Apple fixed one of the most frustrating things about owning an electronic device when it released the Lightning connector, and now the USB 3.0 Promoter Group plans to follow suit. The group announced on Tuesday that the long-awaited USB Type-C connector has finally been completed, which means the next generation of USB cables will be reversible. The new connector is specialized for use with mobile devices, but laptops and tablets will benefit from it as well.
“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.”
The USB 3.0 Promoter Group hopes that the release of USB Type-C will be the final step in creating a single-cable solution for electronic devices. The new connector is significantly more powerful than the current standard, taking advantage of SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps performance and USB Power Delivery up to 100W.
Unfortunately, the new connector will not be compatible with modern USB ports, but once USB 3.1 begins to roll out, manufacturers should make the transition fairly quickly.
