From the evidences of reader reactions on articles about smartphone manufacturers ditching the 3.5mm audio headphone jack in favor of pushing the audio output to the USB Type-C port, we can very well say that the market is at the very least hesitant to go with this trend. There was a rumor that Apple’s next iPhone might just do that, and then cue mass outrage at even just the hint that it might be true. That said, Intel is placing their bets on USB Type-C audio output all the way, and they have their reasons why.
As of the moment, only the Moto Z has executed this idea, and from all views it looks like it is a polarizing one. Ditching the 3.5mm audio jack will only mean more spending on the side of the consumer – either to buy new USB Type-C headphones, or to buy the adapter that allows you to use your old 3.5mm headphones onto a USB Type-C. We can understand the pushback, for real.
However, tech giant Intel and its partners will, for all intents and purposes, be embracing the new audio output standard solely on the merits and tech enhancements that utilizing USB Type-C ports for audio will bring to mobile devices. At the Intel Developer Forum (IDF), company architects Rahman Ismail and Brad Saunders explained that USB Type-C first and foremost eliminates analog conversion process for audio in a device, making the whole process digital. The elimination of the 3.5mm jack will also give leeway for manufacturers to go thinner on their devices, seeing as that the USB Type-C port is slim to begin with.
Saunders says that the digital audio process in mobile devices will allow manufacturers to give users better, clearer sound, with the opportunity for manufacturers to bundle digital effects to devices. But more importantly, the elimination of the 3.5mm jack and the transition to USB Type-C supports “granular” power management, letting the system shut off a microphone if you’re just using your headphones for music, for instance. That will, at the very least, improve power efficiency in this element of the device.
This is why Intel says that USB Type-C is “really the right connector for audio.” To give you a balanced look at it, we understand that initially, there will be spending all around, and the consumers will take the brunt of that. But once usage of the new standard begins to normalize, we think the gains of audio output through USB Type-C is worth a shot. What do you think?
VIA: SlashGear
Down vote for Intel :/
This is a marketing move to force ppl to buy more expensive wired headphones, the analog conversion HAS TO BE DONE regardlessly if its in the phone or in the headphones, and obviously if its in the headphones they will become more expensive.
Smartphones nowdays do that conversion perfectly fine with awesome quality, with usb headphones decente ones will be expensive for sure.
And NO! phones wont be significantly cheaper (or cheaper at all) without that 3.5 jack.
If this becomes a trend, ill stick with bluetooth headphones, same thing as usb headphones but at least they dont have wires and are compatible with other devices.