..and its awesome!
- New reversible design means the USB plug will work both ways
- Next-generation plug is slimmer to fit smartphones, tablets and laptops
- Users of older computing equipment will need an adapter to use the new plugs
- Currently there are no plans for Apple to adopt the new standard
The final design of a brand new generation super-fast USB plug that will replace all other USB connectors, has been unveiled.
The new variant of the 10Gbps USB 3.1 standard is about the size of a micro-USB connector, and around twice as fast as USB 3.0. Basically, it’s all good news!
Thunderbolt and Lightning, no longer so exciting!
Apple uses its own Lightning Connector on newer models of iPhone and iPads, which can be inserted either way up and the Type-C connector will work in a similar way, while resembling the size of the current Micro USB plug.
The new design is robust enough for use with laptops and yet slim enough to work with smart phones and tablets.
‘This specification is the culmination of an extensive, cooperative effort among industry leaders to standardise the next generation USB connector as a long-lasting, robust solution,’ Said Brad Saunders, USB 3.0 Promoter Group Chairman.
The only annoyance is that the new USB won’t be compatible with the current USB standard. But no need to fret as with any new tech there will be a slow transition and new-to-existing cables and adapters will be made available so that consumers will be able to use the new connector with their existing devices.
