USB Type-C Official Design Specification Released, Brings Reversible Design

Today, the USB 3.0 Promoter Group announced that the official design specifications for its reversible Type-C connector have been finalized. 

The Type-C specification was announced last December and aims to solve design problems of the current generation USB connectors. The new design is reversible, much like Apple’s Lightning connector, meaning it can be plugged in either way. 

Brad Saunders, chairman of the USB 3.0 Promoters Group, 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 standardize the next generation USB connector as a long-lasting, robust solution.”

The new USB connector is small enough to replace micro-USB on devices like smartphones and tablets, yet it is robust enough to be used on mainstream laptops and desktops. 

The Type-C USB connectors are about the same size of the current generation microUSB connectors and can deliver speeds of up to 10Gbps using USB 3.1. 

The new USB design will probably make its debut in its first consumer devices later this year or early next year.

[via CNET]