Apple Files Patent For New Proprietary Port 282
rwise2112 writes "Apple proposes a solution to multiple port requirements within limited space: the two in one port. The port is described as a 'Combined Input Port,' where two different interfaces could be in one port. The input port includes an outer wall defining a receiving aperture, a substrate positioned within the receiving aperture. One set of contacts is configured to communicate with a first connector and the second set of contacts is configured to communicate with a second connector. Looks like another addition to the special Apple cable lineup."
Re:Prior art (Score:2, Interesting)
Samsung and HTC, and doubtless others, invented this first. My Galaxy S3 has a combined USB, HDMI and audio port. My ancient HTC Hero had a combined USB and audio port. Different connectors used different pins.
And how is any of these prior art for a combined USB and SD card reader? You don't (or shouldn't) get patents for an idea, you should get patents for a working implementation.
Even if Apple applied for a patent for a combined USB, HDMI and audio port, as long as it works different from the Samsung implementation, there is no reason why it shouldn't be patented. And there must be another way to implement it, because if there was only one possible way, then Samsung wouldn't have got a patent.
Re:Dongles (Score:3, Interesting)
No, they have a near-Teutonic obsession with small, neat, and orderly in their designs.
In the process, they tend to decide that the big honking cables evolved for desktops aren't so useful on small devices and build their own.
The dongles are just a side effect -- and I'm sure in no small measure a desire to lock into proprietary stuff.
But I think Apple has always moved forward with new connection technologies -- I think they were among the first to support USB in an era where PC makers were slavishly doing nothing new because nobody else had done it yet.
Re:Not a "proprietary port", no "Apple cable lineu (Score:3, Interesting)
You'd actually have a point if you could plug SD cards into eSATAp ports. The difference in function & design is what renders this patent valid.
Re:Prior art (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Prior art (Score:4, Interesting)
I trash Tivo for this kind of nonsense all the time and I was an early adopter. The fact that I like their stuff or appreciate that they are an innovator doesn't mean I will cut them any slack for abusive nonsense.
Beyond that... When you aren't proud of being a moron, you're more likely to realize how unoriginal some stuff is. When you acknowledge more than your single pet brand, you have a broader perspective on things.