Today, fans of innovative Apple operating system design are talking about a new accessory that combines high-speed USB with secure charging.
The ThunderMag accessory being shown off on review sites is a new version of the MagSafe design that traditionally tethered an iPhone to power with a magnetic connector to keep the line from falling out under pressure.
Users can quickly transfer photos or video, or connect to a network with the ThunderMag piece, which is not yet available but on pre-order right now.
I like the ThunderMag and what it represents: a new wave of versatile, useful accessories enabled by the USB-C technology and its more powerful competitor, Thunderbolt, which uses the same port design,” writes Stephen Shankland at C|Net. “Nobody likes dongles, but USB-C and Thunderbolt can handle so many duties that gradually you’ll have less need for them.”
Of course, ThunderMag doesn’t do much to combat the problem that many are now associating with more access to device ports.
That challenge is endpoint security, and with companies gluing USB ports shut on some devices, it remains to be seen how BYOD applies to new generations of stickier connectors like the ThunderMag.
However, for user convenience, it doesn’t get much better – integrating magnetic technology into the connector can solve some of the problems that legacy users have with loose pins and connectors that stop working consistently when the device reaches a certain age.
Now, if Apple would only replace the 3.5 mm stereo jack…!
