Reversible USB cable design finalised

The new Type-C plugs, akin to Apple's Lightning connector, will mean users no longer have to fiddle with USB cables to find the correct orientation to plug them in. Its designers, a group comprising representatives from Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Microsoft, Renesas, Texas Instruments and STMicroelectronics, describe the cables as "small enough for mobiles but robust enough for laptops and tablets" USB 3.0 Promoter Group chairman Brad Saunders said: "Interest in the USB Type-C connector has not only been global, but cross industry as well. Representatives from the PC, mobile, automotive and IoT industries have been knocking down our door anticipating this new standard. "This specification is the culmination of an extensive, cooperative effort among industry leaders to standardise the next generation USB connector as a long lasting, robust solution." The new USB is comparable in size to micro USB 2.0 Type-B connectors, with a port size of 8.4 x 2.6mm. It will be compatible with SuperSpeed USB at 10Gb/s (USB 3.1) and will also support USB Power Delivery up to 100W, with additional support for scalable power charging and future USB performance needs. While specifications have now been finalised, the rollout is expected to take time as matching ports are included in new devices.