Tech Check #4 USB Type-C
So what is USB Type-C?
Universal and Reversible sums it up for this standard. It features identical pins at each end and is independent of the orientation in which the device is connected unlike, the Type-A and B which had different pins for the host and the client end.
Universal and Reversible sums it up for this standard. It features identical pins at each end and is independent of the orientation in which the device is connected unlike, the Type-A and B which had different pins for the host and the client end.
It is to be understood that Type-C is not different in terms of speed but in terms of physical connection (like the Mini USB or Micro USB)
What has changed?
Type-C, rather than being backward compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 3.0, is future-proof. It is now flatter and thinner. It contains 24 pins rather than 4 for both A and B types. It is compatible with the next gen HDMI cable, that is, it will support HD Audio-Video transfer and the fact that it has 24 pins allows it to transfer greater amount of power. It will eventually, find its way completely into laptop market as well.
Type-C, rather than being backward compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 3.0, is future-proof. It is now flatter and thinner. It contains 24 pins rather than 4 for both A and B types. It is compatible with the next gen HDMI cable, that is, it will support HD Audio-Video transfer and the fact that it has 24 pins allows it to transfer greater amount of power. It will eventually, find its way completely into laptop market as well.
It proposes to kill the headphone jack!
Yes, you heard it right. The new USB standard also allows audio transfer and wants to be one for all by phasing out the old 3.5 mm headphone jack. It will help to make the devices thinner and certain devices like the Apple iPhone 7 has ditched the jack to make it slim.
Also read: Apple waits for you with its surprises at WWDC 2017
The not-so-good:
The unregulated state of the C standard has created a lot of problems. The inclusion of USB Type-C does not guarantee speed since its just a physical standard and cheap cables featuring USB 2.0 but looking like USB-C are quite common. It must be noted that the devices on both end of any wire should be of the latest standard in order to enjoy the fast speed. Cheap cables looking like USB-C type but not actually so, are harming devices. Be careful and buy the right wire or use the one provided by the manufacturer.
The not-so-good:
The unregulated state of the C standard has created a lot of problems. The inclusion of USB Type-C does not guarantee speed since its just a physical standard and cheap cables featuring USB 2.0 but looking like USB-C are quite common. It must be noted that the devices on both end of any wire should be of the latest standard in order to enjoy the fast speed. Cheap cables looking like USB-C type but not actually so, are harming devices. Be careful and buy the right wire or use the one provided by the manufacturer.
Bottom Line
The USB Type-C could be the future standard for all devices and types of connections but that time is not certainly now! It is already 2 years old shows that device manufacturers are not so keen to adapt to it and it has not gained enough traction to be the standard for peripheral connection. It would be better if a newer standard could take its place where the focus would not be only on the speed and the power but also on the sturdiness because wear and tear is a big problem for the type-C
Tech Check #4 USB Type-C
Reviewed by Mudit Choraria
on
23:49
Rating:
Reviewed by Mudit Choraria
on
23:49
Rating:
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