I def think the lack of devices with an aux port is an issue. Honestly the market is too samey right now. Everything that comes out just follows whatever design the last big phone. Evey phone just "has" to have an amazing camera, high resolution and high refresh rate screen, etc. I'm fine with aux ports, I just wish we had variety.

I think the removal is less so the conspiracy, and more so just spacing on the board or even just pure neglect at this point, but I could be wrong. But I'm good with every other point you threw up there. The tracking bit does make sense too, just no one has ever mentioned it. Though I still don't think anyone is hunting me personally lol. I understand having peace of mind is also good too, and honestly, should not be a luxury like it feels these days.

I honestly, never really put any extra energy into caring for my battery, it just seems to be fine. When I see it gets low, I just have the reaction to throw it on a charger, and leave it plugged in for a bit, then I'm good for a while. Wired are good backups, yes, but I don't think in this day and age, they are the perfect solution, just the same that wireless are not either. But for my runs to the grocery store, the gym, or going for a hike. I'd rather not have a cable constantly getting in my way, and being able to freely hold and move my phone around with no issue. Of course that would be my use case, possibly making it subjective, but I imagine a lot of common users are pretty much about the same.

On the "needing to have another pair of headphones", I mean why not? I don't know how many wired earbuds, over the ears, and such I had growing up. They weren't high end, or even mid-tier quality, but you could find them pretty easily. Just as easily as you can find them now. Not saying "take two different sets of headphones" with you whenever you go on a trip. That's dumb, you'd have a higher chance of losing something that way. Just take the wired ones, with an adapter because that makes sense for a long trip where you want to conserve battery life and you're just sitting in a car anyway. Also those adapters are pretty tight fitting, I leave mine just stuck to the headphone cable.

I'd also think if you cared about your audio equipment that much, you would probably be probably be able to keep track of a little adapter pretty easily.

Honestly most of these points don't make a whole lot sense, yet these are the arguments I see every time wireless ear buds pop up in any conversation. Phones by nature are not private, and honestly, who is trying to intercept Bluetooth close to you anyways? Majority of what they would likely get is "oh another person listening to music or tiktok". I haven't charged my 3 year old $50 Bluetooth buds in weeks, and they are still sitting at great battery health. Proper research and care goes a long way, though the option to have replacement batteries is def a plus. And if you're going on long road trips, just pack an adapter and wired headphones if you're that conscious. What are you doing with your phone that you need top-tier audio quality on the go? Just seems like a very very niche market.

This! I have so many fond memories of epic Battle for Wesnoth sessions with friends. That was back in High School, 12+ years ago, I still have the itch to boot it up again.

Oh absolutely agreed. It just sucks that this isn't unusual, no matter how small or great the number. Hope the peeps get snatched up by better studios

This also pretty shitty on account that Kotick initiated loads of layoffs just before acquisition talks were even public. This is usual practice to make the company seem more valuable.

I don't think I've seen a game studio acquisition happen without layoffs of some sort. Doesn't make it right, but it does seem like a horrible routine.

Lol its a given that it would be used as an audio solution. I guess what im getting at is if you're not an audiophile or have a specific need, most people don't care about an aux Jack. Personally, I hate the feeling of a cable when I go out, shopping or for a run and I want to listen to a podcast or music. I strangely feel claustrophobic. And also, I feel wired headphones are far more disposable than wireless. Over the coarse of 6 years, I've only owned 2 different pairs of wireless buds. Before that I can recall countless mix of cheap and decent wired headphones. This is just me though, which is why I wantedbto,see the discussion for wider use cases for the average consumer.

Bought and playing through on my steam deck! Absolutely loving it!

Genuine question, but for the common user, why should a phone have a headphone jack?