Patently Apple has unearthed a 2009 Apple patent for a Hybrid DisplayPort/USB 3.0 adaptor. And since Thunderbolt, the zippy new transfer technology developed by Intel and Apple, is based on DisplayPort technology, it will likely fall under the umbrella of this patent.
The patent also allows for the possibility of future connectors having a reduced height, which is notable because the iPod touch is already as slim as it can get without dropping the current 30-pin connector. But while this is definitely an exciting addition for the ever-growing pile of rumours for the next generation of iOS devices, the possibility exists that this patent was filed defensively to keep competitors at bay. Though we would point out that today’s version of the connector has itself evolved over the years, beginning its life with a FireWire 400 standard which was later dropped in favour of USB 2.0.
[Patently Apple via 9to5mac]
Nodeity
Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 12:30 PMSo does that mean it won’t have a USB port, just this stupid proprietary one that means you’ll need some kind of adapter to run your existing tech addons.?? If so,… another reason to bypass “AppleCrap” for me. :[
glennc
Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 1:35 PMapple are becoming the the new sony. arrogantly ramming their proprietary connectors down our throats and it seems the masses can’t get enough. apparently people don’t like choice these days.
i want to know how 2 technologies that neither apple or intel owns can be patented because they joined them together. this is insane. USB is universal, making your own connectors should be against the conditions of using the technology. it is purely exploited for greed.
Nodeity
Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 2:18 PMParticularly when USB3 is already available and no doubt of similar speed! Arrogance pretty much sums up “Apple” for me I’m afraid.. :[
David Gray
Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 2:47 PMiTunes – Still takes nine hours to sync data, but does it 10 times faster!