New iPads Use Apple’s New Lightning Connector
First seen on the iPhone 5, Apple’s newest iPad models employ a
smaller connector known as Lightning. The 8-pin Lightning connector on
the 4th generation iPad and the iPad mini replaces the larger 30-pin
dock connector found on previous models. Unlike the old connector, you
don’t have to fiddle with finding which side is up. The connector fits
both ways, so it’s simpler to hook up without looking. The down side?
Your old accessories that use the 30-pin connector will require a
Lightning adapter. Note that video signals won’t be passed through the
adapter. This means the old 30-pin VGA and HDMI connectors used to send
the video signal over a cable to your HDTV or VGA projector won’t work
with the 8-pin Lightning adapter. However, Apple will have Lightning VGA
and Digital AV (HDMI) adapters available in a few weeks. Though Apple TV and Airplay
may be a better solution. Apple has begun to license the Lightning
technology, so Apple is no longer the sole source for Lightning
accessories. Belkin, a well-known maker of Apple accessories, is
releasing a line of Lightning accessories
for iPads and other iOS devices. Others manufacturers are also gearing
up to produce Lightning adapters and cables. Meanwhile, beware of
unlicensed clones.
Update: MacWorld announces more Lightning accessories from other vendors.Read more...
No comments:
Post a Comment