Samsung's Next-Generation Galaxy S8 Won't Include a Headphone Jack

[jmgregory1]

Wireless audio may be the future, but in it's current implementation it is a mess. We had more choice with the previous generation of the iPhones as you could still use bluetooth headphones and those who prefer wired could still use those. By eliminating the headphone port it did nothing but eliminate choice to the end-user.

But since Apple did this it was inevitable that the other major players would follow suit.

Apple did not eliminate choice - you can still use a wired headset if you want, as Apple included the adaptor to make that possible.

 

[kingjames1970]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01EL4PVFE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Currently unavailable. Maybe I shouldn't have just ordered some more? Sorry!

 

[RonD69]

I wonder how many component makers sell to both companies. I'm thinking Samsung gets a break in component cost from suppliers not carrying multiple inventories of similar components. Is this a possibility?

 

[The Game 161]

While not a fan of removing the headphone jack, at least Samsung used a standard connector rather than a proprietary connector like Apple.

On the positive side, it will give Apple an opportunity to sell more expensive Lighting -> USB C dongles to connect your headphones to the iPhone.

I'm sure it would cause more anger if they suddenly changed the charging port from lightening to USB C. Meaning people need to carry different cables from their phone, ipad/laptop

 

[timeconsumer]

Apple did not eliminate choice - you can still use a wired headset if you want, as Apple included the adaptor to make that possible.

Correct, but I can't charge and use wired headphones at the same time with what comes in the box. On previous iPhone's I could do that, therefore they did eliminate choice as I would be forced to buy a dock or wireless headphones to mimic this same functionality.

 

[mazz0]

However, unlike Apple, they use a common connector that you can use on your computer (and probably other devices in future).

 

[RiddlaBronc]

I am assuming they will release some sort of bt earphones as well.

I can see this being a good thing as it will basically force the aftermarket to catch up and offer more bt enabled ear/headphones bringing the prices down.

 

[tech3475]

Well, I know which phones I wont be getting next year when my contract is up.

 

[Wildkraut]

Lightning is a bit smaller than USB-C, I don't think they will drop it anytime soon.

 

[jonnysods]

Haha, the irony.

One less thing to blow up for them I guess.

 

[jmgregory1]

Correct, but I can't charge and use wired headphones at the same time with what comes in the box. On previous iPhone's I could do that, therefore they did eliminate choice as I would be forced to buy a dock or wireless headphones to mimic this same functionality.

There is still a choice, because you don't have to use the Apple supplied, or any other wired headphones, while charging the iPhone 7. You can use BT headphones, charge your iPhone and walk around not tethered by a wire to your iPhone.

 

[ryanwarsaw]

Correct, but I can't charge and use wired headphones at the same time with what comes in the box. On previous iPhone's I could do that, therefore they did eliminate choice as I would be forced to buy a dock or wireless headphones to mimic this same functionality.

Dear Timeconsumer,

You have first world problems. We find that $3,500 for a Mac is completely reasonable. The alternative is to buy an iPad and a Mac. Our airpods will be on the market soon, please be patient.

Sincerely,

Tim

 

[Stella]

I'm sure it would cause more anger if they suddenly changed the charging port from lightening to USB C. Meaning people need to carry different cables from their phone, ipad/laptop

Yes, your right it would, in the same way it has with the MacBook Pro 2016.

But, they could and include a Lighting -> USB C dongle in the iPhone box.

Or charge a small fee of $29.99 for such a dongle, available immediately at Apple Store.

 

[manu chao]

Imagine if they even say it taken Courage hahahaha

Well, they didn't have the courage to do it until Apple did it.

 

[ryanwarsaw]

Well, they didn't have the courage to do it until Apple did it.

I didn't jump off a bridge until my drunken friend did so.

 

[admob71]

Of course this was coming. No phones will have 3.5mm jacks in 5 years.

Apple once again leads the way in dropping outdated technology to drag us into the future.

I think you will find Motorola lead the way, but let's not let facts get in the way of a good story . Once again Apple copy others and the masses lap it up!!

 

[MacsRuleOthersDrool]

It appears it can mean either:
Definition of dongle

1. : a small device that plugs into a computer and serves as an adapter or as a security measure to enable the use of certain software

Never heard "Dongle" referred to as anything other than slang term for a hardware DRM device (and thinking back about it, also for plug-in WiFi or Ethernet Adapters). At least not before people trying to use it derisively when referring to Adapters used to transition from the USB-C Ports on the new MacBook Pro.

I do see, however, that "Popular Usage" has expanded the definition of "Dongle" from its original definition; so I stand (reluctantly) corrected.

I still don't like it though, because it is deliberately chosen by "Haters" in the case of the MBP scenario because it sounds "stupid".

 

[Zirel]

That said, at least Samsung will have a rather standard connector as it is USB Type-C. Lightning connector on the other hand...

on the other hand has 100's of millions of devices in circulation...

 

[MrMac2015]

Like the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus, Samsung's next-generation Galaxy S8 will not feature a 3.5mm headphone jack, reports SamMobile. Samsung will instead use a single USB-C port to deliver both power and audio capabilities, using the space once taken by the jack for other components.

Samsung often takes design inspiration from Apple, something that's caused legal problems that are still ongoing today, but the decision to remove the 3.5mm headphone jack is curious given Apple's move was so controversial.

According to Apple, removing the headphone jack in the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus took a lot of "courage." Apple executives have claimed that the 3.5mm jack is outdated technology that was taking up essential space and holding Apple back from implementing features like a new Taptic Engine and waterproofing.

Samsung's Galaxy Note 7​

Many iPhone users have not been happy with the removal of the headphone jack, a fact that Samsung took advantage of when announcing the now-defunct Galaxy Note 7. "Want to know what else it comes with?" Samsung VP Justin Denison asked on stage, mocking the iPhone. "An audio jack, I'm just saying."

With the removal of the headphone jack in the Galaxy S8, Samsung users will face the same drawbacks iPhone users have had to deal with since September. There will be no way to charge and listen to music at the same time without a special adapter, and existing headphones will also be useless without a 3.5mm to USB-C adapter.

Samsung plans to debut the new Galaxy S8 at the 2017 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, which takes place in February. In addition to overcoming any negative reaction to the removal of the 3.5mm audio jack, Samsung will also need to quell customer fears over the device's build and its battery.

The Galaxy Note 7 suffered from an exploding battery issue that injured dozens of people and eventually led Samsung to discontinue the device and pull it from store shelves.

Article Link: Samsung's Next-Generation Galaxy S8 Won't Include a Headphone Jack

No issue as you can charge wirelessly and listen to music

 

[SockRolid]

New slogan:
Samsung. The courage to copy.

 

[BlargKing]

Guess I'm not getting a ****ing Galaxy either. This is the dumbest ****ing thing, and I refuse to use or buy and adapter to use my headphones.

 

[jrbdmb]

Yep. They were early but not first. And there really are good technical reasons to replace ~60 year old connector designs. Maybe some of the complaints will move to the Samsung forums.

Like what?
[doublepost=1481062939][/doublepost]

This will always be the most ridiculous comment regarding the headphone jack. When bluetooth can match the same audio quality as the jack, then get back to me. Until then, just stop.

Well, that *and* when I can use Bluetooth headphones without having to stop and charge them every few hours.

 

[3NV7]

Brands to not consider when purchasing new phone:

• Apple
• Samsung

 

[truthertech]

Nothing is free and you'd be deluded to believe Apple have given us stuff out of the plain old goodness of their hearts. Did you notice that the nice plastic box the headphones usually come in was missing? No, they got shot of that for cardboard and that's where the money for your free adapter came from. Their obsessiveness for form factor at the cost of functionality is what drove them to remove the jack (I'm still mad at them taking the optical drives away on the Macs). By the way, where's my Airpods?!!

OK, so I am deluded and Apple is lying about why they removed it, and it wasn't about getting room for a bigger battery, larger camera, second speaker with stereo, improved water resistance, and larger haptic engine. You've got a great grasp on reality, and Apple wanted as part of their obsessiveness over thinness. Got it. Although one little problem with your conspiracy theory is that the iPhone 7 isn't any thinner.

What is the big conspiracy behind Samsung removing it on the next Galaxy 8? I think it is simply that they wanted to do it to increase space, but didn't have the courage so they waited until Apple did it. You're good at spotting the evil though, so what's their angle?

 

[reivinz]

My Sony Ericsson phones from 2005 to 2007 did not have headphone jacks. It really wasn't a big deal to me. The music actually sounded great and the phone was smaller.