The difference between usb type c. Why does a smartphone need USB Type-C? What is USB Type-C and what are its advantages? Can transmit HDMI and audio signals

In my materials devoted to the choice of thin ultra- and other beeches, I no, no, yes, I mentioned USB interface Type-C, the presence of which is an undoubted advantage of this or that computer model. It may be a small advantage, incomparable in significance with a video card, etc., but we know who is hidden in the details, and it is these small pluses and minuses that can tilt the choice in one direction or another, influencing the decision on which model prefer and which laptop to buy. So, USB Type-C - what it is, what it is used for, in the sense of how and what it can be used for and whether it is needed at all. Are we figuring it out?

USB Type-C - what's in my name?

I will not repeat the history of the emergence and development of the USB interface. It has become so familiar that even the decision once made by someone to make the connector asymmetrical still infuriates, but not much anymore. The point is that you need to insert a flash drive or cable into a familiar USB socket in a certain position. How often have you been able to connect a device to the rear connector the first time? system unit the first time? And from the second? Well, maximum from the third.

True, it should be noted that the connector is reliable and can withstand a large number of connections, is able to withstand well (within reasonable limits, of course) mechanical loads. But these qualities also come with a drawback - for compact devices in its original form (Type-A) it is too bulky.

Which exit? To do the same, but smaller, as a result, Mini-USB and Micro-USB appeared. Got better? Yes, but it’s still somehow inconvenient; different devices require different cables or adapters, and even small connectors still need to be inserted in a certain way.

So, Type-C is new standard connector, which finally (caps up and champagne corks in the ceiling) has become symmetrical! Its compactness and versatility allows you to replace the entire existing “zoo” of connector options and, accordingly, cables. At the same time, it was developed for the new specification of the USB standard, which received the number 3.1.

The main characteristics of standards 3.0 and 3.1 are given in the table.

Let us add that through Type-C you can (given the current of 5 A) charge the device itself, connect external monitor, peripheral devices, storage devices... It turns out that if the laptop has such a connector, then it will be possible to take advantage of all these benefits?

- Otherwise, you flush the water, and there might be...

- What could be there?

- Anything, understand?

© “Peculiarities of national fishing”

Not certainly in that way. You are guaranteed to get a new compact connector and USB in it. I deliberately do not indicate what version of the protocol there may be, because Type-C is a specification of the connector and what it MAY contain, but this is what is used in specific model tablet or laptop - this already depends on the manufacturer of this gadget.

Type-C - possibilities

As has already become, I hope, clear, the new connector is more than just USB, and much more. In, so to speak, a “basic” configuration, it provides USB operation 3.1 with all the advantages of this new version interface.

All other “buns” are alternative Type-C operating modes, which are marked in a certain way on the device’s body. Moreover, changes can lead to both an expansion of the capabilities used and the fact that USB 3.1 can be replaced by 3.0 or even 2.0. Here are the options that may appear on this moment, because the capabilities of this connector are far from being exhausted.

	DisplayPort. You can connect via Type-C external display With maximum resolution 3840 x 2400 pixels. This possibility should be marked either on the laptop case with a corresponding icon, or indicated in the specification for the device.
	HDMI. It is now possible to connect external devices without adapters, directly using HDMI versions 1.4.
	Thunderbolt Supports Thunderbolt 3 compatibility mode.
	Power Delivery(PD). Specification of a new standard that provides current transmission of up to 100 W in both directions, which allows you to charge a laptop through this port, or, conversely, power a device connected through it external device eg external display. On the device body, such a connector is usually marked with PD letters and an icon in the form of a battery, although there may be other options. If there is no PD support, then the maximum output current will be 1.5 or 3 A, depending on the modification.
	Supports USB 3.1 Gen.1 protocol. Supports operating speeds up to 5 Gb/s.
	Supports USB 3.1 Gen.2 protocol. Supports operating speeds up to 10 Gb/s.

What functions are supported by Type-C installed in a particular laptop model are marked on the case or written down in the specifications.

For example, consider the Lenovo Yoga 910 convertible laptop. It is equipped with two Type-C ports, one of which runs USB 2.0 (by the way, here is an example of what is required availability of USB no one promised 3.1), and the second is 3.0 with DisplayPort support. Moreover, the function of supporting charging mode through this connector is simply marked with an icon electrical plug, without frills like the “PD” logo, etc. The same applies to support for connecting a monitor. This is clear only from the documentation on the laptop.

Another example is the Asus ZenBook 3 UX390UA ultrabook, which, apart from the audio jack, has only one Type-C installed. But it can do almost everything: a power supply is connected to it, through it you can display an image on an external display, and exchange data with external media at speeds corresponding to the USB 3.1 Gen.1 interface. By the way, pay attention to the connector markings on the case. Everything is clear, clear and understandable.

Prospects

The specification is currently under active development next version USB – 3.2, while Type-C will be used, the possibility of working with PCI protocols Express and Base-T Ethernet. In general, this connector is the future, although it is not being promoted so actively yet. The reason is a huge number devices for old connectors, to connect them you will have to buy adapters and hubs.

Conclusion. USB Type-C - what is it, the future ruler of gadgets?

Quite possible. Having a single, universal connector is rather a blessing. The ability to connect power, a flash drive, and all sorts of other devices using one connector is tempting. There is only one “but”.

If power is connected through the port, or other devices are powered using it, and high capacities, then you should turn Special attention on the quality of the wires, adapters and hubs used. Low-quality products from Uncle Liao can lead to unpleasant consequences in the form of burned-out devices followed by expensive repairs.

High speeds to you, dear readers, and secure connection!

Most users, when choosing a new smartphone, tablet or laptop, find an unfamiliar interface in the device description. It's called a USB Type-C connector. What port is this? Few people really know about him. Although USB Type-C promises to become a new trend and will gradually be implemented on all devices that are equipped with classic USB. After all, he offers increased speed and improved functionality. Want to know more? We will be happy to tell you in more detail about USB Type-C and why it is gradually being introduced into many gadgets.

Currently, almost all devices are equipped with a USB connector (more precisely, USB type-A). From PCs to smartphones and various storage devices with laptops. USB is the ubiquitous and most popular standard.

It first appeared in the world in November 1995. The standard itself was called USB 1.0. It did not receive wide distribution. But its “brother” USB 1.1 in the late 90s of the last century began to be present on the back panel of almost everyone. True, manufacturers peripheral devices did not immediately switch to this standard. It took a couple of years for keyboards, mice, printers and other accessories to begin to come with a USB port.

Finally, in 2001, the USB 2.0 standard was developed, which is still the most widespread today. It provided data transfer speeds of almost 500 Mbit/s. But the real breakthrough was the USB 3.0 specification. After all, the transmission speed within this interface was 5 Gbit/s. What other innovations came with it? 5 additional contacts appeared, and the maximum current increased from 500 mA to 900 mA.

The last step on the way to the advent of USB Type-C became the adoption of the 3.1 standard. This happened in 2013. Just this standard and introduced a new Type-C connector (replacing the usual Type-A), with power support up to 100 W and double the data transfer speed compared to USB 3.0 (up to 10 Gbps).

Learn more about USB Type-C and its benefits

So what is USB Type-C? Essentially, this is a new modification of the standard USB. Moreover, externally this connector looks like a thinner port. Its dimensions are only 8.34x2.56 mm. This is about 1/3 of the "old" USB Type-A. That is, the dimensions are very close to lightning in iPhones and micro usb in android smartphones.

The shape of the connector is oval and symmetrical. Due to this, users do not have to guess which side to insert the flash drive or end of the cable into the device, as was the case before. This can be done without looking at all, in the dark, or with one hand. Thus, USB Type-C is very convenient. And also safe. After all, you can connect the connector in any position without fear of breaking the connector.

What other advantages does USB Type-C have? There are quite a lot of them:

1. Versatility and compatibility. Can operate in many modes and support different protocols. That is, if desired, it is easy to connect HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort cables and other options for connecting a PC or laptop to peripherals to this connector. True, special adapters will be required. After all, how else can you “shove” a bulky and huge connector from a printer or mouse into a thin one? modern port? In addition, the USB 3.1 standard is highly compatible with its predecessors. USB versions. To connect old peripherals to the Type-C port, you only need an adapter.
2. Compactness. Due to its miniature size, it can be used in netbooks, smartphones, tablets and other various devices. At the same time, by actively introducing the USB Type-C interface, you can make equipment even more elegant, thinner and more compact.
3. Ability to power other devices. As we have already noted, USB 3.1 increased the maximum transmitted power to 100 W (if there is a specification USB Power Delivery!). For comparison, the average laptop requires about 60 watts. That is, it can be easily charged via USB Type-C (which has already been implemented on the new MacBook and the Pixel Chromebook from Google). Whereas USB port 2.0 provides only a maximum of two and a half watts of current. This is enough for a maximum of incomplete and long-term recharging of a weak smartphone. It turns out that when connecting various peripheral devices via USB Type-C, you can do without additional source power supply, limited to one cord.
4. High speed . When using the USB 3.1 standard, a data transfer speed of 10 Gbps is achieved. This is truly an excellent indicator. At least it's far from the record. After all, it is not as fast as the Thunderbolt 2 interface, implemented in MacBook Air and Pro models, where the speed reaches 20 Gbps.

What happens? The release of USB Type-C suggests complete replacement outdated USB connection technologies. This is what this interface was designed for. His “mission” is to make sure that all kinds of options like mini or micro usb there was no need to release it at all. The new standard is also intended to make all cords that are used to charge devices universal. The idea is good, but how implemented is it now?

Are there any disadvantages?

Does USB Type-C have any disadvantages? It couldn't have happened without them. Experts attribute the following to the disadvantages:

1. Due to their small size, the physical design of the connector and plug turned out to be quite fragile. Although numerous tests have shown that the mechanical life of the USB Type-C connector is about 10,000 connections. And this is no less than USB 2.0.
2. Another drawback is for full-fledged work USB Type C requires adapters. Otherwise, many devices simply cannot be connected through this interface.
3. USB Type-C should only work with cables, accessories, and gadgets that can withstand a certain voltage level. Otherwise, there is a high risk that the cord and/or device will catch fire. Something similar happened with the flagship model Samsung Galaxy Note 7, during the use of which cases of the device exploding were repeatedly recorded. Therefore, to connect via USB Type-C, you should not purchase cheap products from China. Only reliable, proven brands.

For reference! If you need a cord not only for connection, but also for recharging, then you should check whether it supports USB Power Delivery. In turn, to connect via HDMI, MHL or DisplayPort you will need USB-C cable with alternate mode function.

Is there a difference between USB Type-C and USB 3.1?

Is USB Type-C the same as USB 3.1? Of course not. It's correct to say this: USB 3.1 is the main data transfer protocol for Type-C. Moreover, the latter is simply a geometric shape. No more. It can accommodate USB 2.0, and its “descendant” – 3.0. Hypothetically, nothing prevents us from implementing USB 1.1 within this port and plug of the “venerable old man”.

By the way, some manufacturers do this. Take the same Nokia N1 tablet. It is equipped with a new USB Type-C connector, but inside it is still the same familiar and familiar USB 2.0 bus logic.

Modern devices with USB Type-C

Note that there are still few devices with USB 3.1 these days. The technology is new. Therefore, the standard did not have time to be implemented and become widespread. Devices with a USB Type-C cable/connector are not very widely represented on the market.

If we talk about smartphones, then these are:

• Google Nexus 6P
• Google Nexus 5X
• Microsoft Lumia 950 XL
• Meizu Pro 6
• Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+
• LG Nexus 5X, etc.

Of course, that's not all. " USB type si" with full USB support 3.1 is on the motherboard MSI board Z97A Gaming 6. Popular motherboards ASUS X99-A and ASUS Z97-A also support USB version 3.1. (only they don’t have a Type-C connector).

It won’t be difficult to find flash drives with a new port on the shelves of computer stores. For example, SanDisk recently introduced a 32 GB drive with two connectors: the classic USB Type-A and USB Type-C. And this is not an isolated example. Yes, in assortment famous manufacturer computer components LaCie is external hard disk for MacBook with support for USB 3.1 Type-C. This interface is also available on Transcend JetFlash 890.

At the same time, formally the first device equipped with a USB Type-C port was the Nokia N1 tablet. It was then “supported” by a MacBook with a 12-inch display. The creators of the Apple laptop also decided to introduce the public to new USB Type-C, equipping your model with this connector.

It turns out that USB Type-C is still a rarity? Essentially, yes. But the gradual implementation of this interface has begun and this is the most important thing.

Why is USB Type-C still not popular?

Many experts confidently say that one day USB Type-C will replace the variety of USB port options, becoming the only standard for various devices - laptops, PCs, smartphones, tablets, players, etc. In the future, most likely, this connector will indeed be replaced and a 3.5 mm headphone port, and an HDMI interface, used nowadays for video transmission.

However, why has USB Type-C not yet become mega-popular and widespread? Everything is extremely simple. In the event of a complete transition to this standard, all existing equipment will have to be scrapped. Be it a smartphone, tablet, PC, flash drive, etc.

What if you use adapter cables, all kinds of splitters and adapters? This is not an option. If the connected device does not support USB 3.1, then the connection is simply pointless, because the maximum data transfer speed and power support will not be achieved.

Therefore, it takes time for the old ports to become a thing of the past, and for USB Type-C to be able to painlessly replace them. How much will it take? Probably a couple of years. The process can only be accelerated by the support of “big” companies that will actively implement this standard. At the same time, it is possible that progress will soon offer us new interface, capable of sending USB Type-C into “retirement” ahead of schedule.

In 2015 Apple year released its first gadget equipped with a new and, surprisingly, only USB Type-C port. , which has only one port, caused a storm of discontent among the company's fans.

And then it was tolerated, fell in love, and Apple to this day not only very successfully sells the 12-inch line of ultrabooks, but also equipped the USB Type-C series MacBook Pro, completely abandoning the classic USB 2.0/3.0, and indeed any additional ports.

Almost three years have passed since the release of the MacBook, but users still have questions about using the newfangled USB Type-C port. I am especially concerned about the selection of cables and accessories.

In this material we will understand all the nuances of the new standard. I will try to present the material in such a way that after reading it no more questions arise, but USB ports Type-C in MacBook and MacBook Pro has become known.

Where did USB-C come from and where did the problem creep in?

The USB standard itself appeared in 1994. USB 1.0 was conceived as a universal port for connecting all kinds of equipment to a PC. They began to actively use it only in the 2000s.

USB 2.0. Then it was time for USB 2.0. USB 2.0 cables have a strict orientation and are available in two types of connectors: USB Type-A and USB Type-B. With growing popularity mobile devices Later, two more types of connectors will appear: USB Micro-B and USB Mini-B.

Data was transmitted over two cables, usually green and white, while black and red were responsible for power.

The maximum data transfer speed over USB 2.0 is 480 Mbit/s. The main disadvantage of the standard is that it is too low currents (no more than 500 mA), which often caused problems when connecting external drives.

USB 3.0. Having decided to eliminate USB disadvantages 2.0, engineers are developing a new standard - USB 3.0. “Blue USB” became much faster and was able to transfer data at high speeds up to 5 Gbit/s.

Perhaps this was due to the appearance of four additional communication lines, and, as a result, an increase in the maximum current up to 900 mA.

In the fall of 2013, the specifications of the updated USB 3.1 Type-C standard were approved. Since then, life has ceased to be the same.

What exactly is USB Type-C?

Despite the fact that engineers had already released three iterations of the USB standard, the main question still remained open to them. It was necessary to provide normal nutrition.

A pathetic current of 900 mA is clearly not enough to recharge the same laptop battery with 8 - 10 thousand mAh. In addition, more power-hungry accessories began to appear on the market, and the tendency of manufacturers to make devices thinner and more compact forced them to abandon ports such as HDMI, Thunderbolt, classic USB, and Ethernet.

Instead of 8-pin USB 3.0, 24-pin USB 3.1 Type C appears. Why are there so many of them? Judge for yourself:

The new USB Type-C specification has opened up a number of new opportunities for users.

Firstly, USB Type-C has a new USB PD standard, according to which this port and the corresponding cables must be able to transmit current power up to 100 W in both directions.

Secondly, the data transfer speeds are impressive. IN alternative mode Thunderbolt 3 can transfer data at speeds up to 40 Gbps. Of course, with certain “ifs”, but more on that below.

Thirdly, it can transmit video with a resolution of up to 5K. There is plenty of speed here and the need for HDMI simply disappears.

Finally, USB Type-C is convenient because no matter how you plug it in, it will work. It's two-sided. A logical continuation of the Lightning cable, but now not only for Apple devices.

What then is installed in the MacBook and MacBook Pro?

Before we figure out the choice of cables and USB Type-C accessories, we need to understand the USB Type-C ports that are installed in MacBooks.

Unfortunately, the USB Promoter Group made a lot of mistakes with the USB 3.1 specification, producing several generations of ports and completely confusing users.

Let's unravel this Gordian knot.

So that's it MacBook generations and the corresponding USB Type-C ports installed in them.

That is, you should immediately understand that if you have a 12-inch MacBook, you can forget about Thunderbolt 3 support, which means it’s stupid to overpay for support for this specification when choosing a cable.

The MacBook 12″ supports video transmission via HDMI, VGA and DisplayPort (with appropriate adapters), but it cannot be connected to Thunderbolt devices.

With MacBook Pro 2016 and newer, everything is much more interesting. 13-inch MacBook models Pro, until the recent update, only had (the ones on the left) with Thunderbolt 3 support.

In 2018, all four ports in models with TouchBar fully support data transfer to full speed. For the 12-inch MacBooks, everything remains unchanged.

Choosing the right cable for specific tasks

The choice of USB Type-C cable directly depends on the task you are pursuing. This specification is very extensive and has certain limitations.

1. For charging

USB Type-C supports charging power up to 100 W. MacBooks come with the appropriate charging cable with a built-in controller that limits the maximum charging power.

The 12-inch MacBook comes with a cable with a maximum charging power of up to 61 W. With MacBook Pro 13 and 15 inches 87 W respectively.

This means only one thing: if you connect a 61-watt cable to an 87-watt charger and try to charge a MacBook Pro 15" from, say, 2018, it will charge at 61 watts. That is, one and a half times slower.

This also applies to other certified charging cable manufacturers.

Is it possible connect your MacBook to a higher power charger? Can. Instead of the included 29 W power supply, you can power it with a charger from a 15-inch MacBook Pro at 87 W. This is not terrible, but there will be no miracle and the MacBook will not charge faster.

And yes, it's not harmful. The MacBook will take exactly as much as it can. By the way, with iPad history the same.

To finally resolve issues with charging and get a cable “for all occasions,” you can opt for the original 2-meter USB-C cable for RUB 1,490.

2. For transmitting video signal like HDMI

You decide to connect to a MacBook or MacBook Pro external monitor or TV. Let's figure out what to use to transmit a video stream in conjunction with USB Type-C.

First and foremost, determine which input port your external monitor or TV is equipped with.

For HDMI. There is a universal option that will not only add to MacBooks standard USB 2.0/3.0 port and HDMI, but also duplicates USB Type-C. Costs 5,490 rubles.

For VGA. A similar, but more archaic solution for VGA for the same 5,490 rubles.

For Thunderbolt 3. There are already several Thunderbolt 3 display models on the market (12-inch MacBooks are passing by). 0.8 meters of such cable will cost 3,190 rubles.

The same option can be used for charging (up to 100 W). By overpaying 2 thousand rubles and buying this instead of a USB Type-C charging cable, you will get a truly universal cord that supports data transfer at speeds of up to 40 Gbps.

Important. Don't go for length. Two-meter and half-meter cables with Thunderbolt 3 support are two different things.

But, here it is worth bringing some clarity.

3. For connecting USB 2.0/USB 3.0 devices

Perhaps this is the only case when there are no problems with adapters. The same standard USB Type-C -> USB adapter for 1,490 rubles. capable of delivering up to 5 Gbit/s.

This is exactly what the USB Type-C port in the 12-inch MacBook family is designed to do.

4. For maximum data speed (5K and 4K 60Hz)

40 Gbps - this is the maximum USB Type-C gen 2 with Thunderbolt 3 support can transmit. But this is under ideal conditions.

To ensure this speed, the cable length must not exceed 18 inches or 45 centimeters. Otherwise, the speed drops sharply.

But even here everything is not so clear. Thunderbolt 3 cords fall into two categories: passive And active. And you should pay attention to this if speed is important to you.

The first, with a length of two meters, transmit data at half the speed, that is, at the level of 20 Gbit/s, or even less.

Active ones have a special transmitter that controls the transmission speed along the entire length of the cable. With such laces the speed is maintained.

Here is an example of a certified passive Plugable cable up to 2 meters long. The speed here is no more than 20 Gbit/s, but the price is much more pleasant.

As you can see, everything is very complicated

When choosing USB Type-C cables and accessories, no matter how you look at it, you will have to use your brain.

You must clearly understand for what purpose you are buying this or that lace and what speeds you expect from it. If you're happy with 20 Gbps, but need two meters of length, you don't have to shell out two hundred evergreen bills for an active Thunderbolt 3 cable.

If we're talking about something complicated, then:

• if you need a clean cable for charging- buys the original one on the Apple website
• if you need a cable to connect external storage - choose high quality USB 3.1
• if you need to connect 5K monitor or work with professional Thunderbolt 3 hubs- choose short passive or long active cables for a lot of money

And most importantly. (carefully read paragraph 2 of the article) and accessories produced by little-known handicraft companies Chinese brands. This is especially true for the choice of laces that will be used for charging macbook. The risk of burning your device in the case of USB Type-C has never been higher.

Mobile device users had a hard time in the 2000s - they were forced to put up with the so-called proprietary. The phones of each manufacturer were equipped with unique charging connectors - as a result, the charger, for example, for Nokia did not work with a Motorola phone. It even got to the point of absurdity - when for two phones from the same manufacturer (Finnish) it was necessary to look for different charging device. The dissatisfaction of users turned out to be so strong that the European Parliament was forced to intervene.

Now the situation is completely different: almost all smartphone manufacturers equip their gadgets with ports for chargers same type. The user no longer has to buy a new charger “in addition” to the phone.

USB cables can be used not only to transfer data from a PC to a gadget, but also to charge a mobile device. Smartphones are capable of replenishing battery “reserves” both from an outlet and from a computer, but in the second case, charging will take significantly longer. Traditional USB cable for a smartphone with Android or Windows Phone looks like this:

There is a standard plug at one of its ends USB 2.0 Type-A:

This plug plugs into the USB port on your computer or laptop.

At the other end of the wire there is a plug microUSB.

It is, accordingly, inserted into the micro-USB connector on the mobile device.

Micro-USB 2.0 is now a unified connector: you can find it on smartphones and tablets from almost all manufacturers mobile technology(except Apple). An agreement on interface standardization was signed in 2011 by representatives of 13 leading companies in the mobile market.

The choice fell on Micro-USB for a number of reasons:

• The connector is compact. His physical dimensions are only 2x7 millimeters - this is about 4 times less than USB 2.0 Type-A.
• The plug is durable- especially when compared with fine charging Nokia.
• The connector is capable of providing high data transfer rates. Theoretically, the transfer speed via Micro-USB when using the 2.0 standard can reach 480 Mbit/s. The actual speed is much lower (10-12 Mbit/s in Full Speed), but this rarely causes inconvenience to users.
• The connector supports the OTG function. We'll tell you more about the benefits this provides later.

Micro-USB could impose competition in the fight for the role of a standard connector Mini-USB. The mini plug looks like this:

This type of USB connector was not suitable as a standard one, and here’s why:

• The connector is larger in size– albeit not by much. Its size is 3x7 millimeters.
• The connector is quite fragile– due to the lack of rigid fastenings, it becomes loose very quickly. As a result, transmitting data via cable becomes a real pain for the user.

In the 2000s, a mini-USB connector could be found on smartphones from “second-class” manufacturers - say, Philips And Alcatel. Now mobile gadgets You won’t find one with a mini-connector on the market.

In addition to the USB connectors we mentioned (Micro-USB, Mini-USB, USB Type-A), there are others. For example, micro-USB standard 3.0 can be used to connect hard drives to a PC, and USB Type-B(square shape) – for musical instruments (in particular, MIDI keyboards). These connectors are not directly related to mobile technology (except for Galaxy Note 3 c USB 3.0), so we won’t talk about them in more detail.

What types of USB cables are there for smartphones?

Thanks to the inexhaustible imagination of Chinese handicrafts, mobile technology users can buy cables of completely different configurations. For example, in the era of proprietaryism, the following “monster” was incredibly popular:

Yes, this charger fits all the main connectors!

Similar “multi-tools” are still on sale, but they have fewer plugs. Here is a 4-in-1 charger, which can be ordered for less than 200 rubles:

This charger is equipped with all modern plugs - Lightning, 30Pin (both for iPhone), microUSB, USB 3.0. Definitely a “must-have” for the user!

There are other interesting options. Here is the cable from OATSBASF For those who hate cables:

This cable allows you to charge two mobile devices from your computer. simultaneously(for example, the 5th iPhone and Android) and has a very tempting price - just over 100 rubles.

In domestic stores and showrooms, the user, of course, will not find such an abundance of different cables as on the pages of catalogs GearBest And AliExpress. In addition, data equipment at retail costs significantly more. For these two reasons, users are recommended to order USB cables from China.

What is the OTG standard?

Surely many have seen such a cable and wondered what it is for:

This is a cable OTG; at one end there is a plug micro-USB, on the second – connector USB 2.0, "Mother". Using such a cable, you can connect a USB flash drive to a smartphone or tablet, but only if the mobile device itself supports the standard OTG.

OTG(short for On-The-Go) is a function designed to fast connection 2 USB devices with each other, without the mediation of a computer. Connect by OTG you can not only flash drive (although this is, of course, the most common case), but also, for example, computer mouse, keyboard, external hard drive, game steering wheel, joystick. You can even connect your smartphone to a printer or MFP to print out a photo taken with the gadget’s camera.

Cables OTG for iPhone have also already appeared, but download it to an Apple device (without jailbreak) from external media Only photos and videos are obtained – and then only when root folders on the flash drive and the photographs themselves have the “correct” names.

A complete list of smartphones that support the function OTG, no - simply because almost everyone can boast of having this standard modern gadgets and the list would be huge. However, a buyer who intends to connect a mouse or flash drive to the device should inquire from a store consultant about support OTG before giving away money - “just in case.”

USB Type-C: what are the advantages?

Transition from micro-USB on this new trend mobile electronics market! Manufacturers are actively mastering technology and equipping their flagship models improved connectors for charging and data transfer. USB Type-C I waited “in the shadows” for a long time: the connector was created back in 2013, but only in 2016 did market leaders pay attention to it.

looks USB Type-C So:

What are the advantages? Type-C in front of everyone familiar micro-USB?

• High data transfer speed. Bandwidth Type-C equals 10 Gb/sec (!). But that's just bandwidth.: in reality, only owners of smartphones with the standard can count on such speed USB 3.1- For example, Nexus 6P And 5X. If the gadget uses the standard USB 3.0, the speed will be around 5 Gb/sec; at USB 2.0 Data transfer will be significantly slower.
• Fast charging. The duration of the smartphone charging procedure depends on the potential amount of watts supplied by the connector. USB standard 2.0 capable of serving everything 2.5 W– that’s why charging lasts for hours. Connector USB Type-C provides 100 W– that is, 40 times (!) more. It is curious that current transmission can occur in both directions - both to and from the host.
• Connector symmetry. If the connector micro-USB there is up and down, then the connector Type-C symmetrical Which side you insert it into the connector does not matter. From this point of view, technology USB Type-C similar to Lightning from Apple.

Dignity Type-C The size of the connector is also small - only 8.4 × 2.6 millimeters. According to this technology criterion micro-USB And USB Type-C similar.

U USB Type-C There are also disadvantages, one of which is more than significant. Due to the unregulated operation of the connector, charging can easily “fry” the mobile device. This probability is not purely theoretical - fires have occurred in practice. It is for this reason that the proliferation of non-original, “makeshift” cables and chargers USB Type-C Type-C and decide to abandon the standard connector. At the same time, Ravencraft admits that, perhaps, complete replacement USB-A will never happen.

Earlier this month, Apple's new guru Tim Cook announced a number of new products, the most interesting of which was an improved MacBook version Air. During his talk, Cook focused too much on features and functions that are no longer as unique as Apple would have us believe. So one of the Air's most key and intriguing innovations, a technology with the potential to profoundly change the world of mobile devices over the next few years, has gone largely unnoticed. We're talking about something new USB connector Type-C and the exceptionally wide range of capabilities it offers.

What is USB Type-C?

As the name of the standard suggests, it is an evolutionary refinement of the well-known Universal Serial Bus (USB) format, which is currently one of the most common interfaces in the field of computer peripherals and mobile technologies. Type-C not only provides backward compatibility with previous versions of USB, but also combines them with a new, in a unique way. So one cable (interface) can transmit data, electricity and even video.

The size of the Type C connector is smaller than the chronologically oldest (and most widespread) Type-A standard, but slightly larger than microUSB format ( Type Micro-B). Unlike its predecessors, however, the new standard is more universal - the Type-C cable connector can be connected to the port on either side and there are identical plugs on both sides of the cable. At the same time, this limits backward compatibility with existing Type-A and Type-B formats. In other words, you will not be able to connect Type-A cable or B to Type-C port and vice versa.

But the Type-C port can be easily configured so that it can perform many different functions. For example, a USB Type-C cable can easily transmit an HDMI or DisplayPort signal, although at the moment this possibility is still purely theoretical.

Type-C? Isn't this USB 3.1?

Definitely not! USB 3.1 is latest version data transfer standard, which (at least in theory) should double the peak data transfer rate from 5 Gbps (USB 3.0) to 10 Gbps. In addition, 3.1 is fully backward compatible with previous versions of the standard: 3.0 and 2.0.

In this vein, the Type-C module could offer both USB 3.1 and some of the older standards. For example, the USB Type-C Digital AV Multiport adapter, which Apple will offer as additional accessory for the new MacBook, the specification supports “USB 3.1 Gen 1” with a theoretical maximum throughput 5 Gbps, i.e. almost identical to the USB 3.0 standard. And one of the first devices with support for Type-C, which, unlike the MacBook 2015, is already available on the market, the Nokia N1 tablet, uses even more old usb 2.0 for data transfer and charging.

Type-C = USB Power Delivery?

Not again. Power Delivery is part of the latest USB standard specification and is the ability to deliver up to 100W of power to any connected device, although it can also be used to transfer data. For comparison, the currently most popular USB 2.0 standard, which is used in almost all smartphones and tablets, provides up to 2.5 W of power. This is one of the reasons why you can't charge most modern laptops via USB - they require voltage between 20 and 65 W. However, with the new Power Delivery connector, you can not only safely charge your future laptop via USB, but at the same time watch 4K video transmitted to an external monitor connected with the same cable.

So what is the connection between Type-C and USB Power Delivery? Here we are again talking about the theoretical possibility of support. In other words, the Type-C connector can offer USB capabilities Power Delivery, if the manufacturer of the corresponding module provides this. Otherwise, if you have Type-C cable, this does not mean that it supports Power Delivery either.

Type-C today? Or rather tomorrow?

Despite its numerous, beautiful promises, at the moment new MacBook it's still just a bunch of brilliant features. Unlike Apple, however, a number of companies are already offering devices with Type-C support on the market. The first was Nokia with the aforementioned N1 tablet.

SanDisk recently revealed its first flash drive based on the new standard. However, to ensure backward compatibility with older USB formats, this 32GB device also has an additional Type-A connector - a practice that will likely be seen frequently during the transition to the new standard.

As part of the January CES 2015 exhibition, a prototype of a docking station for laptops was demonstrated, which offers a Type-C connector for charging and video output to an external 4K display. And LaCie just recently announced that it intends to offer a series of Type-C external hard drives with capacities of 500 GB, 1 and 2 TB.

Have a great day!