A mini HDMI connector that offers the same sparkling HD image transfer as its bigger brother is in prototype stage, promising high-def output for portable gizmos of every kind, from phones to MP3 players and handheld consoles.
HDMI ports are essential for slinging 1080p visuals to a screen, but they’re bit too bulky for pocket gadgets, where volume and surface area are all important. That could be about to change though: this mini HDMI connector still packs in the 19 pins and zippy 10.2Gbit/s bandwidth, but measures just 6.4mm x 2.8mm, so it’s perfect for iPods and satnavs. Now all we need are pocket processors capable of chucking out high quality video.
There is a small HDMI connector already, type C, but type D, as this prototype is known, is half the size of that, and roughly the same size as a Micro USB slot. You can see how they all measure up in the photo (the type D mini HDMI is on the left).
The mini HDMI connector is still a prototype mind so don’t expect to see it in devices just yet, but it’s a great pointer as to where all the gadgets in your pocket are headed.
