What Is USB-C And Why We Will All Need It

Even if you don’t follow tech news specifically, you have probably heard about USB-C – as it’s been mentioned more than once on connection with the new MacBook and Android M.

So what is USB-C exactly and why are we hearing so much about it?

Simply put, USB Type C is a new type of connector, that is small yet powerful, and ambitiously promises to be the one we will all be using in the nearest future.

The standard USB connector most of us are currently using is known as USB Type A. Even though a number of changes have taken place since this USB type appeared, these changes did not affect the size and design of the connector itself. However, according to a number of manufacturers, this time has come.

A great number of smaller devices that we use today simply can not make use of the standard USB: tablets, smartphones and ultra-thin laptops all fall into this category.

This is why we have witnessed a whole series of new connectors appear – mostly with the prefixes “mini” or “micro”.

USB-C is deemed to be the once connector that will put an end to all this mess and offer us a universal solution, bringing all put devices together, big and small. If all goes well, USB-C will be a single connector standard, which smartphones, laptops, PCs, digital cameras, game consoles and other devices will be able to use.

The new USB type would be used for both data transfer and charging – just the way it is on the new MacBook.

Why is USB-C promised a great monopolistic future? Because it sounds like a dream come true. Instead of a messy pile of cables for all your electronics, you will have one reliable connector and cable that will work for all of them. What more is there to ask for?

USB C = USB 3.1 (faster connection) + USB Power Delivery (improved charging over a USB connection)

USB 3.1

The standard we are currently using with A type USBs is USB 3, coming with the bandwidth of 5Gbps.

The new USB 3.1 comes with double that – 10 Gbps.

Don’t confuse USB 3.1 and USB C, as they are not the same. USB 3.1 is the technology used to back up the connector. USB C refers to the connector’s shape.

Not USB C connectors will use USB 3.1 technology – so it’s important not to equalize the two.

USB Power Delivery

The earlier standard USB 2.0 provides 2.5 Watts of power – not bad for charging smaller electronics.

A laptop, however, will need much more – up to 60 Watts.

The USB Power Delivery (or PD, for short) will bring you up to 100 Watts of power.

Your device will be able to both receive and send power.

The best thing about USB PD is that it can be used for transmitting information while charging your gadgets simultaneously. That’s why the new MacBook opted for obliterating its charging port and replacing it (and all other ports for that matter) with USB C.

Once again, while most USB C type connectors will probably support USB PD, one does not automatically mean the presence of the other.