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Reversible Type-C USB Connector Ready For Production

Posted by Soulskill on from the it's-never-the-facing-the-right-way-on-the-first-try dept.

orasio writes: One of the most frustrating first-world problems ever (trying to connect an upside-down Micro-USB connector) could disappear soon. The Type-C connector for USB has been declared ready for production by the USB Promoter Group (PDF). "With the Type-C spec finalized, it now comes down to the USB-IF to actually implement the sockets, plugs, cables, adapters, and devices. The problem is that there are billions of existing USB devices and cables that will need adapters and new cables to work with new Type-C devices. It’s a lot like when Apple released the Lightning connector, but on an even grander scale. Further exacerbating the issue is the fact that China, the EU, and the GSMA have all agreed that new mobile devices use Micro-USB for charging — though it might be as simple as including a Micro-USB-to-Type-C adapter with every new smartphone."

7 of 191 comments (clear)

  1. One of the most frustrating first-world problems by Target+Drone · · Score: 5, Insightful

    One of the most frustrating first-world problems... they keep inventing new incompatible connectors for no good reason (at least for the consumer).

  2. Re:Government selection of connector technoglogy. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    It was a great idea for the EU to legislate "One True Connection", because we now have "One True Connection" rather than eleventy-billion connectors, soon to be eleventy-billion-and-one connectors.

    I only need to connect my 'phone to charge it. I really don't give a shit if it's Micro, C-type, Mini or Purple Dildo shaped.

  3. Er, what? by pathological+liar · · Score: 5, Insightful

    though it might be as simple as including a Micro-USB-to-Type-C adapter with every new smartphone

    This is genius.

    "This new connector, whose only value is that it's reversible, doesn't work on the billions of existing devices. Why don't we include a non-reversible adapter?"

    Hell, for extra convenience, just leave the adapter on the cable all the time.

  4. ... yas uoy ,elbisreveR by CaptainDork · · Score: 5, Funny

    .revelc woh ...

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  5. Re:XKDC alrady out of date ! by jxander · · Score: 5, Funny

    Already covered... http://xkcd.com/927/

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  6. Re:Shaped like speaker cable by ChipMonk · · Score: 5, Informative

    It has to do with exactly *how* the connections are made as the plug is inserted. Ground/common so static can dissipate, then data/signal, then power last. Each line connects only to its corresponding line in the other piece. A 3.5mm plug doesn't provide that kind of "signal safety"; at some point, it's possible the power on one side would touch the ground on the other, and put a charge into the device before it was fully plugged-in.

  7. 100 Watts by neonv · · Score: 5, Informative

    Please keep in mind an important aspect of this new cable, it supports 100 watts power transfer. That means most devices, including laptops, can be charged through this one connector. I see that as the best reason to switch, fast charging and universal connector for all my devices. The article glosses over that important detail. It also enables 10 Gbs data transfer.