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How the Retina MacBook is already influencing rivals

Published Mar 27th, 2015 5:55PM EDT
Retina MacBook USB-C
Image: Apple Inc.

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Apple’s recently announced 12-inch Retina MacBook is not even available to consumers yet, but it’s already having an impact on competing devices, as rivals are already looking at adopting one of its main features, Digitimes reports.

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According to the Taiwanese company, more than 10 local IC design companies are developing USB-C chip solutions that are going to be found inside a variety of smart devices, from laptops to smartphones, later this year.

Apple, which is believed to be the main developer behind the USB-C standard, decided to replace all the ports usually found on MacBook Air and Pro models with a single, more versatile USB-C connector that’s supposed to handle both charging and data transfers.

Some criticized Apple’s design idea, but the mean the features USB-C has to offer, such as faster charging times and speedy data transfers, are still quite appealing.

The fact that Apple decided to adopt USB-C is seen as a driving force behind the new standard, with other notebook and mobile device makers ready to deploy the technology in devices that will be released in the second half of the year. According to Digitimes, there’s “robust” demand for USB-C ports that will further drive up prices for USB-C chip solutions, with multiple local companies hurrying to take advantage of this new potential revenue stream.

At least two other notable devices already have USB-C connectors, including the second-generation Chromebook Pixel laptop that was announced a day after the Retina MacBook, and the Nokia N1 tablet, which launched in China in early 2015.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.