File-It-Under: Standard connections By:D.F.Skinner
Every few years or more the public gets introduced to a new type of USB connector that becomes standard for the next few years or so. Not to long ago the USB 3.0 was introduced which became the eventual replacement to the USB 2.0. Now we have a new type of connector that's already in mass production, and that's the USB Type C connector.
The USB Type C cable which was first dubbed Light Peak technology will feature the same small connector on both ends making it a reversible connector, just like what you have with Apple's Lightning connector. The Type-C plug will be compatible with the USB 3.1 standard which equates to a much faster data transfer.
Since the connector is small there is a major drawback, most new gadgets will need to be reproduced for the sole purpose of accommodating the new USB connector, much older kits will deemed to be useless and outdated.
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The major upside though is rapid charging. The USB Type C will deliver power in upwards to 100 watts at 20 volts. This adds up to much larger devices like the laptop can be charge from USB.
Users will be afforded much faster charging for devices that is compatible, such as smartphones, tablets and laptops. While charging, users can still transfer data, something not present with previous connectors.
Credit image: AnandTech
The transfer rate with the USB Type C will be 10Gbps, this means in theory a full movie can be transferred in under a second.
The biggest selling point here is faster charging,faster data transfer is always expected when a new USB standard is introduced. But the idea of no longer lugging around over size power adapters is a big plus.