While long-time accessory maker
Griffin Technology had a
few items to show off at this year's Consumer Electronics show, one of the most popular with onlookers there was one of its smallest -- a new Lightning-to-USB cable that featured a redesigned Type A plug that could be
inserted in either orientation, just like Apple's Lightning connectors. The company says the new cable will be marketed as officially Made for iPhone (MFi) devices, but the new USB connector has not yet been certified as authorized.
The delay in authorization for the reversible USB connector is likely the main reason that Apple has not yet produced one, despite
claims from unreliable sources. Although it uses the standard Type A design, the new connector would need to be certified by the USB Compliance Committee before any USB Consortium logos or other official branding could be used. Reps from the company did not appear to be concerned, however, and say to look for the cables to arrive in the market some time in March, with a price tag starting at $30 for an unspecified length (the samples looked to be about one foot).
Rumors last year had suggested that Apple would develop and offer its own reversible USB cables, but thus far it has stuck to the conventional Type A connector so as to retain official USB certification. The reversibility of Apple's Lightning connectors has helped the thinner data-, audio- and power-capable standard to catch on quickly, and foreshadowed further thinness in a number of Apple products.
Photo by AppleInsider
In addition to an assortment of new cables, Griffin was also showing off a redesigned version of its
Twenty audio amplifier. The $150 unit offers up to 20 watts per channel, AAC and aptX audio streaming via Bluetooth, and comes with direct connections for most standard audio sources. The company is offering the new Twenty in a bundle with either NHT SuperZero bookshelf speakers ($300) or NHT SuperZero 2.1 Super Stereo with a powered subwoofer for $600, reports
AppleInsider.
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