USB-C – Why We’re Excited About the Future of Cables!

For anyone stuck in the USB-A and USB-B era of mobile device charging, “up” and “down” are actually kind of a big deal. Finding out which direction the USB head needs to be inserted can go from a minor inconvenience to incredibly frustrating. Thankfully enough is enough, and since 2014, we’re in the era of USB Type-C. Although society’s transition to this charger format as standard has been a bit slow, more and more of today’s technology are featuring the very reliable and very cool USB-C. Here’s why we’re excited:

 

1. Reversibility!

In the words of PCAdvisor, the point of USB-C is simple – you need just “one type of cable, one type of port and through them you connect everything you need.” But it’s more than that. USB-C is the first physical plug in the USB family that’s completely reversible. No more paying attention to up or down, input or output. The USB-C works when plugged in from any direction, no matter what. It’s a bit like society’s transition from tumbler locks to key cards: a key won’t work if it’s not the right way up but a key card can passed in front of your door from any angle. On top of that, as it becomes standard across the board for all mobile devices, it means everyone will be able to share their charging cables freely.

 

2. Popular with the Latest Gear!

The most pervasive challenge of our technological society is keeping up with trends. A new device can be out of date in six months time. But with USB-C, you’ll be happily future proof. The latest reports have almost all the major technology companies, the favorites you love and the house-hold names you know, moving to USB-C as their standard format for cellphones, tablets, and even the latest slim notebooks and laptops. If you’re charging your Nintendo Switch, then you need USB-C. Wired, in talking about the USB-C, argue that it’s position as the future of cables is clear. It’s worth noting, however, that it is coming to flagship devices first – those expensive top of the line units. It means that for at least the foreseeable future, you’ll need to pack both old school USB-A and Micro-USB plugs, as well as your brand new USB-C cable. At the very least, make sure to invest in an adapter.

• If you need a USB-A or Micro-USB adapter for USB-C inputs, check out RAVPower’s USB Adapter Set here.
 

3. USB 3.1 as Standard

We know that USB-A, -B, and -C are the physical cables and plugs that you hold in your hand and connect with both your device and the wall outlet. USB 3.1 is what is on the inside; it is the heart and soul. While we’ve seen incredible advances through recent USB formats, the second generation of 3.1 supports potential data transfer speeds up to a whopping 10 gigabits per second, as well as the latest quick charge technology, outputting some 100 watts of power. And for most USB-C cables, 3.1 is becoming standard. Be careful though: for now, USB-C refers principally to the physical plug type, so you might not get the latest generation of USB charging and data transfer technology on the inside. Always buy your cables from a reputable source and be extra suspicious of cheap knock-offs or no-name brands.

 

4. No More Micro!

With USB-C, we can finally put to rest the annoying trend of micro-USB – the miniaturization of your USB plug that makes the siloing of cable technology worse than the differential between USB-A and -B. Micro-USB cables are not particularly durable or robust, nor do they offer the flexibility other USB variants. It has got to the point where we have articles on how to fix your loose micro-USB port with a toothpick. Thankfully, USB-C is small enough that it’s an easy, alternate companion to our current tech trends of making everything thinner and thinner. Say goodbye to those wasted minutes trying to find just the right angle to charge your device with a temperamental micro-USB cable.

• Do you need a USB-C to USB-A cable? Check out RAVPower’s dual cable here.
 

5. You’ll Be Ready for the End of the Headphone Jack

We know this is a bit of a sore spot, especially those who have just invested $500 on the latest noise cancelling, ultra-high definition headphones, but in the age of automation and smart homes, at some point the headphone jack will probably disappear. Amazingly, the technology used by headphone jacks traces all the way back to 1878!

And while eliminating the headphone jack might not be the most courageous thing someone can do, it’s best to prepare nonetheless. Here’s why USB-C is particularly convenient – it has the ability to transmit digital audio. Not only will a USB-C plug play your favorite tunes, but it will also charge your phone simultaneously. In addition to all of this, USB-C audio will transmit digital data so your headphone can focus on converting this to an analogue signal. Finally, noise-cancelling headphones won’t need an internal battery to operate. Instead, the cable supplies power from your phone. So, while it’s fine to shed a tear for the headphone jack, USB-C will make sure your sadness is very short lived.
 

Future-Proofing with RAVPower

With RAVPower’s range of USB-C power banks, there’s no need to worry about a USB-C future… or a USB-A and B past.

Get RAVPower’s popular USB-C Cables here and enjoy the cables of the future.

Are you ready for the rise of USB-C? Tell us in the comments below!