iPhone Buzz » adapter

Standard USB for your iPhone?

Alison Spong — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 09:48:28 +0000

Last week it was reported that the GSMA trade association had brokered a deal with the leading cell phone manufacturers to standardize on Micro-USB. Is this a ploy to get you to buy more overpriced adapters?

Standardization of any gadget is great for the consumer, although high-margin charging accessories are huge revenue generators for companies. CNET reports that if there is a shift to Micro USB, Apple said, “sorry guys; this is bad for business. You can be idiots, but we’ll pass.” Apple did agree to move to Micro-USB for charging however requiring users to use the 30-pin proprietary connector for syncing and accessory compatibility.

The trade association has the idea that by 2012, virtually all cell phones and hopefully all Bluetooth headsets, will have the same connector. Posts of compatibility of connectors are everywhere, Geardiary builds a conspiracy that is hard to argue with. It would seem clear that a shift to Micro-USB is about saving space in building the device and stop the need to buying an assortment of adaptors. Kindle 2 has shifted to Micro-USB for charging and data transfers, so can we see next-gen MP3 players, digital cameras, camcorders and portable game consoles doing the same? I already have a bucket full of USB connectors. Each work only with the one gadget they were originally purchased. Standard connector – yes please!

[via CNET]

Scosche passPORT is first car charging adapter for iPhone 3G

Brenda Stokes — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 03:17:08 +0000

Scosche Industries announced their passPORT iPod/iPhone car integration system, today and it is truly intended to make your portable devices even more functional. How so, you might be wondering? It actually charges your iPhone 3G, iPod nano 4G and touch 2G in your car.

The adapter attaches to any in-car iPod integration system, making all iPhone and iPod models compatible. This way, you can listen to your iPod in the car and charge it at the same time. That’s pretty convenient, if you ask me.

The passPORT from Scosche is now available at Apple retail stores. It retails for $29.99. Check out a few more pictures below.

Apple mini-USB plug seriously over-packaged

Brenda Stokes — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:20:33 +0000

Wow. You know how Apple issued that recall for their mini-USB plugs? Well, it seems now the company is sending out replacements for the devices. However, check out the box that thing came in.

I think there’s a key word in the name of the product. You know, “mini.” That box could’ve fit at least twenty of those things, most likely more. I guess there’s comfort in knowing your shipment was well packaged and won’t be broken during travel, but come on! This is ridiculous!

All that was in the box was the plug and an instruction sheet. Apparently, if you don’t return the recalled plug, Apple may charge your credit card for it. That’s awfully threatening sounding, don’t you think? Especially when dealing with a defective product of their own!

[via GottaBeMobile]