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Lack of docking/playing stations for iPod/iPhone 5

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Why have these taken SO long to appear? I did see two models in Apple and John Lewis last week but want to compare features and prices with other models before buying one. This afternoon i looked in the ASDA Home store. They had about 6-7 different models of the older version (pre iPod 5) and these were mostly reduced to clear but no new ones. I asked why but the member of staff had no idea. Said they might be available online but didn't know when there would be any in the store.
I am not a fan of buying online without first seeing it in the store. This is mainly to do with not being at home for deliveries and the hassle of returning unsuitable items. I want to be sure that I want the product before ordering.

Comments

  • custardy
    custardy Posts: 38,365 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    well that's what happens when Apple keep changing specs
  • paddyrg
    paddyrg Posts: 13,543 Forumite
    As I understand it, rather than supporting any of the open and accessible standards like USB3, etc., Apple decided to create a new connector. The cables have to have a chip embedded in the connector in order to communicate with the device. They don't license this chip design, so you're tied in to all-Apple (plus ones they charge to license) kit. This might mean cables at £15 instead of £1.50, and similarly there aren't third-party docking stations.

    Perhaps you could try one of the many bluetooth external speaker systems? Not expensive, and should do the trick if the iPh5 hasn't meddled about with their bluetooth implementation
  • katejo
    katejo Posts: 4,262 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    paddyrg wrote: »
    As I understand it, rather than supporting any of the open and accessible standards like USB3, etc., Apple decided to create a new connector. The cables have to have a chip embedded in the connector in order to communicate with the device. They don't license this chip design, so you're tied in to all-Apple (plus ones they charge to license) kit. This might mean cables at £15 instead of £1.50, and similarly there aren't third-party docking stations.

    Perhaps you could try one of the many bluetooth external speaker systems? Not expensive, and should do the trick if the iPh5 hasn't meddled about with their bluetooth implementation

    I have seen one 3rd party docking station by Phillips in JL. I really just want a compact one which i could take on holiday with me (as I had before with my previous Nano). I don't want separate speakers.

    If I had known about this problem before, perhaps i would have bought the iPod touch 4 instead.
  • Helix
    Helix Posts: 2,381 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    paddyrg wrote: »
    As I understand it, rather than supporting any of the open and accessible standards like USB3, etc., Apple decided to create a new connector. The cables have to have a chip embedded in the connector in order to communicate with the device. They don't license this chip design, so you're tied in to all-Apple (plus ones they charge to license) kit. This might mean cables at £15 instead of £1.50, and similarly there aren't third-party docking stations.

    They do license the connector actually, thats what the Made for iPhone program is for. https://developer.apple.com/programs/mfi/
  • custardy
    custardy Posts: 38,365 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Helix wrote: »
    They do license the connector actually, thats what the Made for iPhone program is for. https://developer.apple.com/programs/mfi/

    and it doesnt come free ;)
  • Helix
    Helix Posts: 2,381 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    custardy wrote: »
    and it doesnt come free ;)

    No different from the previous Made for iPhone scheme, with the old dock connector.
  • Dogger69
    Dogger69 Posts: 1,183 Forumite
    katejo wrote: »
    If I had known about this problem before, perhaps i would have bought the iPod touch 4 instead.

    This is part of the reason - retailers/ manufacturers know that consumers are sick of Apple and their constant upgrades, when the earlier models are equally good. Hence they are responding to consumer demand, and sticking with items that are compatible with the earlier models.
  • paddyrg
    paddyrg Posts: 13,543 Forumite
    Helix wrote: »
    They do license the connector actually, thats what the Made for iPhone program is for. https://developer.apple.com/programs/mfi/

    Yes, ok, I wasn't explicit - they will license them to you for a significant fee.

    If I make USB and Bluetooth and minijack components, I can make them cheaply and make them compatible with all devices. If I make lightening connector devices I only target a single device manufacturer and what I make to target them with is expensive. And I know Apple will stitch me up by changing the connector again in a few years making all my production line obsolete again.

    But hey, not my market - and it seems many other manufacturers are not rushing into that market at the moment from the OP's experience.
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