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What’s USB Type-C?

A quick look at USB C outlets, ports and connectors…and what they can do for you.


June 17, 2019
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Change can be hard. And for those of us who have been plugging in our smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, Bluetooth speakers, etc. with the standard USB connectors for years, the smaller USB charging cables that are showing up more and more with newer devices can seem like an unwanted curveball. 

Does this just mean needing more cords, and multiple adapters, to power all our various devices?!?

Well, it can actually mean more performance and convenience. This is a case where change can truly be for the better. Here's why:​​​​​

First and foremost, you can benefit from USB Type-C's high-speed specs.

The majority of USB Type-C ports are designed to work with a significantly faster standard — the USB 3.1 Gen 2 protocol — than most of the Type-A options. This standard boosts the speed for both data delivery, say for the next time you’re downloading a movie prior to a plane ride, and for charging, when getting those beloved phones to a full battery. Added to this, many USB C devices also support Thunderbolt 3, which might sound like a cool race car, but is instead a monstrously fast data-transfer technology from Intel, as well as USB Power Delivery (USB PD), which increases power potential drastically for faster charging and efficient powering of much larger devices. While making the most of these fast features requires use of the right accessories, as discussed in an earlier post, it's important to know that USB Type-C isn’t just newer, it can truly be better.

A second key advantage over the older USB style? It’s reversible.

This may seem too simple to matter that much, but since many people feel like they can never plug a Type-A USB in the right way on the first try, it’s bound to save a lot of time and frustration. Also, the connector itself is smaller. When you consider the value placed on mobility these days, it's important for devices to do a lot without getting heavy. Smaller but powerful connection ports are one of the ways engineers can ensure lighter laptops, smaller phones, and find more space for additional tech features.​​​​​​

A final factor that makes USB Type-C beneficial is that it is having a surging growth moment. 

What this tells us is that this is where technology development is currently headed. By understanding it and equipping yourself to best use it now, you are getting ahead of the curve. And as options exist for Type-A to Type-C adapters, as well as dual outlets that include ports of both kinds, you can set yourself up now to future-proof your technology for many years to come.​​​​​​

For more information on why you should care about USB Type-C, click here, or browse Ultra-Fast USB Outlets designed to make charging USB Type-C devices a breeze!

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