It's a hard fact of life, but one we must all face -- those charging cords aren't going to last forever.
The same can be said for the technology behind these ubiquitous accessories. Once upon a time we all placed our phones in bulky charging docks, but times have changed. The latest in tethered charging technology is USB-C.
USB's first incarnation could reach data transfer speeds of 12Mbps, but provided little in the way of charging capabilities. Next came USB-2.0, which improved data transfer rates to about 480Mbps, and allowed for a pull of 2.5 watts, enough to charge today's smartphones, albeit slowly. USB-3.0 improved speeds even more, but still left some effectiveness to be desired.
USB-C can deliver up to 100 watts of power. And whether that's going to a smart device or a laptop, charging and data transfer waits are going to be significantly decreased with USB-C technology.
Why should you care?
USB-C signals a new direction that most major manufacturers are eager to get behind. It's quickly becoming an industry standard in both power and data transfer. From laptops to smartphones, to external hard drives, USB-C will soon dominate the device market.
According to PCMag, more than 700 tech companies make up the USB Implementers Forum, which has maintained the USB standard since its first release. Apple, Dell, HP, Intel, Microsoft, and Samsung are all members, which should help cement the adoption of USB-C technology across the field. Simply put, everyone is on this bandwagon, and you're coming along unless you just stick with the devices you have from here on out.
How does it work?
While similar in appearance to the micro USB connector, the USB-C is a little bit thicker, as well as symmetrical, allowing for use in any orientation. The USB-C to USB-C format also allows for energy or data transfer in both directions. You don't need to figure out which end to use, just connect the cord and it's already working.
USB Type-C is making the most of USB 3.1 technology for faster data transfer speeds and USB Power Delivery for improved charging capability through USB connections.
What does it work with?
As of November 2016, the following devices were USB-C ready:
- Apple 2015 MacBook with 12" Retina Display
- ASUS ZenFone 3 / ZenFone 3 Deluxe / ZenFone 3 Ultra
- Gionee S6 / S Plus / Marathon
- Google Nexus 5X / 6P / Pixel C
- HP Pavilion x2 / Spectre x2 / Pro Tablet 608
- HTC 10
- Intex Aqua Secure
- Huawei Nexus 6P / P9 / P9 Plus / Nova / Nova Plus
- LeEco Le 1s / Le 1s Eco / Le 2 / Le 2 Pro
- Lenovo Z2 Plus / Zuk Z1
- LG V20 / G5
- Lumia 950 / 950XL
- Meizu PRO 5 /MX6
- Moto Z / Z Force
- Nextbit Robin
- Nokia N1
- Nubia Z11
- OnePlus 2
- Smartron t.phone
- Vivo Xplay5 Elite
- Xiaomi Mi 4c
- ZOPO Speed 8
- ZUK Z2 Pro
- ZTE Axon 7
Group Vertical currently stocks Vertii brand USB-C to USB-C and USB-3.0 to USB-C cables, providing peerless data transfer speeds and exceptional charging capability in a durable design. If you're looking to stay connected with the devices of the future, look no further.
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