At last, a reversible USB plug!

Finally, users of cameras and other accessories need not worry if they are plugging their devices into computers the right way, as the next generation of Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection will be reversible.

 

The USB 3.0 Promoter Group said the new USB Type-C connector will also allow thinner and sleeker product designs and provide a growth path for performance enhancements for future versions of USB.

 

“While USB technology is well established as the favored choice for connecting and powering devices, we recognize the need to develop a new connector to meet evolving design trends in terms of size and usability. The new Type-C connector will fit well with the market’s direction and affords an opportunity to lay a foundation for future versions of USB,” said Brad Saunders, USB 3.0 Promoter Group Chairman.

 

Among the key features of the Type-C connector are:

 

 

The new specification is expected to undergo industry review in the first quarter of 2014, and a final specification may be published by mid-2014.

 

However, it also noted the new Type-C plug and receptacle may not directly mate with existing USB plugs and receptacles, including Types A, B, and Micro-B.

 

Still, this did not stop Intel from being excited about the new USB standard.

 

Alex Peleg, Intel's vice president for platform engineering, said they are looking forward to see the new thin Type-C connector.

 

That connector will "enable an entirely new super thin class of devices from phones to tablets, to 2-in-1s, to laptops to desktops and multitude of other more specific usage devices," he added.

 

Roland Sperlich, TI Consumer and Computing Interface Product Line manager, added the new connector offers more flexibility and higher performance.

 

Adapters

 

The Verge said the USB 3.0 Promoter Group will also have to include a specification for adapters and cables, to prevent existing USB chargers from suddenly becoming obsolete.

 

"But the need for a new USB port is in many ways overdue, as recently highlighted by Apple's sleek Lightning connector and devices like the Galaxy Note 3 with its speedy but clumsy and oversized Micro USB 3 port," it added. — TJD, GMA News