USBType-C
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Intel's 'Skylake' CPU family includes an unlocked laptop chip
To say that Intel has been dragging out the launch of its Skylake-based processors would be an understatement when it didn't even reveal full details after it started shipping the first CPUs. Most of that secrecy is coming to an end today, however, as the semiconductor giant is officially launching the wider 6th-generation Core family. You'll soon see mainstream Core i3, i5 and i7 chips in desktops and laptops, as well as updated Core M processors in ultraportables, convertible PCs and tablets. As you'll see in a minute, though, this isn't just a straightforward refresh.
The international version of the Lenovo-backed ZUK Z1 runs Cyanogen 12
There's a lot to like about the ZUK Z1, a Chinese flagship smartphone backed by the folks at Lenovo -- it has a USB Type-C port with support for audio output, a huge 4,100 mAh battery, a multi-function fingerprint reader and an attractive 1,799 yuan ($280) sticker price. If Cyanogen is your favorite flavor of Android, it just got a little better: today ZUK announced that the international version of the handset will come loaded with the commercial version of Cyanogen OS 12.1.
Lenovo-backed phone has reversible USB 3.0 and a big battery
Following the LeTV "Superphones" and the OnePlus 2, here's yet another Chinese smartphone that supports the reversible USB Type-C port; except this time, we're going beyond USB 2.0 speeds. The Android device we're looking at here is dubbed the Z1, which is the first product by Lenovo-backed startup ZUK (pronounced "z-u-k") to compete with affordable online brands like Xiaomi, Smartisan, Meizu and Huawei's Honor range. The competitive 1,799 yuan or $280 price point is of no surprise in today's market, but what stands out here is the presence of both USB Type-C and USB 3.0 (or USB 3.1 Gen 1) specs, which is a first for smartphones. To be exact, the Z1 boasts a USB data rate of up to 500 MB/s or 10 times that of USB 2.0, which comes in handy for its 64GB of internal storage.
Thunderbolt 3 is twice as fast and uses reversible USB Type-C
The next laptop you buy with a USB Type-C port could be even more useful than you thought. Intel today unveiled Thunderbolt 3, which uses an identical port design as its USB brethren. So if Apple sticks with its new MacBook design, for instance, it could adopt the port and enable both Thunderbolt and USB Type-C without any adapters. It's a step toward simplifying the messy sea of ports often found on laptops and PCs, and could make Thunderbolt accessible to a larger group of people than before. Thunderbolt 3 offers more than just port convenience, however. It'll support a 40 Gbps connection over Thunderbolt, which is double the speed of Thunderbolt 2, 10 Gbps USB 3.1 and DisplayPort 1.2.
Thanks to USB Type-C, external MacBook batteries may finally arrive (update)
If you've been yearning for an external MacBook battery, you might soon be in luck. 9to5Mac reports Apple will finally allow companies to make battery packs and chargers for its devices, thanks to the newfangled USB Type-C connectors. The folks in Cupertino have typically frowned upon bricks that lend extra juice, and even sued HyperMac over using its MagSafe (and iPod) connector without permission. A redesigned USB port means that Apple wouldn't have to pass along the details of its charging tech to accessory makers. Of course, the new MacBook only wields one of these ports, and it's the only machine from Apple that sports it. There's no doubt that will change soon enough, and USB Type-C add-ons will tackle storage, a second display and more. Update: Some MagSafe-compatible options do indeed exist, like the BatteryBox. This accessory comes with clips that work with Apple's patented power connector, but the company says that it doesn't infringe on any intellectual property. With the switch to USB Type-C, though, we'll see even more options, perhaps from companies that are already making external iPhone batteries.
Android phones will soon use a smaller, simpler USB connector
That tiny USB Type-C port you've seen on the latest MacBook and Chromebook Pixel? Don't be surprised if you see it on your smartphone soon. In a video accompanying the new Chromebook, Google's Adam Rodriguez says that his company is "very committed" to the new USB spec and that you'll see it on both Android phones and more Chromebooks in the "near future." It's a vague promise, to be sure, but it'll matter a lot in the long run. Type-C delivers brisk USB 3-level speeds (and eventually, 3.1) without requiring a gigantic connector, and the reversible design means you won't have to inspect your phone to make sure you plug the cable in the right way.
LaCie's latest portable drive is (almost) ideal for your new MacBook
Dead set on snagging one of those extra-slim MacBooks, but won't make the leap until you have an easy way to back up your files? LaCie has your back. It just unveiled a new version of its Porsche Design Mobile Drive that uses the same USB Type-C port as Apple's latest portable (and eventually, other computers), saving you the hassle of using an adapter just to offload that photo project or back up to Time Machine. It's not quite a dream storage device, though. You'll still need an adapter (thankfully included) to hook up to regular USB devices, and there's no passthrough port. Unless you get a hub, you'll have to choose between powering your Mac and expanding your storage. If that's no barrier, though, you can get the Mobile Drive in the second quarter in 500GB, 1TB and 2TB models. Pricing isn't available yet, but the regular USB models cost $80, $100 and $150 -- it won't be surprising if the USB Type-C versions are in that ballpark.
New reversible USB connectors will carry audio and video, too
We've told you all about the upcoming USB cable's high-powered abilities, but now audio and video have joined the mix. Working alongside the USB 3.0 Promoter Group, the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) has leveraged a DisplayPort "Alt Mode" to sort full audio/video on monitors with resolutions of 4K and above with the Type-C tech. What's more, with the help of an adapter or converter cable, the new standard can be made to play nice with regular DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI and VGA jacks on existing displays. To wrangle video and sound, the alternate mode leverages a couple of the Type-C connector's so-called SuperSpeed lanes to deliver the goods to that external monitor -- leaving the others to data transfers alongside that 100 watts of power. Of course, DisplayPort tech has been available in Thunderbolt cables/jacks for some time, but the new USB kit looks to be "a single-cable solution" that's sure to clean up that mess of wires under your desk.
New super-fast USB cables won't mind which way you plug them in
The reversible USB Type-C standard has now been finalized, which should save the world untold man-hours in mis-plugging. Roughly the size of a current micro-USB Type-B connector, it uses matching rows of contacts on the top and bottom so that you can shove it in either way around. Type-C is a version of the 10Gbps USB 3.1 standard (twice as fast as USB 3.0), but slimmed down for compact and mobile devices. It'll also support the USB Power Delivery spec to carry up to 100 watts, easily enough to power a laptop. Unfortunately, the new connector isn't compatible with the current USB standard, except via converters. While there are no devices with USB 3.1 yet, it'll likely be standardized on most future laptops and mobile devices -- unlike its pricey rival, Thunderbolt.
Next-gen USB connector will be smaller and reversible
In order to squeeze the ultra-fast 10Gbps USB 3.1 standard into the next gen of slim devices, the USB 3.0 Promoter group has just announced the USB Type-C connector. It'll be similar in size to existing USB 2.0 Micro-B connectors, while bringing USB 3.1 speeds and other distinct advantages over current cables. For starters, the new design will be reversible like Apple's Lightning ports, meaning at long last you won't have to worry about which end goes up. In addition, Type-C will bring scalable power charging and the ability to support future USB standards. The downside is that it won't be compatible with existing connectors, but if we don't have to do the flippy dance to insert a phone cable anymore, we'll take that trade-off in a New York minute.
