Week 11, Post 1 — Apple patents smart audio splitter

Very recently, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office published an Apple patent describing an accessory, similar to an advanced headphone splitter, which allows for independent volume changes, media controls, and communication through an inline mic.

This is Apple's U.S. Patent No. 8,437,481. At first look, this might seem like an unnecessary invention as simple hardwired designs already exist for splitting an audio feed. A closer look, however shows that the proposed accessory is much more than a feed splitter.
The patent calls for an adapter that interfaces with a portable device, like an iPod or iPad, via its dock connector, allowing for two-way communication between the two devices. Multiple users can connect to the adapter through ports, with each handset supporting independent volume adjustments as well as mic inputs and remote controls.

Apple's splitter can support on-board amps to regulate proper frequency response and offer per-headphone control over volume output. For example, if two users are on a plane, watching a same movie on a single device, With apple's adapter, one user is able to adjust listening volumes, while the other's levels are maintained. The mic also allows users to communicate with each other during content viewing.