it would appear that the iPod dock connector is vastly more capable of a myriad of functions than a simple USB B-mini.