What is USB Type-C?

USB-C is the replacement of the USB socket which is used in most digital devices to transfer data and charge devices. USB-C will be the standard across all devices and the old USB sockets will be made obsolete.

New Connector Shape

The new connector shape is reversible so you will no longer have to flip the connector to find the right orientation. A single USB connector shape means you will only need one cable to connect devices as this connector is small enough to fit in smartphones and laptops. The new USB-C port is much smaller, so it will allow technology manufacturers to produce thinner and more elegant products. USB-Type C also enables a different variety of protocols which allows you to have adapters that can output HDMI, VGA, display port and other types of connections.

Power

Current USB connectors only provide up to 2.5 watts of power, enough to charge a tablet or phone; USB-Type C can deliver up to 100 watts. It’s also bi-directional so a device can either send or receive power.  Another benefit is that while a device receives or sends power, it can send data across the same connection at the same time. You could plug a USB-C connection from your laptop into an external monitor and charge up your display while you use it as an external display. This can be done via one USB Type-C connection.

Transfer

The data transfer could range between 5GBps to 10 Gbps depending on the type of cable you buy. As long as you purchase USB-C cables that support USB 3.1 then you will get a 10 Gbps transfer rate.

The Future

USB-Type C is a worthy upgrade for all consumers and technology manufacturers as it will decrease the number of cables needed and as it has multiple uses, you will no longer need to carry a couple of cables to power up your devices or transfer data from a certain device. The change in design will enable slimmer designs in our products and offer more convenience in our daily lives when we are integrating digital products into our lives.