Anyone who's hooked up a USB device to their computer knows it's a slightly irritating process. You switch between sticking it in upside down and rightside up, jiggling it around until it finally goes into its slot. But that concern could become a ghost of technology past.
The USB 3.0 Promoter Group announced that a new connector, USB Type-C, is being developed.
"We recognize the need to develop a new connector to meet evolving design trends in terms of size and usability," Brad Saunders, chairman of the industry standards group, said in a statement. "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."
All Thumbs: Man Says He Has USB Drive in Prosthetic Finger
Unlike the Type-A USB connector, the type most often seen plugged into your computer, the Type-C will work either up or down. "Users will no longer need to be concerned with plug orientation/cable direction," the USB 3.0 Promoter Group said in its statement.
However, there is a catch. The new USB connector is smaller than the traditional Type-A cable, so it will not directly connect to the standard ports. "The Type-C specification will define passive new-to-existing cables and adapters to allow users to use their existing products," the group said.
Wireless USB Will Help Cut the Cords
But the cable's smaller size and shape may not be made with a computer's USB ports in mind. Alex Peleg, VP of Intel's Platform Engineering Group, said that the new connector will usher in a new class of even thinner electronic devices.
"This new industry standards-based thin connector delivering data, power, and video is the only connector one will need across all devices," he said in a statement.
The Type-C connector will be available in the mid-2014, officials said.
The USB 3.0 Promoter Group announced that a new connector, USB Type-C, is being developed.
"We recognize the need to develop a new connector to meet evolving design trends in terms of size and usability," Brad Saunders, chairman of the industry standards group, said in a statement. "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."
All Thumbs: Man Says He Has USB Drive in Prosthetic Finger
Unlike the Type-A USB connector, the type most often seen plugged into your computer, the Type-C will work either up or down. "Users will no longer need to be concerned with plug orientation/cable direction," the USB 3.0 Promoter Group said in its statement.
However, there is a catch. The new USB connector is smaller than the traditional Type-A cable, so it will not directly connect to the standard ports. "The Type-C specification will define passive new-to-existing cables and adapters to allow users to use their existing products," the group said.
Wireless USB Will Help Cut the Cords
But the cable's smaller size and shape may not be made with a computer's USB ports in mind. Alex Peleg, VP of Intel's Platform Engineering Group, said that the new connector will usher in a new class of even thinner electronic devices.
"This new industry standards-based thin connector delivering data, power, and video is the only connector one will need across all devices," he said in a statement.
The Type-C connector will be available in the mid-2014, officials said.