USB-IF, one of the major authorities in USB ports and the ones responsible for the release of the type-C a few years back, have introduced a new specification that could – in the long run – checkmate the mini jack.
The USB Audio Device Class 3.0 specification is presented as the "primary solution for all digital audio applications, including headsets, mobile devices, docking stations, gaming set-ups and virtual reality solutions".
In their press release, USB-IF urged businesses to adopt this sound system to improve quality and make the USB Type-C the standard in smartphone audio, similar to Lightning for iPhones.
These statements, combined with the decision by Apple to forego the mini jack, make it quite likely that Android manufacturers will take this step with their next devices.
This isn't the first time that they have tried to impose the use of the USB Type-C over the mini jack though. In April of this year, Intel openly proposed using this port technology to do away with the 3.5mm mini jack.
It seems consumers are already intent on changing the system
The USB Type-C has some clear advantages, not only in terms of sound but also charging speed and data transfer. Just this year, Lenovo's Moto Z chose to replace the 3.5mm mini jack with a USB Type-C, months before Apple's announcement.
Many see this move as an opportunity to make more money on accessories and to make things complicated for users and businesses. The reality is that many sound accessory manufacturers have been quite optimistic about the sudden disappearance of the mini jack on the iPhone 7 this year.
Bluetooth headset sales have skyrocketed in the last few months which indicate that consumers have a desire for a change in the system.
From what is known about the major manufacturer's next flagships, it doesn't seem that any of them will forego the 3.5mm mini jack in the foreseeable future, but it's still possible the change could happen in the next few years. It may pain you, you may be against it, but the fact is that this connector has been around since the 1950's. So, maybe it will change.
What do you think about the mini jack on Android? Do you think it will be there in a few years on Android devices?
Original article by Sergio Colado, translated from Spanish into English
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