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Wednesday, September 12, 2012, 01:39 pm
Apple's new Lightning connector is 80% smaller, orientation independent
Apple's new 9-pin iOS device connector, dubbed Lightning, is 80 percent smaller than its predecessor, is all-digital, and can be plugged in either way.The new dock connector helped allow Apple to make the new iPhone 5 the thinnest smartphone on the market. The Lightning connection will be quickly supported by a number of third-party accessory makers highlighted by Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller, including Bose, JBL, and B&W.
Schiller also promised "a bunch of accessories" that will allow users to utilize their legacy accessories that rely on the nearly 10-year-old 30-pin dock connector.
Lightning features
Source: ArsTechnica
Bluetooth, WiFi, AirPlay, Wireless sync, iCloud
Source: ArsTechnica
Lightning icon
Source: ArsTechnica
Schiller noted that the Lightning moniker matches up with the existing Thunderbolt branding. However, speed and pricing of the new cables was not mentioned, as Apple highlighted that many functions, including syncing, video output and updating, can now be accomplished wirelessly using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or mobile connections.
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Previous Comments View All
Deleted
8 pin* Not 9. Maybe you had this article pre-written?
Hmm. It says 8-signal. Does that mean 9 or 8 pins?
So...we've had Thunderbolt.
And now we've got Lightning.
This is all very, very frightening.
(I couldn't resist...)
The language they used was 8 pins for signaling. Technically, ground isn't signaling.
8 signals GND = 9 pins
I think AI should have stuck with Apple's term: "reversible"...
Much less suggestive.
Headphone jacks are orientation independent, the new connector is not.
The Store is back up. You can order the cables and adapters. Says available to ship. What time GMT does the pre-ordering begin on Friday for the iPhone. I'm sure they will be sold out in a matter of an hour or perhaps less.
>>>>>>
So...we've had Thunderbolt.
And now we've got Lightning.
This is all very, very frightening.
(I couldn't resist...)
<<<<
You forgot iCloud 
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Goodie, goodie; more dongles!