Reddit mentions of HiFiMeDIY Android USB DAC, Android Digital to Analog Audio Converter ES9023+PCM2706

You could always try this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/HiFiMeDIY-Android-Digital-Converter-PCM2706/dp/B00FJSEAZ4

The sole review on there references using it with a MotoG so it looks quite positive.

It seems that the issue is the DAC included on the Echo devices, to convert the digital audio to the 3.5mm jack, may be poor. I see these micro usb external DAC for Android.

https://www.amazon.com/HiFiMeDIY-Android-Digital-Converter-PCM2706/dp/B00FJSEAZ4
https://www.amazon.com/GGMM-Portable-Headphone-Amplifier-Digital/dp/B01MG5A034

Has anyone tried this (or similar) in the Spot's hidden micro USB port? I know it's a very long shot.

> High Durability phones are a niche market for general consumers, otherwise you'd be seeing far more of them in your high-tier phones instead of in the low tier.

Literally happening with waterproofing.

>You could have a large phone like you describe with high end spec, but not many OEMs will build one. Closes I can think of off hand is the Moto-Mod battery pack and a Moto Z, if that would work for you.

The Note 3/4, due to having removable backs, allow for an extended battery with case from ZeroLemon (search amazon) to add 10000 mah batteries. It was stolen, but my Note 3 with that battery was literally the best phone I've ever had. It made it bigger then a half inch thick, and added a ton of weight, but not charging for two days straight was awesome. Despite that weight and size it was still easily pocketable, the width was a problem for my hands but that's the Note itself not the battery. Actually the case that came with the battery was super easy to grip due to nubs in it.

I'm going to get a used Note 4 with the same extended battery when I can upgrade monetarily again.

Unfortunately due to not having a removable back, this battery/case is not possible with newer phones. The battery/case option ZeroLemon has now are only cases with a wire to connect to the USB charging port. I won't be getting any newer phones then the Note 4, until removable batteries exist again.

As for your original posting...

>For repair, it's another point of failure. People break off the 1/8 jack inside their phone regularly. Phone drops, they try to save the fall with their headphones, snap, now the pin is embedded in their phone. The Type-C connector has better strength and the plug has less leverage to break off inside the phone.

I have dropped phones a lot, with headphones connected, and I've never had this happen. It's more likely that the USB port will break from long term stress due to the weight of the charging cord. Using it as a headphone jack will only exacerbate these stresses while it's in a pocket.

>Convenience and features is a huge factor. Not only is the plug down-side-up and up-side-down (reversible) capable, but it can charge your phone faster by being capable of higher voltages and currents that Micro-B.

What does this have to do with the headphone jack? It's also reversible, I mean, it's a circle. Make a device with USB-C and a headphone jack and you still get the charging benefits.

> Additionally, but Type-C can also provide power out from your phone, so you could have powered accessories (powered headphones) that wouldn't require batteries. Type-C can allow detection of an external DAC in your headphones, power it, and let you process audio on your headphones using a higher quality DAC.

Can, and is being done now. This was just from a simple search. https://www.amazon.com/HiFiMeDIY-Android-Digital-Converter-PCM2706/dp/B00FJSEAZ4

>Most consumers do want slimmer phones that have better battery life.

Computing power, battery life, slimness. Choose two. "Consumers want" isn't an argument.

> Internal batteries provide more volumetric capacity than removable ones because they don't have to have the plastic reinforcement around the pouch cell. The people who do want to have a removable battery are a vocal but small percentage of your average consumer.

Make. The. Phone. Slightly. Thicker. And. The. "Problem". Is. Fixed.

Make me a S7/Edge and a Note 7/8 with a 10000+ mah internal battery, a headphone jack, and USB-C. People will flock to it.

>Most people don't want to carry a spare battery with them, so having a large internal battery that can charge rapidly is the best use case for most consumers. USB-Type C helps enable this.

Charging has nothing to do with listening to audio, stop conflating the two. Otherwise I agree, just keep a headphone jack.

>A Type-C connector (plug and socket) cost more than Micro-B, so in an effort to: reduce cost

Give me some information on how much a headphone jack adds to a device including all this claimed testing, in a per unit number. If it's more then $20 per unit, then I'll concede the point.

>simplify the device

More simple then round peg round hole?

>provide additional features

What additional features? Considering USB-C can still be put on a device with a headphone jack, there's no additional features. Although it does remove a feature, being able to connect a whole class of headphones directly to the device without the need for an adapter.

OH YEA, I forgot. It does add a feature. DRM only audio can be forced on people. Making it possible for a scenario like "Listening to Spotify requires using Harmon-Kardon, KOSS, and/or Audiotechnica headphones." to exist.

>the migration to Type-C only is not going to become ubiquitous. In 10 years, I'm sure the front page of reddit will have some member-berries with 3.5mm TRRS plug saying "member these, how lame".

Because that happens to vinyl records, 8-track tapes (still used in recording), or vacuum tubes all the time now right?

I'm not really into audio stuff so I don't know for sure. But if your phone supports USB audio and OTG I'd think it should work for something like this (I do also see some more expensive, higher quality ones).