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Engineering Student Creates Custom AirPods With USB-C Charging Case

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After showing off the world's first iPhone with a fully functional USB-C port last year, engineering student Ken Pillonel has now created custom AirPods with a USB-C charging case instead of Apple's proprietary Lightning connector.

usb-c-airpods.jpg

Pillonel told The Verge that he managed to design a custom flexible PCB that allowed him to fit the necessary USB-C charging hardware inside the AirPods case, and he plans to open source the project so that others can attempt the project themselves.

He shared a short video of the USB-C AirPods on YouTube and plans to release a full-length video with more details in the coming weeks.



In addition to a USB-C iPhone and USB-C AirPods, Pillonel also managed to add a fully functional Lightning connector to a Samsung smartphone.

Apple has opposed proposed EU legislation that would require the company to offer a USB-C port on devices like the iPhone. Apple does offer USB-C ports on some devices, such as the latest MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini models.

Article Link: Engineering Student Creates Custom AirPods With USB-C Charging Case
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2022/05/10/usb-c-airpods-mod/
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I use the AirPods wireless charging most of the time, but I still can’t think of a single good reason for Apple to keep lightning port on AirPods, Magic Keyboard, Apple TV remote, etc. I can understand the switch would be more of a burden with iPhones, but all of these accessories should have USB-C. I hope these kind of DIY projects will inspire Apple to move on, but I’m not holding my breath unfortunately
 
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„I use the AirPods wireless charging most of the time, but I still can’t think of a single good reason for Apple to keep lightning port on AirPods, Magic Keyboard, Apple TV remote, etc. I can understand the switch would be more of a burden with iPhones, but all of these accessories should have USB-C. I hope these kind of DIY projects will inspire Apple to move on, but I’m not holding my breath unfortunately“

Or even still have micro-USB on the top of the line beats headphones. Unforgivable
 
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maerz001 said:
„I use the AirPods wireless charging most of the time, but I still can’t think of a single good reason for Apple to keep lightning port on AirPods, Magic Keyboard, Apple TV remote, etc. I can understand the switch would be more of a burden with iPhones, but all of these accessories should have USB-C. I hope these kind of DIY projects will inspire Apple to move on, but I’m not holding my breath unfortunately“

Or even still have micro-USB on the top of the line beats headphones. Unforgivable
Click to expand...
I think Apple's ultimate goal is to go completely wireless. That is why they introduce MagSage.
 
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So what? We absolutely know Apple could. The question is why won’t they. The technorati here have suddenly declared USB-C the universal stand for everything, no other standard need apply. When the next port appears on the horizon, even if it is superior to USB-C, will it be banned by the same technorati?

But real reason this is topic 1 in tech blogs is because of the shear jubilation of forcing Apple to do something it doesn’t want to do. The thought of forcing Apple’s square peg into a round hole is the wet dream of every critic on planet.
 
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The Barron said:
Come on, Apple! It's time to go to ONE charging connection worldwide - USB-C for all devices. You'll still make plenty of money and people will be able to stop all the cable madness. The time is N O W, Apple.
Click to expand...
Not just one cable for charging - one cable for everything.
  • Charging
  • Display output
  • Connecting peripherals
  • Data transfer
  • Audio
 
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MacRumors said:


After showing off the world's first iPhone with a fully functional USB-C port last year, engineering student Ken Pillonel has now created custom AirPods with a USB-C charging case instead of Apple's proprietary Lightning connector.

usb-c-airpods.jpg

Pillonel told The Verge that he managed to design a custom flexible PCB that allowed him to fit the necessary USB-C charging hardware inside the AirPods case, and he plans to open source the project so that others can attempt the project themselves.

He shared a short video of the USB-C AirPods on YouTube and plans to release a full-length video with more details in the coming weeks.



In addition to a USB-C iPhone and USB-C AirPods, Pillonel also managed to add a fully functional Lightning connector to a Samsung smartphone.

Apple has opposed proposed EU legislation that would require the company to offer a USB-C port on devices like the iPhone. Apple does offer USB-C ports on some devices, such as the latest MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini models.

Article Link: Engineering Student Creates Custom AirPods With USB-C Charging Case
Click to expand...
Now they should make a Mac with a lightning port lol
 
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The Barron said:
Come on, Apple! It's time to go to ONE charging connection worldwide - USB-C for all devices. You'll still make plenty of money and people will be able to stop all the cable madness. The time is N O W, Apple.
Click to expand...
I can foresee Apple spinning this a couple ways. iPhone and other accessories finally adopt USB-C and it will be stated due to faster charging possibilities, larger and faster data transfer speeds and universal single port/cable shared with other Apple devices and device makers along with accessories makers leaving a larger market for choice.

iPhone and accessories are now “greener” than ever and with USB-C and we have ceased including a USB-C cable as you already have one and can share it or pick one from many manufacturers.

Apple being one of the ultimate hypocrite while claiming being environmentally friendly and still using a non-standard industry port. It’s devices are a mess some have lightening some have USB-C, some MagSafe for iOS or Mac or magnetic puck for AW. If Apple wanted to standardize USB-C and be environmentally aligned it would have made the transition a year or two after it did so with the MBP. I am surprised many people don’t call Tim Cook and the other Apple HW engineers on this. Claiming the the thickness will not accommodate is lazy as this guy has proven it can be done, actually just making it even a little thicker would not deter from the experience. Then claiming IPX rating which is another erroneous claim as android manufacturers have done it. Then claiming it is not as durable but then it’s on the iPad, Beats lineup, Mac laptops and countless other devices and accessories on the market. The bottom line is to Apple it’s about profits and keeping people shacked to lightening with it arrogance. Get on the ball Apple and just adopt USB-C across all your devices.
 
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TheYayAreaLiving ? said:
Crossing the limitations once again. We all deserve this.

This should only motivate Apple. Apple, please hire him.
Click to expand...
Apple probably has this done in its hardware labs it does not want to release it yet for whatever reason, Apple does not need to hire this person it is just be stubborn and it’s annoying tbh.
 
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