Consumer Reports' exclusive coverage on wireless technology

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The Internet is abuzz with rumors that Apple plans to do away with the headphone jack on its next iPhone.

7 On Your side's Michael Finney has partnered with Consumer Reports for exclusive coverage on port-free smartphones.

Phones without jacks and charging ports actually have advantages. Consumer Reports tells us why it may not be such a bad thing not having them.

Right now, everyone uses headphone jacks to listen to music on their phones. But Consumer Reports said we may see phones with no ports or

jacks at all. "The technology already exists and without ports, smartphones can be slimmer, thinner, and better able to resist damage from moisture, dust, and other debris," Consumer Reports Electronic Editor Mike Gikas said.

There's already a growing selection of affordable, high-quality blue tooth headphones that wirelessly connect to your phone.

No headphone jack? What about no speaker holes? That technology is on the Sharp AQUOS Crystal and several models from Kyocera. How is that even possible? The technology uses your face as a conductor. "You don't need speaker holes because on these phones, the display vibrates. And those vibrations are interpreted as sound by your ear," Gikas said.

Although it's not very common yet, Consumer Reports tests show the technology works well.

To eliminate the need for a charging port, there's wireless charging. You just put your phone on a mat when it needs some juice. Wireless charging is already available on phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S6 and the Motorola Droid Turbo 2.

But without a charging port, how do you connect your phone to your computer to update your music library? "You have lots of options. You can sync your music over Wi-Fi. And there are a ton of streaming services," Gikas said.

Some streaming options are free while others cost as little as eight to $10 a month.

If want to listen wirelessly now, Consumer Reports has tested wireless headphones. It recommends the bluetooth JBL by Harman .

Consumer Reports is published by Consumers Union. Both Consumer Reports and Consumers Union are not-for-profit organizations that accept no advertising. Neither has any commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor on this site.

(All Consumer Reports Material Copyright 2014. Consumers Union of U.S. Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)