If they created something and violated some patents, they might ask for some royalties. I don't know if they would ban this product. It's kind of cool. Maybe if you ask nicely maybe Apple stores would sell them in their own stores if the company was doing so under proper authority. Apple does stock and sell third party cables, you know.
Apple would not seek royalties. They (rightly) would seek a legal ban on infringing products.
The only problem I have is that some freetard will think a $3 chinese-knockoff Lightning adapter will function exactly the same as the Apple-stamped version, then proceed to fry their iDevice, then casually take their iDevice back to Apple, play stupid (they're naturally that way anyways) and say "I dunno, I just plugged it in and it caught fire! WTF Apple"!!!!
So what will we once again hear from the whiners?
Damn Apple!!! Your adapters are gouging customers!!!
Damn Apple!! Your expensive iDevice won't work with my $3 accessory that was deliberately "cracked" so I can save a few bucks!! Damn you Apple!!
Not one sliver of a second will be allocated by the user to ponder the thought: "Hmm... perhaps I was stupid for going the cheap route and blaming Apple?"
Not one second... watch...
Also, no mention on any site (including this one) that this is actually 100% illegal.
Tech sites all over the web are talking about this and not a one of them has bothered to even mention the fact that this is against the law and basically constitutes a theft of Apple's IP. Not. One. Mention.
People talk about whether the cables will work, or whether they will hurt your device, they talk about the cleverness of those that are doing the stealing etc. but not one mention of the fact that they are breaking the law to do so.
This article says they are "presumed authentication chips." As I understand it, the lightening connector dynamically reassigns the cable pins according to the orientation of the cable. Could this chip be for the reassignment of pins and not authentication?
Quote:
Originally Posted by kirsch
The chip is not for authentication as far as anyone knows. It is for reassigning pins based on how the cable is plugged in and what is on the other side.
There is a lot of engineering behind this, so that we can have such a nice small connector, make it reversible, make it so that it doesn't lose functionality when compared to the 30 pin monster, make it future proof, and the phones can use the saved space for things like a bigger battery. This amount of effort on something most companies don't even think about is what makes Apple products special.
But still, this article calls it an "authentication" chip.
Exactly. The term is pure anti-Apple link bait—and/or the fear of third party accessory makers who didn’t really know and simply assumed the worst.
There have been very similar “authentication chip” pseudo-scandals with past Apple devices, and those stories withered away. Not sure why this story has legs! I could have overlooked some real evidence but I don’t think so. Maybe it’s all the “rage” people have over Apple not turning a 10-year-old connector into a 20-year-old connector.
Tech sites all over the web are talking about this and not a one of them has bothered to even mention the fact that this is against the law and basically constitutes a theft of Apple's IP. Not. One. Mention.
Well, you can't steal IP from Apple. Apple can only steal IP from others.
According to one of the apparent sources for the AI article, they spoke with the vendor, iPhone5mod, "who informed us that they are currently using original Lightning controller chips from Apple's supplier, ensuring proper functionality. The chips serve to assist with dynamic assignment of pin functionalities in the connector and converting signals received through the connector for output at the other end of the cable.
iPhone5mod did, however, inform us that they have also obtained cracked chips that bypass Apple's authentication functions and that the cracked chips are working just as well as the original chips, suggesting that we may soon see a significant increase in unauthorized third-party Lightning accessories. "
Why do people keep talking about the dynamic pin reassignment as if it was something magical? It really isn't, I was doing diode logic gates like those when I was a kid, it's literally child's play, you probe the flow of current with two diodes (let us assume that pins #1 and #8 are the power pins, so plugging the device the other way around will simply swap them) and enable / disable circuitry in accordance to which diode is letting power through. For instance, an OR diode gate (containing 4 diodes) is what is used to implement full AC/DC rectifiers found in most power supply units.
There's nothing innovative about the Lightning Connector; what makes things expensive is the DRM which is NOT done with YOUR interests in mind.
There's nothing innovative about the Lightning Connector…
You just keep digging yourself deeper in there, don't you?
No, it's just your lack of understanding of technology. If you think this plug is innovative design because it can connect both ways, then I wonder what your thoughts about the TRS* plugs (which are round and have been around since like forever) are. I assume that would be GROUNDBREAKING TECHNOLOGY to you, yet every piece of equipment uses TRS sockets for headphone jacks...
No, it's just your lack of understanding of technology. If you think this plug is innovative design because it can connect both ways, then I wonder what your thoughts about the TRS* plugs (which are round and have been around since like forever) are. I assume that would be GROUNDBREAKING TECHNOLOGY to you, yet every piece of equipment uses TRS sockets for headphone jacks...
I guess it's fortunate that I don't think it's innovative for that reason, eh? Otherwise you wouldn't have just wasted your time there.
"Screw Apple and their overpriced computers! I'll just go buy something running OS X from some… other… manu…"
I wish. Maybe another manufacturer would see a market for a big, powerful portable. Asus does. Unfortunately their machines don't seem to run OSX for some reason...
Also, no mention on any site (including this one) that this is actually 100% illegal.
Tech sites all over the web are talking about this and not a one of them has bothered to even mention the fact that this is against the law and basically constitutes a theft of Apple's IP. Not. One. Mention.
People talk about whether the cables will work, or whether they will hurt your device, they talk about the cleverness of those that are doing the stealing etc. but not one mention of the fact that they are breaking the law to do so.
That's not entirely clear.
If Apple has patented the technology, infringing is illegal.
If Apple has encrypted the chip, then decrypting it is probably illegal under DMCA.
If Apple has an exclusive agreement with the chip manufacturer and they sold chips to a third party, then Apple can sue them for breaking the agreement.
But we don't know if any of those applies. Reverse engineering is not, per se, illegal.
As to those whining about Apple making money on their products, it's a free market. Go buy Android crap if you want to. Maybe if you had ever created anything of value in your life you might respect the wish of an inventor to profit from his invention.
If your invention requires you dick over consumers, it probably doesn't have much inherent value.
Why do people keep talking about the dynamic pin reassignment as if it was something magical? It really isn't, I was doing diode logic gates like those when I was a kid, it's literally child's play, you probe the flow of current with two diodes (let us assume that pins #1 and #8 are the power pins, so plugging the device the other way around will simply swap them) and enable / disable circuitry in accordance to which diode is letting power through. For instance, an OR diode gate (containing 4 diodes) is what is used to implement full AC/DC rectifiers found in most power supply units.
There's nothing innovative about the Lightning Connector; what makes things expensive is the DRM which is NOT done with YOUR interests in mind.
Where’s the evidence that this DRM exists?
It may—but I’m wondering if people just assume that and invent a “fact," or if there is real evidence.
The entire Lightning story has been one of people “knowing” all kinds of things out of thin air.
Good for them! Screw Apple and their overpriced cables. They're overpriced almost as bad as the Monster cables.
No! So apple doesn't have the right to control the quality of their products and accessories, including third party accessories that are riding on Apple's back? You sound like a freetard, so why don't you just give it a rest and go buy an android device, try the Samsung Galaxy S III, but don't drop it! ( Android Authority iPhone drop test - http://www.androidauthority.com/iphone-5-vs-samsung-galaxy-s3-drop-test-116898/ )
I don't like the Apple tax we have to pay for their cables, but I'm not about to save $10 and fry my $850 iP5 either. That said, when real alternatives become available that are priced appropriately I will look at them. BUT, given that Apple is demanding that the products be made in their certified factories I don't expect we will see anything lower than a few dollars to start with not for at least or year or more. Apple has to milk that cow for all its worth.
Comments
Quote:
Originally Posted by SpamSandwich
Surely Apple would seek an import ban on such products.
There's plenty of cheap unlicensed 30-pin dock cables and such available from Amazon. Look for the 1- and 2-star reviews.
Quote:
Originally Posted by drblank
If they created something and violated some patents, they might ask for some royalties. I don't know if they would ban this product. It's kind of cool. Maybe if you ask nicely maybe Apple stores would sell them in their own stores if the company was doing so under proper authority. Apple does stock and sell third party cables, you know.
Apple would not seek royalties. They (rightly) would seek a legal ban on infringing products.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sflocal
The only problem I have is that some freetard will think a $3 chinese-knockoff Lightning adapter will function exactly the same as the Apple-stamped version, then proceed to fry their iDevice, then casually take their iDevice back to Apple, play stupid (they're naturally that way anyways) and say "I dunno, I just plugged it in and it caught fire! WTF Apple"!!!!
So what will we once again hear from the whiners?
Damn Apple!!! Your adapters are gouging customers!!!
Damn Apple!! Your expensive iDevice won't work with my $3 accessory that was deliberately "cracked" so I can save a few bucks!! Damn you Apple!!
Not one sliver of a second will be allocated by the user to ponder the thought: "Hmm... perhaps I was stupid for going the cheap route and blaming Apple?"
Not one second... watch...
Also, no mention on any site (including this one) that this is actually 100% illegal.
Tech sites all over the web are talking about this and not a one of them has bothered to even mention the fact that this is against the law and basically constitutes a theft of Apple's IP. Not. One. Mention.
People talk about whether the cables will work, or whether they will hurt your device, they talk about the cleverness of those that are doing the stealing etc. but not one mention of the fact that they are breaking the law to do so.
Quote:
Originally Posted by rickwil61
This article says they are "presumed authentication chips." As I understand it, the lightening connector dynamically reassigns the cable pins according to the orientation of the cable. Could this chip be for the reassignment of pins and not authentication?
Quote:
Originally Posted by kirsch
The chip is not for authentication as far as anyone knows. It is for reassigning pins based on how the cable is plugged in and what is on the other side.
There is a lot of engineering behind this, so that we can have such a nice small connector, make it reversible, make it so that it doesn't lose functionality when compared to the 30 pin monster, make it future proof, and the phones can use the saved space for things like a bigger battery. This amount of effort on something most companies don't even think about is what makes Apple products special.
But still, this article calls it an "authentication" chip.
Exactly. The term is pure anti-Apple link bait—and/or the fear of third party accessory makers who didn’t really know and simply assumed the worst.
There have been very similar “authentication chip” pseudo-scandals with past Apple devices, and those stories withered away. Not sure why this story has legs! I could have overlooked some real evidence but I don’t think so. Maybe it’s all the “rage” people have over Apple not turning a 10-year-old connector into a 20-year-old connector.
Originally Posted by Gazoobee
Tech sites all over the web are talking about this and not a one of them has bothered to even mention the fact that this is against the law and basically constitutes a theft of Apple's IP. Not. One. Mention.
Well, you can't steal IP from Apple. Apple can only steal IP from others.
Or so They say.
According to one of the apparent sources for the AI article, they spoke with the vendor, iPhone5mod, "who informed us that they are currently using original Lightning controller chips from Apple's supplier, ensuring proper functionality. The chips serve to assist with dynamic assignment of pin functionalities in the connector and converting signals received through the connector for output at the other end of the cable.
iPhone5mod did, however, inform us that they have also obtained cracked chips that bypass Apple's authentication functions and that the cracked chips are working just as well as the original chips, suggesting that we may soon see a significant increase in unauthorized third-party Lightning accessories. "
There's nothing innovative about the Lightning Connector; what makes things expensive is the DRM which is NOT done with YOUR interests in mind.
Originally Posted by Vaelian
There's nothing innovative about the Lightning Connector…
You just keep digging yourself deeper in there, don't you?
No, it's just your lack of understanding of technology. If you think this plug is innovative design because it can connect both ways, then I wonder what your thoughts about the TRS* plugs (which are round and have been around since like forever) are. I assume that would be GROUNDBREAKING TECHNOLOGY to you, yet every piece of equipment uses TRS sockets for headphone jacks...
Originally Posted by Vaelian
No, it's just your lack of understanding of technology. If you think this plug is innovative design because it can connect both ways, then I wonder what your thoughts about the TRS* plugs (which are round and have been around since like forever) are. I assume that would be GROUNDBREAKING TECHNOLOGY to you, yet every piece of equipment uses TRS sockets for headphone jacks...
I guess it's fortunate that I don't think it's innovative for that reason, eh? Otherwise you wouldn't have just wasted your time there.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tallest Skil
"Screw Apple and their overpriced computers! I'll just go buy something running OS X from some… other… manu…"
I wish. Maybe another manufacturer would see a market for a big, powerful portable. Asus does. Unfortunately their machines don't seem to run OSX for some reason...
That's not entirely clear.
If Apple has patented the technology, infringing is illegal.
If Apple has encrypted the chip, then decrypting it is probably illegal under DMCA.
If Apple has an exclusive agreement with the chip manufacturer and they sold chips to a third party, then Apple can sue them for breaking the agreement.
But we don't know if any of those applies. Reverse engineering is not, per se, illegal.
Surely this can't get too far
I plug my phones in to charge as I sleep, the last thing I need is constantly flashing lights in my bedroom.
The plugs are butt ugly as well, there are smaller thumb drives than that USB plug, wtf is in there?
What took them so long? Has DVD Jon retired?
Quote:
Originally Posted by jragosta
As to those whining about Apple making money on their products, it's a free market. Go buy Android crap if you want to. Maybe if you had ever created anything of value in your life you might respect the wish of an inventor to profit from his invention.
If your invention requires you dick over consumers, it probably doesn't have much inherent value.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vaelian
Why do people keep talking about the dynamic pin reassignment as if it was something magical? It really isn't, I was doing diode logic gates like those when I was a kid, it's literally child's play, you probe the flow of current with two diodes (let us assume that pins #1 and #8 are the power pins, so plugging the device the other way around will simply swap them) and enable / disable circuitry in accordance to which diode is letting power through. For instance, an OR diode gate (containing 4 diodes) is what is used to implement full AC/DC rectifiers found in most power supply units.
There's nothing innovative about the Lightning Connector; what makes things expensive is the DRM which is NOT done with YOUR interests in mind.
Where’s the evidence that this DRM exists?
It may—but I’m wondering if people just assume that and invent a “fact," or if there is real evidence.
The entire Lightning story has been one of people “knowing” all kinds of things out of thin air.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Freshmaker
Good for them! Screw Apple and their overpriced cables. They're overpriced almost as bad as the Monster cables.
No! So apple doesn't have the right to control the quality of their products and accessories, including third party accessories that are riding on Apple's back? You sound like a freetard, so why don't you just give it a rest and go buy an android device, try the Samsung Galaxy S III, but don't drop it! ( Android Authority iPhone drop test - http://www.androidauthority.com/iphone-5-vs-samsung-galaxy-s3-drop-test-116898/ )
I don't like the Apple tax we have to pay for their cables, but I'm not about to save $10 and fry my $850 iP5 either. That said, when real alternatives become available that are priced appropriately I will look at them. BUT, given that Apple is demanding that the products be made in their certified factories I don't expect we will see anything lower than a few dollars to start with not for at least or year or more. Apple has to milk that cow for all its worth.