docking

Rumor alert: Apple could upgrade its recently released third-generation iPad this fall to support a smaller dock connector, according to the Apple-centric blog iMore.

The blog suggests that Apple will update its entire iOS lineup with the new connector as early as September 12. That would supposedly include the rumored iPhone 5, new iPod nanos and touches, the so-far mythical 7-inch iPad mini, and an updated version of the 9.7-inch iPad, according to unnamed sources.

Should this new rumor pan out, it remains unclear if the new iPad release would amount to a next-generation device -- i.e., the … Read more

Time to place your bets. Just how small will the iPhone 5's dock connector be?

A new report claims the next generation of iOS devices will come with an 8-pin connector. Citing two separate sources, the folks at iLounge say that Apple's next iPhone, iPad, and iPod units will dramatically shrink the size of the connector to a single 8-pin row from its current 30-pin layout.

This follows recent reports saying that the new connector would be whittled down to 19 pins. iLounge's sources believe that a 19-pin connector wouldn't jibe with the port's small … Read more

Even Tim Cook seems to be hinting that a new phone is right around the corner. But it may frustrate people updating from an earlier device, as trusted news source Reuters is reporting that the new device will boast a smaller 19-pin dock connector. What will that mean for compatibility with older accessories, like speaker docks? A headache.

Also on today's show, the youngest child in the MacBook Pro line may get some love from Apple soon; Nokia's mathematicians may have figured out a novel way to save the company; and the BlackBerry PlayBook isn't dead, and … Read more

Every month, it seems, another audio manufacturer debuts a new monolithic speaker dock that boasts the latest and greatest in acoustics and connectivity.

While some portable speakers push the bar in design, however, few offer the conversation-sparking aesthetics of this miniature toilet-shaped speaker out of Japan. … Read more

If Apple does, in fact, have a new plug in the bottom of its next iPhone, car kits, and other third-party accessories won't be left in the dust thanks to an adapter, according to a new report.

Citing the same sources that gave it the hint about a smaller, pill-shaped adapter earlier this year, iMore says Apple will have an adapter ready to go with the launch its next iPhone that lets the new plug work with the existing 30-pin accessories.

As iMore points out, Apple offered a similar adapter with the introduction of its newer MagSafe power technology … Read more

Apple's next iPhone will come with a smaller Dock connector port, according to a new report.

Although Apple's current mobile devices, including the iPhone and iPad, come with a 30-pin port, the new iPhone will sport a 19-pin connector, Reuters is reporting today, citing sources. The switch will help Apple make room on the bottom of the handset for a headphone jack. The headphone jack currently sits at the top of Apple's iPhones.

Reuters' report on Apple's Dock connector is just the latest in a string of rumors surrounding Apple's plans for that port. Over … Read more

Hello Internet. Eileen here, Supervising Producer for Always On. Molly is on vacation, so I'm filling in to give you a little background on this week's episode!

This week we get physical! Molly is in the best shape of her life and was inspired by her road test of both the Nike+ FuelBand and Fit Bit Ultra to enter her first half-marathon! She said to me, "I think we need to stay true to the extreme nature of the show. How about I sign up for a half-marathon?!?"

At first I thought she was crazy to … Read more

Apple has won a patent for a technology that could help iOS device owners more easily charge their phones and tablets.

Granted to Apple yesterday, Patent No. 8,207,906 is known simply as "Antenna insert" and would outfit a docking station with inductive charging circuits and a reradiating antenna.

The charging circuits would let users place their device on a docking station or other platform where it could be charged wirelessly.

As the patent states: "Devices currently require a physical connection to either a docking station, cable, or other device for battery charging and data transfer. … Read more

You ready to play the tech name game?

For starters, it's a juicy day for iPhone 5 rumors. The next iPhone could have a smaller dock connector with 19 pins, instead of Apple's typical 30-pin port. TechCrunch is reporting that three manufacturing sources say Apple will be using a port that's roughly the size of a micro USB. If there's truth to this, get ready to dish out money for new accessories. It won't fit that pretty little iHome charging dock anymore. (But hey, Apple fans always dish out money for new accessories. So no … Read more