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Multi-touch may not be the only thing Apple asked Google not to include on the G1 Android phone, as it may explain why there is also no standard 3.5mm headphone input on the device.
VentureBeat widely reported on Monday that a Google Android team member notified them that Apple asked Google to not include multi-touch on Android and thus the G1 due to patent infringement.
What is interesting is that John Gruber on Daring Fireball affirms this is what an Apple employee ALLEGEDLY told him several months ago, including what else Apple asked Google not to include on the G1:
“Google showed Apple legal a pre-release prototype of the HTC G1, specifically to avoid patent-related disputes. According to my source, in addition to multi-touch, the other feature that Apple objected to was using a standard headphone jack. Apple apparently owns a patent on controlling software using buttons connected by a standard 3.5mm headphone jack (at least for music and video playback controls), and would not grant Google a license to the patent. Hence the G1’s use of a proprietary ExtUSB port rather than a standard 3.5mm headphone jack.”
This seems a little extreme and more of a manufacturer call as HTC would have had to decide, unless Google assuming this allegation is true, strong armed them.
My sense is from an engineering perspective you want to streamline the inputs for a mobile device and the USB presents an all in one port for data, sound, and power connections.
*** Luke Hutchison who hacked the G1 to have multi-touch calls shenanigans on the whole blame Apple for the lack of multi-touch as well the missing 3.5mm port – my opinion he is credible and it logically makes sense, emotionally I think the G1 community wanted something to blame for not having these expected and useful features ***
Do you think Apple is the reason why the annoying USB connection is required for headphones in lieu of the standard 3.5mm jack on the G1?
Google And Blog is cited & referenced as a top Android site in:
Please, let’s get rid of the Patent System!
It’s ridiculous!
Rubbish. There are other phones that have a 3.5mm plug, Google didn’t design the specs for the G1, and HTC (who did come up with the specs) has a history of using USB connections. I think htc designed the phone without a 3.5mm plug for other reasons. Usb is a universal port high speed port for anything. One port saves space and money.
I’ve been following your blog for a while and have found proof that refutes some of your other posts.
Do you ever print anything that is true?
@Jan,
I expressed my doubt within the post and opened this up for debate.
I cited my source so its not just conjecture or rumor creation on my part.
Please provide facts that counter any previous posts, especially those that I haven’t highlighted myself previously since I welcome counterpoints & criticism.
***Note my opinion mirrored yours in the post***
This seems a little extreme and more of a manufacturer call as HTC would have had to decide, unless Google strong armed them.
My sense is from an engineering perspective you want to streamline the inputs for a mobile device and the USB presents an all in one port for data, sound, and power connections.
Must be a slow news day when false information is being presented in this manner, whether or not disclaimers are present.
With all the info floating around in regards to upcoming products, I’m surprised resorting to this would even occur…
@Benji,
It may be false but would like to know IF this patent actually exists and know WHY the G1 doesnt have this common port on it.
Inferring from the frustration of many G1 owners, including myself, wonder why HTC couldn’t have simply added the 3.5mm port along with the USB on the phone.
From an engineering standpoint its relatively simple and seemingly doesn’t over complicate or reduce efficiency.
Could you provide your input as to what you find interesting that’s floating around today in regards to Android?
Thank You.
LOL, what a bunch of FUD. Seriously, who comes up with this stuff?
Hahaha, this was a JOKE on the internet.
A satire because of the massive amounts of posts saying that Google axed Multitouch because of Apple, which might simply not be true ( http://lukehutch.wordpress.com/2009/02/10/multi-touch-and-more-tinfoil-hats/ )
LOL, I can’t believe someone really believe Apple has any right for 3,5mm headphone jack. Get serious.
@Ryo,
I read that last night and in my opinion I believe he is correct.
This is the guy who hacked multi-touch on the G1 so there is instant credibility.
Also I think we all wanted to have some reason or excuse as well something to blame for not having multi-touch and the 3.5mm port so Apple became an easy target.
What? This cannot be right! Apple "patenting" using two fingers on a touch screen (Like driving a car with two hands) and a feature that has been on most phones with any multimedia at all. I guess it was so HTC could make the G1 smarter than the iPhone 3G!