soxinthebox
Member
Is it possible to charge a phone like that while using some wired headphones?
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Andy Rubin (Android co-founder) launches "modular" Essential phone (no 3.5mm jack)
- Thread starter giga
- Start date
The Albatross
Member
Really impressively odd hardware decisions, but I'm glad they're pushing into new territory with this. A friend of mine pre-ordered it today so hopefully it'll come out sometime in the next 10 years and we'll see how it is.
I don't really care about the headphone jack but I'd want to keep it if it's possible... It's just such a modular, backwards compatible port.
Are there *no* wired connections? That's what it sounds like... Like no USB/etc ports at all, it's all the magnetic snap thing? Pretty aggressive design idea, but weird.
I don't really care about the headphone jack but I'd want to keep it if it's possible... It's just such a modular, backwards compatible port.
Are there *no* wired connections? That's what it sounds like... Like no USB/etc ports at all, it's all the magnetic snap thing? Pretty aggressive design idea, but weird.
AlanzTalon
Member
I'm watching this one closely. I'm in the market for a new phone, I don't do Apple or Samsung because of the garbage bloatware on both...but missed the cycle on the Pixel.
So now I'm waiting out the summer on my old phone until I see what's up with the next pixel, but this is super interesting. But definitely not going to pre-order until we get some firm specs and carrier details.
I'm only interested in a phone that runs a pure android. So basically it was a Pixel until now. 3.5mm is a non-issue to me.
So now I'm waiting out the summer on my old phone until I see what's up with the next pixel, but this is super interesting. But definitely not going to pre-order until we get some firm specs and carrier details.
I'm only interested in a phone that runs a pure android. So basically it was a Pixel until now. 3.5mm is a non-issue to me.
Not true, one of my favourite features of the iPhone is that you can uninstall all non-os apps.
It has a USB-C port.
I like the design of the phone, but there's no way I could afford it.
andythinkpad
Member
I don't understand why 60% of the posts in this thread focus on the 3.5mm jack. This phone will fail with or without the jack.
This is Andy Rubin version of the Gopro karma. The jack doesn't matter.
This is Andy Rubin version of the Gopro karma. The jack doesn't matter.
Subpar Spatula
Banned
The 3.55mm jack works for only headphones. Phones are small enough and designers are trying to find ways to make ports / other features multi-use. Makes sense to remove a feature that works for just your headphones and innovate.
polyh3dron
Banned
Could've just put a USB-C port in it. that's gonna be universal soon.
All the stupid magnetic devices are going to work for this phone only though.
All the stupid magnetic devices are going to work for this phone only though.
And, if you're willing to partially break some features of the OS, you can uninstall some of the stock OS apps as well (Stocks, yada yada.)
It does have a USB-C port.
Sounds.. Exactly like the pitch for previous modular phone ideas (which bombed), while simultaneously ignoring the benefits of limited SKUs on performance, optimization, and compatibility?
Modular phones are awesome in theory, but they've purely a hardware pursuit that is yet to married to a competitive firmware and software solution.
Modular phones are awesome in theory, but they've purely a hardware pursuit that is yet to married to a competitive firmware and software solution.
No one wants to carry a bunch of shit around for their phones.
Pocky4Th3Win
Member
I put myself on the reservation, no CC means I can change my mind later. Might be a good replacement to my Pixel.
Alcotholic
Banned
I like the look, plus I dont use my phone's headphone jack. I'll probably pick it up in a couple years when the price shrinks to 2/3rds less.
It literally does not matter what complaints there are, this is the trend moving forward.
Ray Wonder
Founder of the Wounded Tagless Children
It actually looks really fucking awesome now that I have investigated further
Veritigo_X
Member
They also announced some home automation hub thing that sounds interesting. I like the idea of everything running locally, but a custom OS and AI assistant from a startup has me skeptical.
https://www.essential.com/home
https://www.essential.com/home
itwasTuesday
He wasn't alone.
Ocean blue with gold looks good. But the phone... good luck. Actually no, I don't want this to catch on. not like this
The focus on privacy is commendable. Too many smart home devices are insecure. But the overall function sounds a little too magical to be realistic. I still hope it approaches the "works with anything" promise.
It seems like a horrible idea, but Nextbit pulled it off with the Robin. Good phone at a good price. They made me believe it's possible.
AlanzTalon
Member
my wife has a folder called "Do not use" full of apps she can't delete on her iphone.
zephervack
Member
From the pitch, you would have thought they were making their own OS too.
Realistically speaking, no one is going to be carrying around accessories for this, but could be a cool concept if they nail it, that first huge 360 degree camera isnt it tho...
Realistically speaking, no one is going to be carrying around accessories for this, but could be a cool concept if they nail it, that first huge 360 degree camera isnt it tho...
Coreda
Member
By 'modular' was expecting something to do with the internals being replaceable. Merely having universal, attachable accessories isn't that big a draw imo. If this supported long-term software updates (longer than the 1-3 years most Android phones offer), and wasn't made in some awful Chinese factory conditions it would stand out from other offerings. No 3.5mm jack isn't helping it though.
badcrumble
Member
Interesting product vision but seemingly no real business plan attached to it. How do you get third parties to actually support this accessory ecosystem before having a reasonably substantial user base attached to it?
Rudin basically got sidelined at Google for wanting them to e.g. withhold Google Maps/Google Now features from iOS in order to grow Android marketshare (when it's the *services* Google makes money from, not an OS they deployed for strategic defensive reasons). That, too, felt like a failure to understand business strategy on Rudin's part.
Even if the third-party accessory market for this fails to appear, though, it seems like a pretty good Android flagship (the stuff they're doing with the camera, especially, is very nice). Rudin's a good product guy.
Rudin basically got sidelined at Google for wanting them to e.g. withhold Google Maps/Google Now features from iOS in order to grow Android marketshare (when it's the *services* Google makes money from, not an OS they deployed for strategic defensive reasons). That, too, felt like a failure to understand business strategy on Rudin's part.
Even if the third-party accessory market for this fails to appear, though, it seems like a pretty good Android flagship (the stuff they're doing with the camera, especially, is very nice). Rudin's a good product guy.
Only a few apps can't be deleted, and they are usually tied to the function of the OS (like the camera, photos, messages, and settings apps).
WhiskerFrisker
Member
It seems like that was written before the phone was created, not after. Premium materials, but no waterproof​. Tired of less options, but create a phone without the option of a headphone jack.
therealist
Member
25% chance there will be a Essential Phone v2.
CrimsonSquall
Member
No headphone jack?! Endless cycle of signature phones following Apple continues lmao, well played Apple my boys
andythinkpad
Member
Modular phones don't even sound awesome in theory, because everything should be done thru bluetooth and wifi.
You are wrong. Stop telling people what their opinion is.
andythinkpad
Member
There have been MANY 360 cameras from many different companies, some of them are even camera companies.
CrimsonSquall
Member
But it's true tho. Do tell what's the big problem without it
Alter_Fridge
Member
He's absolutely full of shit and I hate his guts already
It is a needless decision with no true benefit that forces people to use a dongle to have a normal headphone jack. That is the problem. It doesn't require more detail.
If it doesn't bother you, that's great. It bothers other people, factually, and you are in no place to tell them they are wrong or lying.
Rodney McKay
Member
Those two kill it for me, and the weird front camera/grill cutout that would probably never stop annoying me.
Plus no idea what the battery life will be in real life.
Fast Forward
Member
I hate this is becoming a tend. Really hope the Pixel 2 is the exception, and still includes a headphone jack.
Maintenance
Member
No 3.5mm, no buy.
CrimsonSquall
Member
I'm in no place to tell people anything yet u just stated there is no logical reasoning for getting rid of it? Do you work for Google and Apple? Do u think they thought hmm let's just remove a headphone jack for literally no reason at all. C'mon dude, it's future forethought.
No headphone jack is not a burden, anyone with an iPhone 7 will tell u this over and over again, u are just averse to change and can't admit it till 5-10 yrs u will be thinking "dang why did I even care about a headphone jack anyway" guaranteed.