Whether it is to slim down the thickness of mobile devices or to make money through a company’s proprietary port, removing the headphone jack from a smartphone does not appear like a clever move and is bound to make a huge percentage of consumers livid and disappointed. However, Google might not care about what the global populace might think because according to the latest rumor, both the Pixel 2 and the Pixel XL 2 might ship without the old, but crucial 3.5mm headphone jack.
Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 Could Rely on Wireless Audio or by Connecting Audio Peripherals Using the Type-C USB Adapter
The first Pixel family introduced during the start of 2016 came with a headphone jack and Type-C USB port, meaning that consumers actually had the choice between charging their device or using it for media consumption. They could also choose to listen to media and charge the Pixel simultaneously but it looks like, with the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2, that choice will be stripped from their options list.
Still, Google might not pull off such a move without putting some freebies in the bundle so it is possible that you see a Type-C USB to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter or some high-quality Type-C USB earphones pair. If Google does make this move, removing the headphone jack will not bring any key monetary benefit to the tech giant because the Type-C USB port is not Google’s proprietary port, unlike the Lightning port in the iPhone and iPad.
Apple removing the headphone jack means that the company will start to earn more royalties from accessory manufacturers as now, they will be using the company’s patented port for more than just charging cables. The same case is not going to happen when Google gets down to releasing the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 so a plethora of changes would be necessary in order for the pure-Android-running handset to hit a home run during its official unveiling.
What sort of changes are you expecting from both these devices? Remember to take this rumor with a pinch of salt for now and we’ll be back with more updates.
News Source: Twitter (Stephen Hall)
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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