The USB 3.0 Promoter Group has announced that it has finalised the design of the new USB connector. Calling it the USB Type-C, it will be around the size of the current micro-USB connectors and is fully reversible; meaning that no longer will users be stumbling around trying to figure out which side is supposed to fit in the port. Unfortunately, this means that it is not compatible with older ports; which may lead to a long adoption process. It will also adopt the new USB 3.1 specification.
This new size for the standard USB port is aimed at unifying the standards for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets with those used by full size machines like notebooks and desktops. Currently, there are at least three different connectors for USB 2.0, and two for the USB 3.0 standard. Streamlining the size would help the entire consumer device industry standardise inputs and make it easier for the average user to keep their devices charged. Doing away with the standard-, micro-, and mini- connectors would also make it so much easier to keep cable drawers organised.
To reduce problems of getting the new Type-C connector to work with older Type-A and Type-B ports, there will apparently be a adapters being created to allow the differing standards to interface with each other.
Considering how long it is taking for the mobile device industry to adopt the USB 3.0 standard; it might be an uphill battle to make the shift. That, however, is not the main concern of the USB 3.0 Promoter Group as it has transferred the specifications to the USB Implementers Forum for ongoing management and the establishment of a compliance and certification programme.
[Source: USB Promoter Group]
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