On: If you own an M2 MacBook Air or MacBook Pro there’...

[falcolas]

Probably see more and more of this as cables continue the trend of becoming computers that abstract the communication between the two plugs.

[danpalmer → falcolas]

A worrying trend given that most people buy the cheapest cables they can from companies who may have questionable motives or state backing.

[closewith → danpalmer]

I wonder if there's a viable business model in "free" cables that inject ads into video streams.

[Tostino → closewith]

Please, just stop with that thought.

[closewith → Tostino]

Maybe we could integrate an IOT M2M eSIM so there's no way to block the ad server.

[Tostino → closewith]

You monster...

[Arrath → closewith]

If HDCP protects against such malarkey it will finally be worthy.

[hooverd → closewith]

Don't give them ideas.

[closewith → hooverd]

Maybe the "free" ad-supported cables could have limited charging or data transfer speeds, but those features could be unlocked by paying a subscription or watching more ads.

[doubled112 → closewith]

I hope the firmware in my eye tracking glasses is compatible with my ad serving cable. Wouldn't want to watch all those ads for nothing.

[hooverd → danpalmer]

I'm more worried about companies forbidding third party cables or bricking cables you own. "Sorry, this cable was only licensed for 100 charging cycles. Please buy a new one, for your safety of course."

[pathartl → hooverd]

No reason to forbid cables when you can just remove physical ports.

[tpxl → traceroute66]

I have been given a 'you need an official USB-C - 3.5mm jack adapter' warning by a non-apple brand. So yeah, this is happening.

[pc86 → traceroute66]

Where in the comment above do they even mention Apple?

[boramalper → pc86]

I don’t like their tone but they have a point. Historically Apple has been fussier than many other companies.

[hooverd → boramalper]

If anything, consumer hardware is amazingly fungible, compared to the things B2B manufacturers do.

[hooverd → traceroute66]

I didn't say anything about Apple. I just don't trust hardware companies to not DRM everything if they know they can get away with it.

[powersnail → falcolas]

Given the trend, I've really come to see all electric cables as not-yet-evolved computers, the same way every light bulb is a low resolution display.