There’s two right ways to go with the new USB connectors coming next year

By Konrad Krawczyk December 4, 2013

usb 3 0 type c connectors announced revealed 31 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

We’ve all experienced the frustration of seemingly plugging in a USB cable correctly, only to realize that we’re trying to do it backwards, necessitating a flip of the cable. It’s very much like the pain that came with inserting a VCR tape the wrong way as a kid, for those old enough to have spent some time around the now-ancient devices.

Fortunately, as far as plugging in USB cables the wrong way goes, that frustration will apparently end for all of us in the near future.

The USB 3.0 Promoter Group announced that USB 3.1 cables will come sporting a Type-C connector, making the plugs for those USB cables reversible. This means that you’ll be able to plug in these connectors either way; no more rejection. What’s more, the connectors will also be smaller than what’s currently on the market. This will allow for the development of even slimmer devices that employ USB connectors.

Here’s what Alex Peleg, Vice President, Platform Engineering Group, had to say about the announcement.

“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.”

USB 3.1 Type-C connectors should hit the market sometime in the middle of 2014.

Image credit: http://dl.maximumpc.com

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Konrad Krawczyk

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Konrad covers desktops, laptops, tablets, sports tech and subjects in between for Digital Trends. Prior to joining DT, he…

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