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Apple lifts block on combo 30-pin+Lightning charging accessories

arstechnica.com

11–20 of 33 posts

Re: Apple lifts block on combo 30-pin+Lightning charging accessories

#11
post #2

> "... but there were technical issues that prevented accessories from integrating 30-pin and Lightning connectors, so our guidelines did not allow this." They sure resolved those technical issues pretty quickly, no? So quickly, in fact, that one might have confused them for policy issues completely unrelated to the interoperability of the devices.

It doesn't sound to me like they have resolved the technical issues, but rather they realized that they only apply to the control and/or data aspects of the connectors, and so have updated the guidelines to allow using both when they are only being used for charging.

Re: Apple lifts block on combo 30-pin+Lightning charging accessories

#12
post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

[deleted]

Unless I'm mistaken, Apple has just removed the "unforseen issues; we can't ship" excuse that might have gotten Kickstarter to refund its fees. At this point they can 1) just keep on with the existing Kickstarter project or 2) suck up Kickstarter's fees and jerk potential customers around just to re-crowdsource? I don't see how #2 helps anyone.

It may not have - from the article, they are still not sure if they'd be allowed to put the Lightning/30 pin connector in a device with a normal USB charger.

Re: Apple lifts block on combo 30-pin+Lightning charging accessories

#13
post #5
post #2

> "... but there were technical issues that prevented accessories from integrating 30-pin and Lightning connectors, so our guidelines did not allow this." They sure resolved those technical issues pretty quickly, no? So quickly, in fact, that one might have confused them for policy issues completely unrelated to the interoperability of the devices.

Yeah, isn't it cool Apple did this? Even though the kickstarter project totally screwed the pooch by not asking Apple before hand if it was good?

I feel like if they had Apple would have quietly said no, but that since they did get funded and all that they were able to get people to put pressure on Apple. Obviously it's hard to say if things would have played out like that but it's something to consider.

Re: Apple lifts block on combo 30-pin+Lightning charging accessories

#14
post #3

I bet $10 the POP charger is getting cancelled anyway. Those guys really felt like they were just looking for a reason to cancel their kickstarter.

I am Jamie Siminoff the inventor of POP. We are in the process of confirming if the changes that Apple PR told the press are true. If they are then POP will be made and I look forward to delivering it to all of the doubters out there.

@Devilboy, I hope you order one as I will hand deliver it and take that $10:)

Re: Apple lifts block on combo 30-pin+Lightning charging accessories

#15
post #2

> "... but there were technical issues that prevented accessories from integrating 30-pin and Lightning connectors, so our guidelines did not allow this." They sure resolved those technical issues pretty quickly, no? So quickly, in fact, that one might have confused them for policy issues completely unrelated to the interoperability of the devices.

They mentioned that the exclusion was only for _charging_.

Re: Apple lifts block on combo 30-pin+Lightning charging accessories

#16

I hope these guys http://edisonjunior.com/about.html know what they are doing with lithium batteries, and POP is made out of fire-resistant materials and includes proper battery management system.

These days you can get a single chip that nearly does all the "battery management" for you.

example: http://www.microchip.com/wwwproducts/Devices.aspx?dDocName=e...

Re: Apple lifts block on combo 30-pin+Lightning charging accessories

#18
post #5
post #2

> "... but there were technical issues that prevented accessories from integrating 30-pin and Lightning connectors, so our guidelines did not allow this." They sure resolved those technical issues pretty quickly, no? So quickly, in fact, that one might have confused them for policy issues completely unrelated to the interoperability of the devices.

Yeah, isn't it cool Apple did this? Even though the kickstarter project totally screwed the pooch by not asking Apple before hand if it was good?

We more then asked Apple we had submitted the project to them through the MFI process. Apple changed their policy and I have to think it is because of the incredible response this story got.

Re: Apple lifts block on combo 30-pin+Lightning charging accessories

#19
post #3

I bet $10 the POP charger is getting cancelled anyway. Those guys really felt like they were just looking for a reason to cancel their kickstarter.

I am Jamie Siminoff the inventor of POP. We are in the process of confirming if the changes that Apple PR told the press are true. If they are then POP will be made and I look forward to delivering it to all of the doubters out there. @Devilboy, I hope you order one as I will hand deliver it and take that $10:)

I hope your product ends up in the Apple store someday. (I'd join the kickstarter, but it's closed; if you re-open at some point, great, otherwise I'll just buy it at retail.)

Re: Apple lifts block on combo 30-pin+Lightning charging accessories

#20
post #16

I hope these guys http://edisonjunior.com/about.html know what they are doing with lithium batteries, and POP is made out of fire-resistant materials and includes proper battery management system.

These days you can get a single chip that nearly does all the "battery management" for you. example: http://www.microchip.com/wwwproducts/Devices.aspx?dDocName=e...

The example that you've given is is a single cell, linear charge management controller.

For a 26Ah (what voltage?) LiIon (LiPoly?) pack you need a lot more than that. Balancing, temperature monitoring, overcharge/over-discharge protection, current limit.

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