USB Type-C specifications reveal reversible, thinner plug; due in mid-2014

The USB 3.0 Promoter Group, which includes industry heavyweights like Hewlett-Packard, Intel and Microsoft, among others has announced the development of the next generation of USB connectors.

The new USB connector to be dubbed Type-C and will be built initially on existing USB 3.1 and USB 2.0 technologies, as per the USB 3.0 Promoter Group. Further, the upcoming Type-C USB connector will be reversible, allowing users to no longer be concerned with plug orientation or cable direction, making the plug-in process easier.

The USB 3.0 Promoter Group expects the supplement to the USB 3.1 specification to be completed by mid-2014 and also reveals that the USB Type-C specification is targeted for industry review during the first quarter of 2014. A final specification can be expected to be published by the middle of 2014.

Some additional features of the USB Type-C connector and cable solution include an entirely new design tailored to work well with 'emerging product designs'; smaller size to match the existing Micro-USB (USB 2.0); support for scalable power charging, and a connector design that will scale for future USB bus performance.

Commenting on the announcement, Brad Saunders, USB 3.0 Promoter Group Chairman said, "While USB technology is well established as the favoured 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. 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."

Alex Peleg of Intel who is also the Vice President, Platform Engineering Group said, "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. This new industry standards-based thin connector delivering data, power and video is the only connector one will need across all devices."