Although the specifications about USB-C came to light way back in the year 2014, it had caught everyone’s attention just last year. And with this emerging technology, it is proving to be a standard benchmark not just for the USBs of yesteryears, but also for DisplayPort and Thunderbolt. In this write-up, let us explore some of the new features that it offers.

A peep into the past

Until a few years ago, the USB-A or USB (Type A) was regarded as the standard USB connector, and it is still being used by few, although the migration from USB 1 to USB 2 has taken place already. These days, you also get to see the USB 3 devices being extensively used. However, these connectors are huge with a plug-in point only at one place. Over the years, these devices assumed smaller and thinner shapes, paving the way for USB connectors that are often referred to as "mini" and "micro."

What’s new in Type C?

With the new Type C connector, you get to enjoy the same, rather better functionalities. The size is only 1/3rd of the size of the older USB Type A plug. Regardless of whether you are connecting a hard drive (external) to the laptop or you are putting your smartphone on a charge with it, you will just require a single cable.

Unlike yesterday, when there were different connectors for devices of different sizes, this trend or practice is finally coming to an end. Some of the features that Type-C boasts of include the following-

·         You do not have to waste time in adjusting the orientation of the connector before you can successfully plugin. This is because it is reversible.

·         It does away with the trouble of moving around with various connectors for various devices.

·         Regardless of whether you are using the USB-C hub for MacBook Pro for itself or any other Mac device, it supports some protocols. And this it does by making use of so-called "alternate modes." This enables you to use adapters capable of HDMI, VGA, and DisplayPort output. A classic example of this type of connector is the USB-C Digital Multiport Adapter by Apple.

·         USB-C ports are used by both Google’s Chromebook Pixel and Apple’s MacBook. This type of connector will also allow you to charge your laptop with the help of a battery pack while you are still charging your smartphone. In other words, you can charge two devices at the same time by making use of just one connector.

So, what is USB-C in the first place? It is not just any other connector from Apple with a proprietorship, but it is a standard device that will be used by almost all the manufacturers of devices and gadgets shortly (in fact, many are already using them with their products). And it will not be wrong to say that it is Apple's MacBook that is the first device to make use of this connector, thereby paving the way for the others to follow close on the heels.