USB3.1 Introduces Two-Sided Connectors - Now Only Takes 2 Tries

A new USB standard revision promises to introduce orientation-neutral USB connectors, finally eliminating the fumbling when attempting to plug in a USB device. The new USB 3.1 Type-C connectors will be thinner and can be connected to the socket in either direction, which has more implications than just convenience.

The thinner standard, the USB Promoter Group says, will enable still-smaller devices with high throughput potential. The Type-C connector standard will be approximately the size of USB2 micro-b connectors, as used for most camera-to-PC connections.

Intel VP of Platform Engineering Alex Peleg said:

"Intel is excited to see the development of the new thin Type-C connector as it will enable an entirely new super thin class of devices from phones to tablets, to 2-in-1s, to laptops to desktops and a multitude of other more specific usage devices. This new industry standards-based thin connector delivering data, power and video is the only connector one will need across all devices."

Maybe now, instead of taking three tries to plug in a USB device, it'll only take two.

- Jim Vincent.