The Next-Gen USB Plug To Be Smaller And Finally Reversible

Our long worldwide nightmare is almost over. The next USB plug will finally be reversible just like Apple’s Lightning connector. No more blindly jamming the connector towards the receptacle, just knowing that it’s not going to work. In the near future, the plug will always be the right side up. The upcoming connector, called Type-C, is designed for the USB 3.1 specification and scheduled to be finalized by the middle of 2014. The plug is said to be the size of the MicroUSB plug and sport an array of new features including scalable power charging and support data rates nearing 10 Gbit/s. “While USB technology is well established as the favored 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,” said Brad Saunders, USB 3.0 Promoter Group Chairman, in a released statement today (PDF). “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.” The USB 3.0 Promoter Group didn’t release a picture of the upcoming connector. This plug will not mate with existing USB plugs and receptacles. This means, sadly, one day, the dozens of MicroUSB cables accumulating in a junk drawer will be obsolete. Your collection will be a relic. But, I for one, welcome the march of innovation with open arms just so I don’t have to do the little dance flip-flopping dance every time I need to plug in a gadget.