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If you’ve just bought yourself a new MacBook you may be wondering where this new connector port came from. What you’re looking at there is the new USB Type C connector port.
Even if you’re not familiar with the latest Mac technology, you may just be seeing a lot more of this port around the place soon.
What is it?
USB Type C is probably not what you think it may be. It’s not an upgrade to the USB standard, as in USB 1.1, USB 2.0, USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 -the standards that determine how much power can be drawn from a USB connection, and how fast data is transferred across it.
USB Type C is a different type of connector. You’ll be used to the larger rectangular-shaped USB connection types that are used in many different devices, and probably the smaller trapezoid-shaped Mini USB and Micro USB types that are used with smaller devices. USB Type C gives you all the benefits of USB 3.1 (with backwards compatibility across previous USB standards) with a connector size comparable to Micro USB.
It is also designed so that either end of a USB plug can fit in either socket.
What’s exciting about it then?
The USB Type C ports that fit your USB plugs can be configured to work with other data protocols. Think power, HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, Ethernet… USB Type C pretty much negates the need for a million different ports on your computer. Apple were so sure of this that the new MacBook only has a singular USB Type C port and no other ports included with the laptop.
Where else is it being seen?
Intel are putting out the latest version of the Thunderbolt 3 connection, accessible with the cable and devices that are Thunderbolt capable on each end. Thunderbolt 3 promises more speed, more pixels, more power and more protocols.
OnePlus, an up and coming smartphone company, have included in their latest offering, the OnePlus 2, the USB Type C connector port. The new flagship Microsoft Lumia 950 XL, the first phone to offer Windows 10 that is due for release later this year, also appears to also be headed for USB Type C if we’re to believe the latest leaked photos and rumours.
Since the technology is new, you can look to seeing it being adopted in tech releases later this year: Texas Instruments, the world-leading chip provider has just release an all-in-one USB Type C and Power Delivery controller. This chip can be used on tablets, laptops, phones, chargers, etc.
Don’t worry about having to go and replace all your old USB cords or devices as yet either – you can easily purchase a USB Type C to regular or Micro USB cord should you need to.
Hopefully the USB Type C signals the end of having to use a million different cords and ports for different devices and connections, but we’ve yet to C. Click here to view our range of USB Type C cables, chargers and accessories.
