We called for the end of the analog headphone jack on consumer electronics; we even performed an exorcism. We were wrong…or were we?
“Bring back the headphone jack: Why USB-C audio still doesn’t work”
https://www.pcworld.com/article/3284186/mobile/bring-back-the-headphone-jack-why-usb-c-audio-still-doesnt-work.html
I suggest the BBQ brain was correct in calling for the end of the analog jack, but we failed to offer a compelling replacement. Previous brains showed the limitations of wireless transport for audio, and we still want a good wired experience for low cost, highest performance, and ultimate DiY hackability. (don’t we?)
Let’s show the industry what’s needed for a good wired digital headset experience:
- Capitalize on power: now there’s power available in the headset, what awesome features will make wired digital headsets worthwhile?
- But be frugal: wired headsets are DOA if they drain the host’s battery like a 5G modem…
- 5G is coming: charge while you get your groove on.
- Capitalize on digital interface: lower latency and higher bandwidth than wireless, what awesome features will make wired digital headsets worthwhile?
- Low cost to high-feature spectrum or: how I learned to stop worrying and spec decent headsets for developing markets and cheap Americans