A new technology is coming to smartphones, laptops, tablets and, for that matter, any type of portable and non-portable device. Yes, of course, I am talking about the new USB Type-C port. Hopefully, most people will know what the USB Type-C port is all about. However, if you are reading this like it is the first time you have ever heard of the new type of port to replace micro-USB, fear not! This article will go into the details of what exactly USB Type-C is all about.

What is USB Type-C?

In layman’s terms, USB Type-C is the new connection that is set to replace the micro-USB. An update to the USB series happens every so often to help improve technology and is decided by many manufacturers so that the new form of USB will become the norm for electrical devices. So, just like micro-USB improved USB, USB Type-C will improve micro-USB.

What are the Benefits of USB Type-C?

In short, USB Type-C has many benefits which consumers will love:

• It is reversible – A big hatred for devices that used micro-USB was that it was not reversible. Therefore, around 70% of the time I got it in the right way for my devices. The other 30% I would be cramming the micro-USB into a slot that just did not fit it because it was the wrong way round! USB Type-C looks to get rid of this problem…kind of like Apple did with the lightning connector years ago (it’s taken this long for the competition to catch up to Apple)?
• Faster charging – USB Type-C has promised to delivery much faster charging than micro-USB cables. This is great news for smartphone users in particularly. However, I think it is still safe to say that the majority of people would not mind slow charging times if it meant their smartphone battery lasted longer than a day: preferably two days at least.
• USB 3.1 compatible – As well as charging you phone faster, USB Type-C is competible with USB 3.1 which means data transfer to and from your phone will be lightning quick. The great thing about USB 3.1 is that you can do a lot more than simply data transfer.

Verdict

Ultimately, USB Type-C is a welcoming addition to catch up with Apple who have had the lightning port for years.

Saying this, I would strongly recommend anyone looking to buy a new smartphone (or tablet for that matter) to wait until they start enrolling with USB Type-C. I think there might be a few out with it already. But, if not, wait a few months and it will be worth the while to go to sleep and plug your phone in without the worry of what way the connector needs to go in!