Will the world coalesce around USB type C?

Although current adoption of USB type C is limited to Apple's MacBook and Google's Chromebook, industry analysts are optimistic about the new port. Brian O'Rourke, senior principal analyst for consumer devices and MEMS & sensors at IHS Technology, told EE Times that although IHS has no forecast for it yet, USB type C "offers great advantages over traditional USB, including increased data rates, alternate modes and increased power capability." He expects USB type C to start flooding the mobile market, "primarily due to the ability to deliver up to 100 watts of power, which will greatly reduce charging time."

More important, USB type C with its alt modes could "bring some 'consolidation' in the connector market in that consumers will eventually be able to purchase one cable," observed Michael Inouye, principal analyst at ABI Research.

The wired connectivity market remains a tangled web of different cables and plugs that range from HDMI, DisplayPort and MHL to USB and Micro-USB. In this climate, the notion of a consolidation is a welcome change. Yet, its execution is easier said than done, because different markets such as computing, TVs and mobile have chosen different connectors.

ABI Research's Inouye said, "Historically speaking MHL gained healthy support from the mobile and TV manufacturers because it was designed for and targeted the CE market (rather than computing) - largely due to its strong support for HDMI on the TV side."

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See a comparison table of selected USB-C cable and accessory suppliers on GlobalSources.com