USB-C vs. USB 3.1: What’s the difference?

With the launch of the Apple MacBook and Google’s Chromebook Pixel, USB-C (also called USB Type-C) and the accompanying USB 3.1 standard are both hitting market somewhat earlier than we initially expected. If you’re curious about the two standards and how they interact, we’ve dusted off and updated our guide to the upcoming technology. The situation is more nuanced than it’s been with previous USB standard updates — USB 3.1 and USB Type-C connectors may be arriving together on the new machines, but they aren’t joined at the hip the way you might think.

USB Type-C: Fixing an age-old problem

The near-universal frustration over attempts to connect USB devices to computers has been a staple of nerd humor and lampooned in various ways until Intel finally found a way to take the joke quantum.

 USB Type-C promises to solve this problem with a universal connector that’s also capable of twice the theoretical throughput of USB 3.0 and can provide far more power. That’s why Apple is pairing up Type-C and USB 3.1 to eliminate the power connector on the MacBook. It’s a goal we agree with, even if we’re less thrilled with the company’s decision to dump USB ports altogether with that single exception. Google’s approach, in providing two USB-C and two regular USB 3.0 ports, is obviously preferable, even though it adds a bit of bulk to the machine.

Type-C connectors will be shipped in a variety of passive adapters (an earlier version of this story erroneously asserted that such cables would not be available, Extremetech regrets the error). The spec provides for passive adapters with USB 3.0 / 3.1 on one end and USB Type-C on the other.

USB-C, USB 3.1 not always hooked together

The Type-C plug can be used with previous standards of USB, which means manufacturers don’t automatically have to adopt expensive 3.1 hardware if they want to include it in mobile devices. Apple, to be clear, is offering USB 3.1 on the new MacBook, though the company hasn’t disclosed which third party vendor is providing the actual chipset support.

The disconnect between USB 3.1’s performance standard and the USB Type-C connector is going to inevitably cause confusion. One reason the shift from USB 2.0 to 3.0 was relatively painless is because coloring both the cables and plugs bright blue made it impossible to mistake one type of port for the other.
The upside to decoupling USB 3.1 from USB-C, however, is that companies can deploy the technology on mobile phones and tablets without needing to opt for interfaces that inevitably consume more power. Then again, some might argue that this would be a moot point — the USB controller can be powered down when it isn’t active, and when it is active, the device should be drawing power off the PC or charging port anyway. Heat dissipation could theoretically remain a concern — higher bandwidth inevitably means higher heat, and in devices built to 3-4W specifications, every tenth of a watt matters.
If I had to bet, I’d bet that the 100W power envelope on USB 3.1 will actually be of more practical value than the 10Gbps bandwidth capability. While it’s true that USB 3.1 will give external SSD enclosures more room to stretch their legs, the existing standard still allows conventional mechanical drives to run at full speed, while SSDs can hit about 80% of peak performance for desktop workloads. It might not be quite as good, but it’s a far cry from the days when using USB 2.0 for an external hard drive was achingly slow compared to SATA. Signal overhead is also expected to drop significantly, thanks to a switch to a 128-bit and 132-bit encoding scheme, similar to that used in PCI-Express 3.0.

 
The ability to provide 100W of power, as opposed to 10W, however, means that nearly every manufacturers could ditch clunky power bricks. There would still be concern about ensuring that connect points were sufficiently reinforced, but provided such concerns can be accounted for, the vast majority of laptops could switch over to the new standard. Hard drives and other external peripherals could all be powered by single wires, as could USB hubs for multiple devices.
The higher bandwidth is nice, and a major selling point, but the flippable connector and the power provisioning will likely make more difference in the day-to-day reality of life. As for competition with Intel’s Thunderbolt, USB 3.1 will continue to lag Intel’s high-speed standard, but as bandwidth rises this gap becomes increasingly academic. At this point, it’s the features USB doesn’t allow, like RAID and TRIM, that matter more than the raw bandwidth does in most cases.
Apple’s MacBook will be first out the door with USB 3.1 and USB-C support, with vendors scurrying to match the company on both counts. LaCie has announced a new revision of its Porsche Design Mobile Drive that takes advantage of the Type-C connector, but only offers USB 3.1. It’s going to take time for the 3.1 spec to really show up on peripheral devices, even those that adopt the USB-C cable. Motherboard support outside the Apple MacBook is probably 4-5 months away, though the first peripheral cables should be available well before that point.

Apple’s Official USB-C Adapters For 12″ MacBook

Apple’s Official USB-C Adapters For 12″ MacBook: Bringing High Efficiency To The Gorgeous MacBook

Apple has launched the most gorgeous 12″ MacBook ever made. With attractive features like retina display, unbelievably slim profile, MacBook has packed in everything a user would love to have.
The newest MacBook has a single USB-port charging. As a result, users will have to content with it for all the other use. If users want to use it with other devices, they will require an efficient adapter. Here is the list of some highly advanced adapters introduced by Apple itself. Let’s take a quick look!

 1. USB-C To USB Adapter

 This Adapter is equipped to support USB 3.1 with 10Gbps speed. It will let users not only connect iOS devices but also other industry standard accessories to MacBook with USB-C port.
You can easily plug USB-C adapter into the USB-C port of MacBook and after that connect camera, flash drive or any standard device. Besides, you can also connect USB cable to the USB-C port of MacBook in order to sync and charge your iPhone or iPad conveniently. It is priced at $19.

2. USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter 

This is a versatile VGA adapter which provides three kinds of connections USB 3.1, USB-C and VGA. It allows users to enjoy MacBook display on VGA-enabled TV. It requires a VGA cable in order to connect to your TV or projector. The best thing about this powerful adapter is that it allows display up to 1080p HD. It has the support of both video and audio outputs.
You can use the USB port to connect devices like, camera, flash drive or USB cable in order to sync or charge your iPhone or iPad. Moreover, it allows you to connect charging cable to the USB-C port in order to charge your MacBook. It has been priced at $79.

3. USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter

This is a multi-tasking digital adapter which offers three varieties of inputs such as, USB, HDMI and USB-C. This adapter allows MacBook display on HDMI-enabled TV up to 1080p HD. You will need an HDMI cable to connect to your TV or projector. It is capable of supporting both video and audio outputs.
As for functionality, this adapter works just like USB-C VGA adapter. Its market price is $79.

How The New Chromebook Pixel Gives The MacBook A Run For Its Money

USB-C normally gets mentioned as a new "reversible" take on the familiar old USB cable—i.e., one you can plug in either way. But there's way more to USB-C than its reversibility, although we certainly won't miss the days of trying to jam in a USB plug the wrong way up.

 USB-C also faster charging, quicker data transfer and the ability to handle a variety of tasks, from video output to copying files. It's likely to make the jump to smartphones and tablets in the near future, as well as the next wave of laptop machines.
In short, it's safe to say you're going to be seeing more of USB-C—a lot more, given the likelihood that it may simply displace many other cables and connectors. So let's take a closer look.

Development on USB-C began at the end of 2013, building on top of the latest USB 3.1 technology and the groundwork USB 2.0 had laid before that. From the start, "thinner and sleeker" product designs were the aim of the USB 3.0 Promoter Group behind the standard. (The group is comprised of representatives from HP, Intel, Microsoft, Renesas Electronics and Texas Instruments.)

USB Type-C has the capacity to charge up to 100 watts and 20 volts, which means USB-C can power laptops and monitors as well as phones. That, in turn, means an end to the chunky AC adapter bricks we're all used to. Charging happens more quickly, and data transfer can be handled at the same time.

For data transmission, 10Gbps is your maximum theoretical transfer rate, double that of USB 3.0 and enough to move a high-definition movie in a single second (until bottlenecks such as your hard drive come into play, at least). The underlying technology isn't an upgrade in the same way that USB 2.0 to USB 3.0 was—it's the physical connector that's the main difference.

By the way, don't be confused about a second USB update, the move from the USB 3.0 standard to USB 3.1. Think of it this way: USB 3.1 sets the protocols and internal technology standards for computers and phones that make 10Gbps data and 100-watt charging possible; the USB-C plug is effectively the "launch device" for that faster, more powerful technology. USB 3.1 has been around since July 2013, but both it and USB-C will be new to consumer devices.

It's worth noting, though, that it's possible for cable makers or hardware vendors to configure USB-C cables for USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 connections. Most USB-C cables should be USB 3.1 ready, but it's worth looking out for in specs lists.

The 8.4mm by 2.6mm 18-pin connector can be used both ways up, as we've already mentioned, and there's a quoted lifespan of 10,000 cycles (the same as microUSB). Identical connectors are used at both ends of the cable, so not only is there no danger of getting it upside down, you won't get it the wrong way around, either.

Like Apple's Lightning connector, USB-C cables contain embedded circuitry that let them work out which way around they are and what's required of them (power, data or video). Previous versions of USB only used "dumb" cables with no such integrated intelligence.

Plenty of future-proofing has gone into the new USB Type-C standard, so we should be using these types of ports and connectors for many more years to come. Like earlier versions of USB, it's an open standard, so won't be restricted to one company or manufacturer.

A thinner, more efficient USB standard means thinner and lighter laptops, as well as smartphones that charge more quickly. As always, it will take time for manufacturers to move over to the new standard, and you might have to put up with an awkward adapter or two—or the odd hybrid device—while the transition is underway.

As the new MacBook and the 2015 Chromebook Pixel prove, USB-C means fewer ports on your computer. That in turn gives rise to more compact hardware designs and fewer cables.

The distinction between large capacity, mains-powered external hard drives and lower capacity, USB-powered ones is going to disappear. Vendors now have the opportunity to make bus-powered "portable" external hard drives of much larger capacities, because USB-C can offer enough power to keep them running smoothly.

And that power can flow both ways—a peripheral device could charge a host device in certain circumstances (e.g., you could use a tablet or a battery pack to power your laptop). We'll get more flexibility when hooking up our various bits of hardware, and will have to stuff fewer cables away in a drawer somewhere.

Same with data and video. Something playing on your smartphone could show up on your laptop screen, or vice versa. A few years from now, you might well be using one cable to charge your laptop, tablet and smartphone—and to fling video or photos at on your big-screen television.

USB Type-C is going to make cables more versatile and standardized, our mobile devices smaller and able to charge more quickly, and that's just the start. In a few short years you may wonder how you ever did without it.

Micro 5 Pin USB Data Charger Cable for Samsung HTC Blackberry

20CM Bracelet Style TPE Flat Micro 5 Pin USB Data Charger Cable for Samsung HTC Blackberry White

Features:
1. For mobile phone with 5 pin jacket, such as Samsung,Blackberry, HTC, LG, Nokia, Motorola.
2. Bracelet style,fashion design, you can use it as a decoration while not use.
3. Charging and Data sync.
4. Light weight, compact and portable.
5. Tangle free falt cable.

Specification:
1. Length: 20cm approx.
2. Color: white
3. Light Weight: 10g.
4. Material: TPE.
5. Bracelet diameter: 6.3cm

Package Details:
1 x USB data cable

source from: http://www.beelike.com/20cm-bracelet-style-tpe-flat-micro-5-pin-usb-data-charger-cable-for-samsung-htc-blackberry-white-p-989.html

Random Order 2.1A Quick Charge 2.0 Micro USB Car Charger

Never leave home without this Quick Charge 2.0 car charger! Experience up to 75% faster charging speeds on your favorite QC-enabled devices and a standard 2.1A charge on all other devices.
This car charger is compact in design and features a USB port on the back for plugging in the included microUSB cable. While your QC-compatible devices are charging you'll see the LED glow orange, and for regular devices you'll see it glow green.
The black and silver coloring of this charger looks great in any vehicle and the 75% increase in charging speeds for QC-compatible devices makes it a no brainer!
Features:

• Charges QC-compatible devices 75% faster
• 2.1A charge for all standard devices
• LED charging indicator
• Glows orange for QC-devices
• Glows green for standard devices
• Compact design
• Includes 2ft. microUSB cable

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Oldshark Digital micro USB cable review

Today our phones are integral to our daily lives, however battery life can be a problem for a lot of us.  No matter if you use your phone for work, school or other things you can find your phone dead before the day is out.  Battery tech is improving, but still has a ways to go.  This makes a good micro USB charging cable a necessity.  A quality charging cable can give you more room to work, charge your phone faster and last longer than the OEM cable.  I’m always looking for a quality cable that I can throw in my bag, when I saw Oldshard Digital’s new offering I immediately wanted to give it a shot.
When I saw pictures of Oldshard Digital’s micro USB cable the thing that stuck out to me is how tough it looks.  When you open the package it doesn’t disappoint.  The cable is 6 feet long and is a flat tangle free design, but it feels heavier than most other cables I’ve tried.  It feels like it could stand up to a ton of punishment.  The end of each cable follows suit, they are made of metal instead of the plastic that most other manufacturers use.  The orange and black color scheme is attractive and even made the cable a bit easier to find in the dark.  When you plug the cable into your phone for the first time it snaps in solidly and feels very secure. This is easily one of the best designed cables I’ve used, right down to the orange velcro strap that helps you store the cable neatly.

The first thing I tried after attaching my phone to the Oldshark Digital cable were a few file transfers.  No problems there, files transferred quickly and without issue.  However charging speed doesn’t quite live up to the hype.  Oldshark Digital promises “turbo charging,” but that’s not very accurate.  When I tested the time it took my LG G3 to charge with various cables, the Oldshark Digital cable was solidly in the middle of the pack.  Oldshark’s cable beat the OEM LG cable, but was much slower than a Frieq cable I’ve been using.
After using the Oldshark Digital micro USB cable for a bit longer than two weeks I found a lot to like with this cable, but I had some issues as well.  Oldshark sent me two cables to review and the first one I used stopped connecting to my phone after about a week.  This disappointed me because of the seeming high quality of the cable.  I have to admit that I’m not very gentle with my cords, but I doubt most of us are.  After the first cable failed, I restarted my review process with the second cable and am happy to say I had zero issues.  While I feel like the first Oldshark cable should have held up better, I also have to note that any concerns I might have would be assuaged by the warranty the company offers.  They offer a lifetime warranty and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.  They’ll even buy you another companies cable if you aren’t happy with the Oldshark cable.
If you are looking for a high quality cable that you can throw in your bag the Oldshark Digital micro USB cable would be a good choice.  It might not be the fastest charging cable out there, but it will get the job done.  However, if speed is your only concern, it might be better to look elsewhere.  You can find the Oldshark Digital micro USB cable on beelike.com only for $1.99, hit the link below if you’re interested.

iDroid 2-in-1 Lightning + Micro USB Cable review

If you’re like me, you may have devices that have different power/data connections, the most common being the Apple Lightening connector and the more standard µUSB connector.  In my case I have an iPad mini and a Moto G phone, both of which I carry with me most of the time.  This means I have to also carry along two sets of cables to charge the devices while on the road.  Boxwave tries to make that easier by combining the two connectors into one cable.  Great idea, if it works.
I’ve purchased multiple aftermarket Lightening cables and all of them malfunctioned either immediately or within a short amount of time.  I recently bought a three pack in assorted colors and none of them worked from the get go.  Two of them provided no power to my mini and one I gave to my daughter for her iPhone actually started smoking at the connector.  I had about given up until I was offered the iDroid cable for review, from Boxwave.
I’ve known about Boxwave for a long time, having purchased many of their accessories for my Palm devices.  All of those products were quality made and worked for me until I retired my last Palm device.  I felt confident that the iDroid would be a well made and needed accessory for my gadget bag.

The flat, about 3 ft long cable, has a USB connector on one end and a combination microUSB plus Lightening connector on the other.  When used for an Apple device, the micro USB connector plugs into the back of the Lightening connector, which when not used is held captive on the cable.
When used with my Moto G phone, the cable charged the device and also worked to transfer data to my PC.  However, when I tried to use the cable with my mini, I ran into a problem.

 I have outfitted my mini with a Zagg rugged portfolio case.  In the above photo the cutout for the Lightening connector is in the  middle.  I have no problem inserting an Apple supplied cable into the slot, but the iDroid cable is too wide.

The above illustrates the problem.  The iDroid cable shroud is much wider than the Apple specification cable.  It just won’t fit.
I thought I’d check the cable out with my daughter’s iPhone 5, but it too has a ruggedized case and the iDroid cable doesn’t fit it either.  Not giving up, I tried it on my granddaughter’s iPad mini and she too has a heavy-duty case and the iDroid cable doesn’t fit.  In all these cases the Apple spec’d cable fits.
Although the iDroid cable isn’t the solution to my problem of multiple cables, it may be to yours.  If you are caseless or have a case that has a wide opening for the cable connection, this is a convenient item to have and Boxwave has a special deal for Gadgeteers that is good until 2/19/2015.  The code is IDROIDGADGETEER and can be used to get $10 off the online price, bringing the total to $9.95 +shipping at this link.