Mike Peterson
Google has released a satirical ad for the Pixel 5a's headphone jack that pokes fun at Apple, even though that feature is actually absent from Google's flagship Pixel devices.
The ad, titled "The Circle Comes Full Circle," touts the apparent symmetry and perfection of the 3.5mm headphone jack on the newly released Pixel 5a with 5G. The ad spot is an obvious satire of Apple's Jony Ive design videos.
"Calling this perfectly-symmetrical, technological marvel, a 'headphone jack' may feel like an understatement... but technically, that's what it's called, so... fair enough," the video description reads. "Behold! The Headphone Jack, on the Google Pixel 5a with 5G."
Google's ad isn't subtle with its attempt to parody the tone and voice of the classic Jony Ive design clips. There are intentional over-the-top moments, including the use of a docking space station to demonstrate the haptic feedback of a physical headphone port.
However, although Google claims that the headphone jack is a "a glorious achievement that draws from our past as it propels us into the future," that future apparently doesn't include its flagship smartphones.
While the mid-range Google Pixel 5a with 5G features a headphone jack, Google's Pixel 5 does not. Current rumors also suggest that the upcoming Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro will also lack the 3.5mm analog port. Apparently, "the future" only applies to Google's mid-range lineup.
Google is also far from being inventive here — Apple's Jony Ive design videos are a frequent target for parody. McDonald's satirized them back in 2017, following a similar parody on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" in 2016.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
53 Comments
Just more proof that Google lacks a cohesive product or messaging strategy. Much like how they recently disbanded their health initiatives unit, but have scattered health projects. Fiefdoms.
OK, that was funny. Silly, but well done. 🤣
This was silly “funny”. But is anyone else TRULY over this headphone jack debate? My god, can we all get over the 3.5mm port? It’s old tech, it’s time to let it go. The number of people who actually need that port (musicians or designers, whatever) are far and few between. The most of the world does NOT “need” a headphone jack. I’m sick of hearing about it and I’m sick of this constant complaining from people it’s gone. For the few who need it, you have adapters. Now stop complaining because the majority of us don’t care. Bye.
Aluminium fancy pronunciation made me lol. Very good Google.
It was funny.
On the subject of headphone jacks I'd definitely say they still have legs.
Every time I get a low power beep in a Bluetooth bud I remember how hassle free cable connections can be (I'm not a fan of adaptors). Plug in and forget, especially when used in a stationary context. And also when volume control is important (I'm looking at you Firestick). An in line volume control is always a surefire option.