The design for a new type of reversible USB cable has been finalised and is now ready to be put into mass production.
The new Type-C cable has been designed so it ishardy enough for mobile devices as well as being slimmer. Its reversibility is much like Apple's own Lightening cable used in newer iPhones and iPads. Should Apple adopt this technology, future Lightening cables could sport reversible connectors on both ends.
The Type-C connector is roughly similar in size to the micro USB 2.0 Type-B connector and has a port size of 8.4mm by 2.6mm. However, speedwise it will be comparable and compatible with SuperSpeed USB at 10Gbps. It will also support USB Power Delivery up to 100W. This also includes added support for scalable power charging and other USB performance needs in the future.
However, the new Type-C connectors will not be compatible with existing Type-A, Type-B and Micro-B connectors, meaning that users will require adaptors or new devices to use them.
The specifications have now been passed onto the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), who will set up a compliance and certification program for newcablesand connectors.
"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."
Alex Peleg, vice president of the Platform Engineering Group at Intel, said thenext generation of USB technology "opens the door for the invention of an entirely new, super thin class of devices that consumers haven't even seen yet".
The specification for USB Type-C can be found atthe USB Implementers Forum website. The first pictures of the new connector were revealed back in April.
-
Bigger salaries, more burnout: Is the CISO role in crisis?In-depth CISOs are more stressed than ever before – but why is this and what can be done?
-
Cheap cyber crime kits can be bought on the dark web for less than $25News Research from NordVPN shows phishing kits are now widely available on the dark web and via messaging apps like Telegram, and are often selling for less than $25.
-
‘We would have to sell the lowest-end SKUs at a loss’: Framework says it’s ‘temporarily pausing’ some US laptop sales amid tariff disruptionNews Modular laptop designer Framework says it is “temporarily pausing US sales” in response to the disruption caused by US tariffs on Taiwanese imports.
-
Acer Chromebook Plus 515 review: A brilliant big-screen workhorse for tight budgetsReviews Compromises have been made to stay in budget, but the Plus 515 makes sense as a hard-working, cost-conscious Chromebook
-
Acer Chromebook Plus 514 review: A better class of budget Chromebook for business useReviews The Chromebook Plus 514 is a solid, speedy Chromebook on a limited budget
-
ASUS Vivobook Pro 16X OLED (K6604) 2023 review: An extraordinary omnicompetent laptopReviews If there's a task the new Vivobook Pro 16X can't do well, and quickly, we can't find it – it's a jack-of-all-trades par excellence
-
Asus BR1402 review: Rugged modularity for the classroom and workplaceReviews The BR1402 is no powerhouse, but it's versatile, rugged, and crammed with useful features
-
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 review: i3-powered goodness for students and small businessesReviews The first of a new breed of Chromebook, the CX34 is an affordable workhorse
-
Acer Chromebook Spin 714 review: The best business Chromebook gets a refreshReviews With a great design, excellent performance and impressive battery life, this is the new business Chromebook to beat
-
Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023) review: A design classicReviews Dell's latest premium compact combines an outstanding OLED display with a unique keyboard design
