Next Gen, Orientation Neutral, USB Type-C

[Menel]

The USB Type-C connector, initially intended for USB 3.1 and 2.0 devices, will be a complete redesign, the group said. It will be similar in size to the USB 2.0 Micro-B plug found on most modern cellphones, and will support scalable power charging. In comparison, the USB 3.0 Micro-B plug is wider than that for USB 2.0 devices.

Following a lead set by Apple with the Lightning connector used in the iPhone 5 and newer iPads and iPods, the USB Type-C plug and socket will fit either way up, avoiding fumbling to find the correct orientation, the group said.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2068940/planned-new-usb-connector-will-fit-both-ways.html

Looks like Android users may get to catch up. Wonder how long this transition will take.


Goodbye and good riddance to crappy fragile, tiny connector microUSB.

 

[Lloydbm41]

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2068940/planned-new-usb-connector-will-fit-both-ways.html

Looks like Android users may get to catch up. Wonder how long this transition will take.


Goodbye and good riddance to crappy fragile, tiny connector microUSB.

??? Both the lightning connector and micro USB connector are fragile and tiny?

While I love being able to plug my iPad in with the connector in either orientation, nothing beats being able to just set my Nexus 5 down onto its wireless charger and not have to fumble around with any wires.

 

[JaySoul]

Yeah in complete fairness to Apple, having a Lightning connector for a year and recently switching to Micro USB on my Galaxy S4 has been a challenge lol.

The reversible nature of it and build quality was superb.

Hopefully the USB people can get this rolling quickly.

 

[Menel]

??? Both the lightning connector and micro USB connector are fragile and tiny?

While I love being able to plug my iPad in with the connector in either orientation, nothing beats being able to just set my Nexus 5 down onto its wireless charger and not have to fumble around with any wires.

Yup, that would truly suck, I can't believe they went that way.

So many times I'm using my phone while it's charging, or being topped off. Can't imagine not having the freedom to move it around while it's charging.

 

[Lloydbm41]

Yup, that would truly suck, I can't believe they went that way.

So many times I'm using my phone while it's charging, or being topped off. Can't imagine not having the freedom to move it around while it's charging.

??? You make it sound like the phone is unusable while it is sitting on its wireless charger. Do you think the phone stops working or that, if you really need to, you can't simply plug the phone in?

I think you are trying to hard to get people to believe that the lightning charger is the only solution. I have and use 4 methods of charging which includes wireless, lightning and USB mini and USB micro. Wireless is by far the best and easiest solution, and doesn't cause damage to the port like the others from repeated plugging and unplugging.

I love the neutral style of Apples lightning connector, don't get me wrong, but it isn't the best, nor is it even the future of Apple development. They are also developing wireless charging for all Apple devices.

 

[ChazUK]

Whilst this will be cool, I can't say I've ever had a loose fitting or fragile micro USB connector.

They seem to cling on tight just fine for me.

 

[SlCKB0Y]

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2068940/planned-new-usb-connector-will-fit-both-ways.html

Looks like Android users may get to catch up. Wonder how long this transition will take.


Goodbye and good riddance to crappy fragile, tiny connector microUSB.

As long as we don't end up with the proprietary and expensive solution that is Lightening i'll be happy.

Say what you want about micro USB but I can walk into any office or home and be guaranteed of a way to charge my phone because its ubiquity, and I didn't have to put up with a decade of the very large, proprietary and one directional 30 pin connector.

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??? You make it sound like the phone is unusable while it is sitting on its wireless charger. Do you think the phone stops working or that, if you really need to, you can't simply plug the phone in?

I think you are trying to hard to get people to believe that the lightning charger is the only solution.

No, if you check his post history he is an ardent Apple fan which means two things:

1. The choice offered by phone like the Nexus 5 for wireless charging or micro USB is to be feared, ridiculed and dismissed.

2. Once Apple implements wireless charging it will be the most amazing and magical thing ever "invented".

 

[Menel]

No, if you check his post history he is an ardent Apple fan which means two things:

1. The choice offered by phone like the Nexus 5 for wireless charging or micro USB is to be feared, ridiculed and dismissed.

2. Once Apple implements wireless charging it will be the most amazing and magical thing ever "invented".

If you check your browser's location (it's that field at the top center of your browser window), you may be surprised to find you are reading an Apple Fan Site.

You're welcome.

 

[adder7712]

I haven't broken any of my microUSB cables.

 

[Retired Cat]

I haven't broken any of my microUSB cables.

I had a Sandisk MP3 player with microUSB and I didn't think the ports or cables were fragile either, but the non-reversible nature of the cable was annoying. Lightning just plugs in and works, with no fumbling required.

I'm glad that USB is going to the reversible cable model.