- Intel is working on adding analog audio over some unused pins on USB 3.1 (sfaik)
- Even if USB gets analog audio we will probably see the DAC+amp in computers and phones go away so they have more room for a battery
- With USB 3.1 headphones there would be a DAC+amp in/on the headphones
- With a DAC+amp on the headphones we could select to use the host computers' DAC+amp or the headphones' DAC+amp. Choice between quality or battery life?
- DRM sucks dicks - but there will always be a way to get between the DAC and the speaker for recording. Let's just limit consumer choice, amirite?
- Phones and laptops are all going USB, but there aren't nearly enough ports - I thought we killed fucking docks in the 90s. They're BACK?!?!
- USB and keyboard-cases became so expensive when tablets became popular... docks for more ports and audio will similarly be $100 and above.
- We might see the DAC+amp become another accessory to interchange between the digital audio source and the speakers. Another $100 device for enthusiasts.
- Lightning seems way better than USB type-c (physically better), but no way am I buying it just to be in the Apple crowd.
- Cash grab or DRM blitz? or both?