Apple Dock Connector to Support DisplayPort, USB 3.0, Thunderbolt?

PatentlyApple reveals a new patent granted to Apple from the US Patent and Trademark Office. The patent describes what appears to be a new dock connector that can support both DisplayPort/USB 3.0.
Apple has been granted a powerful patent that packs quite the wallop. Somehow they snuck a secret patent application through the system for an all-new high speed connector that will combine at least USB 3.0 and DisplayPort. Although the patent illustrates an iPod as being one of the first to adopt this, the patent clarifies that it's for all future Mac hardware as well.
The 30-pin connector has been a staple of Apple's iPod, iPhone and iPad lines as their universal docking connector for syncing and accessories. This patent application was previously spotted during the application phase, but has renewed interest now given Apple's recent commitment to Thunderbolt connector which shares the same physical form factor as DisplayPort.Top Rated Comments
(View all)Super-high-speed syncing, plus possibly external devices due to Thunderbolt's daisy chain ability?
It could make an iPad/iPhone accessories market of Thunderbolt devices that pushes adoption...
My questions are:
Will it be backwards-compatible
Obviously you'll need to buy different cables according to what the other end is plugging into (Thunderbolt or USB 2/3)....but will apple include both or charge $25 for the other one?
It's smart to include USB 3, especially on "iToys", as it will eventually become the standard. The only way to avoid it would be to stop putting USB ports on their computers all together, and that will alienate all of their non-mac "iToy" customers (probably the majority).
Yay! More cash from adapters for apple!
:( I am starting to think why do i have a mac, as i need so many dam adapters.
:( I am starting to think why do i have a mac, as i need so many dam adapters.
Exacly what a friend of mine said when he got his new macbook and found out he needed to buy new adapters since in the 3 years they removed many (such as the analogue audio ports)
Exacly what a friend of mine said when he got his new macbook and found out he needed to buy new adapters since in the 3 years they removed many (such as the analogue audio ports)
I don't understand this. Could you or someone explain this to me please?
I don't understand this. Could you or someone explain this to me please?
Headset jack was removed, so had to buy a USB headset for example.
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