HTC to switch from proprietary jack to 3.5mm
updated 02:50 pm EDT, Thu July 9, 2009
HTC makes switch to 3.5mm
A Thursday MobileCrunch report has confirmed that smartphone maker HTC will switch from its proprietary ExtUSB format to the near industry-standard 3.5mm audio jack. The new jack will be included on handsets including and released after the Android-powered Hero, though some devices that have already been announced and due for a release after the Hero will retain the old, proprietary format.
HTC handset users thus far have had to use either HTC-supplied headsets or adapters in order to make their own headphones fit the custom port, which technically supports regular USB but has been modified to prevent standard cables from working. Most current cellphone designers now use 3.5mm jacks and often use more standardized USB ports, like Nokia's preference for micro USB.
