Back in the spring Apple launched its 12-inch MacBook. The surprise for the tech pundits was not only the fact the machine had just one port (excluding the headphone port) but that it required an entirely new type of cable – a USB Type-C or USB-C.

In summer, we had a glance at some of the headlines in the tech press and it seemed clear that the new connector was catching on fast. And, as many of the world’s top manufacturers came out in support, it began to look certain the new technology would revolutionise the way we connect our devices.

But what is USB-C and why is it so important? Key is the fact that both ends of the cable are the same. Instead of a USB-A (the bigger, rectangular host end plug for computers, game consoles, etc) and a USB-B (attaching to the client end for, say, a mobile phone), now there’s just one small reversible cable for both data and power.

It’s faster too. USB-C claims double the speed of USB 3.0 – up to 10GB/s. And with 100w of power there’s plenty of juice available.

USB-C has been developed by the USB Implementers’ Forum, a group of electronics heavyweights including Apple, Dell, HP, Intel, Microsoft, Belkin and Samsung. Such support has been an important factor in the rapid take up of the technology.

Who knows, maybe one day our mobile devices will share the same chargers and accessories, allowing us all to stop disposing of wires and cables every time we buy something new! For all you promotional product buyers looking for the latest gadgets, this day can’t come too soon.

For a concise resume, visit Guiding Tech or belkin.

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Jason Markwick

Having worked in Promotional Merchandise for the last 25 years I have been exposed to all aspects of the industry. Starting out as an account manager working with some of the worlds leading brands, I have learnt to understand the needs of a client, manufacturing processes, and what it takes to deliver a successful promotional campaign that is on brand, on time and within a given budget.