New USB Type C Connector Lets You Insert USB In Any Orientation
The Engineer
USB cables and ports were the next big thing back in the day. You could use the same port to connect so many devices and it was kind of a out-of-this-world thing. However, one problem that has remained up till now was the fact that to plug a USB cable into the port, you had to make sure that you were trying to plug the right side. We all have experienced the frustration of trying to plug a cable in and realizing that we need to flip it over for it to work. This problem has been attended finally by the USB 3.0 Promoter Group which has announced the development of a new USB Type-C connector that will be capable of working in any plug direction/orientation.
The design for this new invention will revolve around the existing USB 2.0 and 3.1 technologies. However, it is being designed so as to make it smaller – closer to the USB 2.0 Micro B plug- which will render it usable for all the upcoming devices and gadgets. The connector and cable will also allow for scalable charging. However, this invention will not be capable of working with existing USB ports and an adapter will be crucial if you plan on using this technology with the older USB ports.
The industry review will be carried out during the first quarter of 2014 and final specifications will be made available by the mid of next year. Owing to the fact that USB 3.0 Promoter Group consists of Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Microsoft, Renesas Electronics and Texas Instruments; we are very hopeful regarding this particular technology and its feasibility. Fingers crossed!