The iPhone 7 may have been the first smartphone to remove the headphone jack, but it probably won’t be the last. In fact, we started hearing last month that the Galaxy S8 may do the same. Wireless headphones are the future, so Apple wanted to be the first in this area. The removal of the jack triggered widespread outrage while it was still a rumor, although the anger seems to have quieted down for now.
Transform regular headphones into wireless headphones
The biggest problem is that iPhone users who have shelled out big bucks for expensive headphones have either wasted money or don’t want to buy an iPhone 7. However, there’s now an inexpensive gadget that will turn those expensive headphones into wireless headphones. It’s called Jack, and it’s made by Podo Labs.
It’s essentially a tiny adaptor which adds Bluetooth support to any headphones or speakers. Just plug the headphones or speakers into Jack, and then pair Jack with your phone, and then you suddenly have wireless headphones or speakers. Jack also enables friends to share audio from the same device by pairing two of them together.
Specs and other details on Jack
Here’s what you can expect from the Jack adapter for wireless headphones:
- 300mAh battery for 12 hours of true playback time
- First-of-its-kind in-line microphones and volume controls
- Works with any aux output, including headphones, speakers, car audio, TV, etc.)
- Only 1 inch x 2 inches x 0.25 inches
- Weighs 20g
- Comes with spring steel clip to click Jack to your cloths or pocket
- In-line microphone and remote buttons work as usual
If you’re interested in Jack, you can help fund the campaign on Kickstarter. Podo Labs has set a goal of $20,000. It has 32 days left to meet that goal, and as of this writing, it had 58 backers and $2,228 of that goal pledged. Jack will be available in different colors to early bird funders who pay $25 or more. Headphones and a carrying case are also available.
The campaign just went live today, and if it’s funded, the device will begin shipping in June. It seems like Jack is already pretty popular, as backers have been signing on quickly just in the minutes while this article was being written.
