Hate the current microUSB connectors? Something better is coming! USB 3.1 Type-C

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

http://www.engadget.com/2013/12/04/usb-c-now-in-the-works-smaller-connectors/

In order to squeeze the ultra-fast 10Gbps USB 3.1 standard into the next gen of slim devices, the USB 3.0 Promoter group has just announced the USB Type-C connector. It'll be similar in size to existing USB 2.0 Micro-B connectors, while bringing USB 3.1 speeds and other distinct advantages over current cables. For starters, the new design will be reversible like Apple's Lightning ports, meaning at long last you won't have to worry about which end goes up. In addition, Type-C will bring scalable power charging and the ability to support future USB standards. The downside is that it won't be compatible with existing connectors, but if we don't have to do the flippy dance to insert a phone cable anymore, we'll take that trade-off in a New York minute.

I do like this approach. Apple did the right thing with the Lightning connector even if it pissed some people off. However, seeing how long the 30 pin connector lasted, I'm pretty sure they will push lightning for some time. It was a necessary change to address connectors being fragile. I hope this will resolve the issue of microUSB ports being like crap.

Interestingly enough, the current microUSB is rated for 10,000 connect/disconnect cycles, the same as Lightning.

 

[desura]

oh god, I so wish that Apple would just standardize like everyone else. It sucks having to carry all of the cables around in my little power bank.

 

[boomhower]

oh god, I so wish that Apple would just standardize like everyone else. It sucks having to carry all of the cables around in my little power bank.

I don't really have a problem with it. I love the lightning connector. Secure connection with a double sided connector.(almost every micro USB I've had loosen up quite quickly) Looks like USB is going essentially the same route.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

I agree non standard connectors are an issue with Apple, but less so than when Sony wanted to use stupid formats like Memorystick. I mean how many people do you know have a Sony Memorystick... even back in the day? Today if I'm out and about and I need to charge my Macbook, I can walk into a Starbucks and guarantee that I can find someone who would be able to help me out (of course the rest depends on how nice they are). Good luck trying that with your Dell Inspiron 15z or whatever. So the same applies with Apple. I can just as easily borrow a microUSB as I can an iPhone charger, and likely easier with an iPhone charger. The other 4 guys on the same cube row as me have iPhones as well.

Anyway, this change is less about nonstandard connectors as it is improving a standard connector so that it makes more sense with today's uses.

 

[poofyhairguy]

My main complaint with lightening cables went away when the Chinese copied their DRM or whatever and I can get three on ebay for $10.

$20+ for a three foot cable is nuts. Sorry if that hurts your soul Best Buy and Apple.

 

[desura]

My main complaint with lightening cables went away when the Chinese copied their DRM or whatever and I can get three on ebay for $10.

$20+ for a three foot cable is nuts. Sorry if that hurts your soul Best Buy and Apple.

is that safe? Or will it fry your phone?

 

[Imp]

is that safe? Or will it fry your phone?

Or fry the person if the cause of that death is China is to be believed...

 

[poofyhairguy]

is that safe? Or will it fry your phone?

Good question. Every ebay cable I have bought ever has worked, but maybe I am lucky.

 

[Ravynmagi]

It's more likely a faulty charger will be your demise than a faulty cable. But I guess it could kill you too. Either way, it will be a cold day in hell before I spend $20 on a data cable. So I'm okay with putting my life on the line to save $10 or $15.

 

[nickbits]

I am buying lighting cables from mono price. Not as cheap as eBay but much less than apple and they are apple certified.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Good question. Every ebay cable I have bought ever has worked, but maybe I am lucky.

The one I bought in Hong Kong failed on my iPhone 5 after a few weeks. I get the "Charging with this accessory is not supported" message. Sigh. $3 so whatever.

 

[dguy6789]

Incompatible connectors = ruins the point of USB entirely

 

[Roland00Address]

I need pics

 

[Zaap]

I still don't get how people can manage to break microUSB connectors so easily. I probably still have every one of mine I've ever had. (If not in use, in a drawer somewhere.)

Anyway, I like how Samsung did it with the Note 3. Dual USB 3 and fast-charging connector- but also backward-compatible with existing microUSB cables. Win-win.

 

[WelshBloke]

Is this going to have the same connection on each end?

That's what I want.

 

[ControlD]

I still don't get how people can manage to break microUSB connectors so easily. I probably still have every one of mine I've ever had. (If not in use, in a drawer somewhere.)

Yep. The only cables I have had break were due to my own carelessness. Slamming a cable in a desk drawer for example tends to not be a good thing. I have never had a cable fail through normal use.

 

[boomhower]

Is this going to have the same connection on each end?

That's what I want.

Doubt we will see that for years and years but this may be the start. As it is the USB end is what is used for charging whether it be Micro USB or Apple's Lightning. If this becomes the standard built into laptops then your wish may very well come try.

 

[WelshBloke]

Doubt we will see that for years and years but this may be the start. As it is the USB end is what is used for charging whether it be Micro USB or Apple's Lightning. If this becomes the standard built into laptops then your wish may very well come try.

Just seems pointless to stick with the big chunky USB-A connection when there's something smaller but functionally the same.

It wouldn't even be that much of a compatability problem, you'd just need to buy new cables.

 

[Graze]

I agree non standard connectors are an issue with Apple, but less so than when Sony wanted to use stupid formats like Memorystick. I mean how many people do you know have a Sony Memorystick... even back in the day? Today if I'm out and about and I need to charge my Macbook, I can walk into a Starbucks and guarantee that I can find someone who would be able to help me out (of course the rest depends on how nice they are). Good luck trying that with your Dell Inspiron 15z or whatever. So the same applies with Apple. I can just as easily borrow a microUSB as I can an iPhone charger, and likely easier with an iPhone charger. The other 4 guys on the same cube row as me have iPhones as well.

Anyway, this change is less about nonstandard connectors as it is improving a standard connector so that it makes more sense with today's uses.

Basically all Dells use the same power supply. I have an Inspiron 13Z have used a 10 year old dell power adapter on it.

The only reason you could walk into Starbucks and find someone with a mac is because of its popularity and nothing else not because of universals standards.

 

[Apex]

Anyway, I like how Samsung did it with the Note 3. Dual USB 3 and fast-charging connector- but also backward-compatible with existing microUSB cables. Win-win.

Isn't it a standard USB 3.0 micro B port?

 

[luv2liv]

if people are complaining about orientation, then this C wouldnt solve anything. nor has the lightning adapter solved this orientation problem.
as i have said in the other posts, if they make it circular... then you can truly plug it in ANY orientation you want.

 

[Zaap]

Isn't it a standard USB 3.0 micro B port?

Yeah I guess it is, but frankly, I never heard of this connection type before the N3.

It definitely charges faster than my N2 did. I can't really tell if USB 3.0 transfers are any faster on it though. Another thing I like is with a phone this size it would feel clunky to set it on a stand with a smaller connector. The wider USB 3 connector feels like it distributes the stress better.

 

[dagamer34]

Yeah I guess it is, but frankly, I never heard of this connection type before the N3.

It definitely charges faster than my N2 did. I can't really tell if USB 3.0 transfers are any faster on it though. Another thing I like is with a phone this size it would feel clunky to set it on a stand with a smaller connector. The wider USB 3 connector feels like it distributes the stress better.

Connector existed on every USB 3.0 hard drive in the last 3 years...

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Basically all Dells use the same power supply. I have an Inspiron 13Z have used a 10 year old dell power adapter on it.

The only reason you could walk into Starbucks and find someone with a mac is because of its popularity and nothing else not because of universals standards.

I realize that. I'm saying that proprietary isn't the best, but it's not that big of a deal when it's so easy to find someone to borrow from.

I still don't get how people can manage to break microUSB connectors so easily. I probably still have every one of mine I've ever had. (If not in use, in a drawer somewhere.)

Anyway, I like how Samsung did it with the Note 3. Dual USB 3 and fast-charging connector- but also backward-compatible with existing microUSB cables. Win-win.

It's because the microUSB connector has 2 spring pins. Those easily get messed up. Apple realized this issue with the 30 pin connectors too and removed that from the Lightning connector. You may not think the microUSB cable is fragile, but it's not as sturdy as a Lightning connector either. Anyway, this is a good step in the right direction for USB.

 

[zerogear]

LOL, I dunno.. I have never heard anything about people complaining about orientation, nor have I really heard anything about USB ports "wearing out" unless it's by those weirdos at XDA.