As technologists we are exposed to updates and new innovations on a regular basis. As technology advances so it improves. Devices get smaller, faster, easier to use. Integration gets tighter and convergence is a real possibility. Better technology has the potential to improve our lives, create new jobs and often save time.
So why then, are so many people afraid of improvement.
Let’s use Apple’s decision to scrap the 3.5mm RCA connector on its upcoming iPhone 7. The 3.5mm connector is an ancient analog standard designed to carry either mono or stereo signals to line-level devices like amplifies and headphones.
Works great but it’s desperately limited – it’s basically an open tap spewing voltage fluctuations to whatever is connected at the other end. It’s either on or off.
Welcome Lightning port. Apple decided to depreciate the old 3.5mm connector in favor of a digital connection that offers an unimaginable amount of improvement for connected devices. It’s now possible for lighting connected headphones to benefit from active digital technology like noise reduction the works more vigorously in noisy environments and less so in quit ones, all the while modifying the audio signal to ensure the listener gets the best possible experience.
If like millions of people you have a set of phones with a 3.5mm connector an you’re not ready to upgrade, apple have provided an in-line converter in the box.
