Image and documentation leaks suggest that Apple will rid the upcoming iPhone 7 of the conventional 3.5 mm audio jack. But while wireless headphones seem to be the future partner for iPhones, don't be in a hurry to throw away that longtime corded companion.
Griffin Technology, a Tennessee-based manufacturer of accessories for mobile devices and consumer electronics, breathes new life to corded headphones with its iTrip Clip Bluetooth headphone adapter. Plugging the audio jack into the adapter converts corded earpieces into wireless ones that allow more freedom of movement from not getting chained down to a device.
"No headphone jack? NO problem! Don't worry if your favorite smartphone doesn't have the headphone jack," Griffin describes the headphone adapter. "iTrip Clip connects your favorite headphones wirelessly to your smartphone or tablet using Bluetooth 4.1."
The iTrip Clip features the basic play/pause button, along with track and volume controls. The adapter also has a built-in microphone that can be used for phone calls and Siri. Note that the device is said to also be compatible with other voice recognition applications as well as Google Now.
And although released just a week prior to the confirmed Apple event on Sept. 7, which many believe as the purported iPhone 7's launch date, Griffin specifies that the product is compatible with both iOS and Android. The company praises it as the perfect add-on for the Moto Z, which comes without a headphone jack. Griffin adds that once paired with devices running on either of the mentioned operating systems, the iTrip Clip will seamlessly reconnect the next time.
Moreover, its application extends beyond mobile devices. The iTrip Clip can also connect to a car's stereo system via an AUX cable, which is sold separately, so users can listen and control their mobile device wirelessly inside the car. Note that the Bluetooth adapter's estimated range is 30 feet, which is roughly 9.1 meters.
Griffin's new adapter uses a rechargeable 800 mAh Li-Ion battery that will last for up to six hours of talk time and 180 hours while on standby. The $20 iTrip Clip package contains the Bluetooth adapter, along with its accompanying micro-USB cable and user manual.
Product releases such as this reaffirm the rumors regarding the headphone jack, or its absence, in the upcoming smartphone line. Some recent documentation released by the Eurasian Economic Commission (ECC) in which Apple listed a wireless headphone product called AirPods, among others, also thickens the speculations. Note that Apple has yet to confirm or release a statement regarding the rumored headphone jack omission from the highly anticipated iPhone 7.
