Apple Patents Cutting 3.5mm Jack in Half

An anonymous reader writes with an article on a recent patent application by Apple. From the article: "Apple likes thin devices and considers the depth of the iPod, iPhone and iPad as critical component of the aesthetic appearance of a product and has been very aggressive in finding ways to trim fat from its portable devices: The 3.5 mm audio-connector stands in the way of future design improvements: Apple suggests to simply cut it in half."

I'm confused

[Minter92]

Is apple trying to patent an actual invention?

Re:I'm confused

[Anonymous Coward]

just call it the iJacked your wallet

Jerks.

[Nationless]

Great.

After only recently being able to plug in most phones with the same USB cable and FINALLY having 3.5 jacks a standard on said phones, Apple now wants to go fuck with the standards.

Jerks.

Helps you insert it the right way round

[ljw1004]

Another advantage which they omitted from the article -- this invention will help you insert the plug the right way round.

With the current circular 3.5mm jacks, it's actually impossible to know whether you've rotated the plug correctly. Sure, you can try to figure out if you've got it right by listening to the resultant sound quality, but that's inexact and most people don't even have the equipment. Now with Apple's invention, everyone will be able to insert it with the right rotation -- first time, and every time.

Re:Why not 100% wireless?

[Anonymous Coward]

Why should those perfect forms have holes in them?

So tempted.

Re:I'm confused

[strength_of_10_men]

...both old plugs and new plugs are going to fall out all the fucking time.

Jobs: Obviously, you're jacking it wrong

Re:Obvious?

[0xABADC0DA]

This invention halves the size of the jack, is compatible with all existing devices, and is less likely to break the device (pull on the headphone just pulls it away from the magnet instead of yanking the whole device). And nobody in 96 years thought of this solution.

This is exactly what patents are for. Rewarding the people that spend their dollars on research to improve things. It's a small but innovative idea, and gives Apple a small advantage over competitors. Stop eating the sour grapes and start inventing.

Re:Rotated

[Nerdfest]

The round design is more for the ability to implement a non-keyed plug and port that does not care about orientation. I would think Apple would be in favour of that more than most companies.

(Please excuse the traditional Apple joke, I couldn't help myself.)