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Finally, a reversible USB connector! And it's faster too


 
Could this eventually spell the end for Lightning, Apple's fast and reversible power and data connector for mobile devices?
 
The USB 3.0 Promoter Group this week announced the USB Type-C specification that makes next-generation USB connector fast, reversible—and not as expensive.
 
"While there are no devices with USB 3.1 yet, it'll likely be standardized on most future laptops and mobile devices -- unlike its pricey rival, Thunderbolt," tech site Engadget noted.
 
It said the new USB connector is about the size of a micro-USB Type-B connector, and uses matching rows of contacts on the top and bottom, making it reversible.
 
Also, it said the Type-C is a variation of the 10Gbps USB 3.1 standard, which is twice as fast as USB 3.0 but miniaturized for mobile devices.
 
"It'll also support the USB Power Delivery spec to carry up to 100 watts, easily enough to power a laptop," it said.
 
But Engadget also noted the new connector will not be compatible with the current USB standard, and may need converters.
 
Industry support
 
Several manufacturers already voiced support for the new standard.
 
“Interest in the USB Type-C connector has not only been global, but cross-industry as well,” said Brad Saunders, USB 3.0 Promoter Group Chairman.
 
“Representatives from the PC, mobile, automotive and IoT industries have been knocking down our door anticipating this new standard. This specification is the culmination of an extensive, cooperative effort among industry leaders to standardize the next generation USB connector as a long-lasting, robust solution,” he added.
 
HP chief technologist for business personal systems Tom Bonola said the company is committed to the new USB Type-C connector "as a way to deliver on all of these needs while supporting the full breadth of USB devices and providing a pathway for future innovations to create and deliver superior customer value and experience.”
 
Microsoft corporate vice president for technology and silicon Ilan Spillinger said they see the new USB Type-C interface "becoming the next generation industry standard for high speed wired local connectivity.”
 
“It will offer more intuitive consumer experience by means of reversible plug orientation and cable direction designs. Further, this new USB Type-C allows for radically higher data speeds and power carrying capabilities compared to the existing methods. As one of the key industry players behind the new design, we at Microsoft believe this is an important milestone in consumer electronics ecosystem development,” Spillinger added.
 
'Final piece'
 
BusinessWire also said the release of the USB Type-C specification could be "the final piece in developing a single-cable solution."
 
"An ideal example use case is a docking solution that features a single USB Type-C cable connection to dock and power your PC, and a hub within the dock that can connect multiple screens streaming video with additional bandwidth available for many other functions. USB is an adaptable solution that is flexible enough to fit the varied needs of consumers," it said.
 
USB Type-C specifies a new cable and connector scheme optimized for mobile devices, yet are robust enough for bigger gadgets like laptops and tablets.
 
"With this release, the specification has been transferred to the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) for ongoing management and the establishment of a compliance and certification program," BusinessWire said. — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News
Tags: usb