With the launch of Pixel 2, Google decided to follow the lead of Apple in ditching the 3.5mm audio jack.
It seems ironic that in 2016, Google mocked Apple’s move to chuck the iconic white headphones from iPhone 7 and 7 Plus in favor of AirPods. Now, exactly a year later Google is walking on the same path as that of its rival. The newly announced Pixel 2 and Pixel 2XL don’t have the headphone jacks.
Indeed it was a shock when the announcement was made at the recent launch! But hasn’t it been a tradition of the tech giants to criticize one another and eventually sail in the same boat? Although, Android may still seem to lag behind, but the latest buzz is that LG and HTC are also catching up in the race.
Why Google Ditched Headphone Jack?
In the ever-changing world of technology, you cannot gain success without keeping up to date with time. Google understands this, therefore it removed the audio jack. To achieve IP67 waterproof certification it is required to ditch the universal audio jack. More slots on the device restrict it from becoming water resistant and so Google let go of the headphone Jack.
Minus the 3.5mm audio jack, Pixel 2 can now be submerged in water up to one meter for 30 minutes.
Must Read: Google’s Pixel Buds: All You Need To Know!
Is this the only reason or was Google impressed by the consumer reaction to Apple’s risky yet radical move?
Wireless Headphones, Future Of The ‘Hearables’
Both the tech giants Google and Apple have removed the aging 3.5 mm jack from their smartphones. It is evident that soon it will be a ‘once upon a time’ story.
Removing 3.5 mm jack makes room for other things and there is now more space inside the device for embedding advanced technology. To start with a bigger battery, better camera and dual speakers have been added in the newly created space.
What Do We Miss Out Using The 3.5 Jack?
Higher amount of data can now be transferred both ways using USB Type-C as compared to the one dimensional transfer using the 3.5 mm jack.
What Is The Alternative?
While both, Apple and Google have implemented the solution with the AirPods and the Pixel Buds, it is now wait and watch how soon will the others will join the league.
Reactions:
For now, most users have not shown an enthusiastic reaction to Google’s initiative and in fact some of them are even disappointed.Many consumers are against Bluetooth headphones as they need to be charged, if not regularly but occasionally. Many users have reported signal drop issues as well. Not to forget, the risk of losing wireless and expensive Air Pods and Pixel buds. Some are even of the opinion that wireless headphones are not yet perfect. It will take more years to reach perfection.
Reaction On The Internet
Will Samsung Join Apple and Google?
While there is no definite answer to this but it seems Samsung is not yet convinced with the idea of going wireless. The Galaxy S8 released this year keeps the port intact with its cutting-edge design.
Wrap Up:
It may not come as a surprise if the upcoming gadgets will also abandon the 50 years old 3.5 mm jack. It’s time we accepted and adapted to the new technology. After seeing how the big names are now starting to walk the same path it seems that Apple did the right thing in cutting the cord. Headphones ecosystem is soon going to be wireless.
For those who would still like to take their own sweet time to shift to wireless, the best option for now is Samsung, which is the only brand that has the audio jack in its high end smartphones.