A new USB connector, which is expected to be smaller and reversible, is in the works.
USB connectors, used to connect printers, keyboard, mice, smartphones, tablets and more, to desktops or laptops, come in various shapes and sizes, which may not work with each other. The USB connector cannot also be plugged in upside down.
Apple's Lightning connector, which can be used with iPhones, iPads and other devices, has been lauded by consumers and tech gurus alike as it can be plugged into an iDevice either ways and it also enables the manufacturer to save valuable space in a device.
"While USB technology is well established as the favored choice for connecting and powering devices, we recognize the need to develop a new connector to meet evolving design trends in terms of size and usability," said Brad Saunders, chairman of USB 3.0 Promoter Group. "The new Type-C connector will fit well with the market's direction and affords an opportunity to lay a foundation for future versions of USB."
The next-generation Type-C USB connector will be faster in transmitting data but it is also supposed to be thinner than the existing Type-A and Type-B USB connectors. As such, manufacturers will be able to develop a new line of smartphones and other devices, which will be even thinner.
"Intel is excited to see the development of the new thin Type-C connector as it will enable an entirely new super thin class of devices from phones to tablets, to 2-in-1s, to laptops to desktops and a multitude of other more specific usage devices," said Alex Peleg, vice president of platform engineering group at Intel. "This new industry standards-based thin connector delivering data, power and video is the only connector one will need across all devices."
The specifications of the next-generation Type-C USB connectors are not expected to be finalized by mid-2014 and the exact standards of the upcoming USB connector will only be revealed towards the latter half of 2014.
