As we all know, a USB connector actually exists in four-dimensional space, which is why it’s impossible for the damn thing to correctly slot into your computer when you try to make it work. Fortunately, Intel is going to ensure that in the future, your USB cable actually just slots in, no matter what.
If this sounds familiar, it’s because we’ve been here before. It was a major victory for consumers when proprietary connections on cell phones (with one notable holdout) went the way of the dodo, but that only cut down on cord clutter instead of eliminating it entirely. It doesn’t help that when USB 3.0 was introduced, there became a grand total of seven different types of plugs and ports to the standard.
Intel has decided to cut through the crap and create one plug that works for everything. At least until something new comes along:
“This new industry standards-based thin connector, delivering data, power and video, is the only connector one will need across all devices,” Alex Peleg, vice president of Intel’s Platform Engineering Group, said in a statement. “Intel is excited to see the development of the new thin Type-C connector as it will enable an entirely new super thin class of devices from phones to tablets, to 2-in-1s, to laptops to desktops and a multitude of other more specific-usage devices.”
As annoying as trading in your cables or buying adapters can be, this is actually a good thing. In the long run, it will cut down on cable clutter, make it easier to charge your phone and share data over wires when necessary, and generally make your life a little easier with your gadgets.
Of course, inevitably, a newer, thinner connector will come along, or they’ll have to make it a funny shape because printer companies get all butthurt or something. But, hey, at least they’re making an effort.
(image courtesy Jacobo Garcia on Flickr)