Microsoft applies to patent MagSafe-like magnetic power and data coupling
![](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/UgShUa6ups.HSBTeypKoJw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU2MA--/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/_ZxD9QrYxleUXDFTYHpXrg--~B/aD0zNTA7dz02MDA7YXBwaWQ9eXRhY2h5b24-/https://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/06/microsoftmagsafe.jpg)
Microsoft has applied to patent a magnetic power and data coupling that's similar to the power-only MagSafe. Using the technology, the unit would snap onto the base of your phone (in the example) in either direction, pushing juice and information without the needless fiddling with a micro/miniUSB port. Since it's just an application, it's not likely to arrive in a product yet, but it does make us hopeful that more companies aim to end our cable-based annoyances.