C-Type USB Connectors Will Result in Slimmed Down USB Memory Sticks

The introduction of the USB standards in the mid-1990s revolutionised how peripherals connected and interacted with computers. It also saw the dawn of a range of new products of which the flag ship was the USB Flash Drive.

Over the past 15 years there has been little change to the physical appearance of the USB port / connection.

However, all this is about to change. The Promoter Group which is currently made up of representatives from Intel, HP, Microsoft, Renesas Electronics, ST-Ericsson and Texas Instruments, announce the new C-type USB.

The primary change will be the reduced in size of the USB port itself which will slim down considerably. It also has the added benefit of the connector being reversible. It means users of USBs will no longer have to worry which way round the port is facing when plugging into a device. How many times have you been caught out!

The change has come from consumer demand for thinner and sleeker products and as a response to Apple's proprietary lightning cable.

So what will be the benefits?

• A smaller size – the connector will be about the same size as the micro-USB format used by many smartphones and tablets
• There will be greater support for power charging; allowing up to 100 watts
• Data speed transfers of up to 10 Gbps, twice as much as is currently available.

The specification is due to be completed by mid-2014, and the first product on the market by 2016.

So what does this mean for the USB Flash drive, well in short it will continue to be around for some time yet. The benefit of having a portable, lightweight, fast data delivery and storage device will continue to a key driver for users. There are many other reasons for the current and future popularity of Branded USB memory sticks:

1. Branded USB Memory sticks are a unique way to get a brand in front of an existing or potential ‘key’ customers.
2. Branded USB Memory sticks are a great way to disseminate information to key customers, staff, or city analysts.  The data can be passive, so the user would need to click on the files, or interactive for a more immersive experience.
3. Branded USB Memory sticks are excellent ‘keep sakes’ and with a high probability that users will save their own information on them. Making the USB a valued tool that has a high intrinsic value.
4. The cost of USB Flash Memory has fallen dramatically over the past few years, so they have become a far more cost effective promotional item.
5. The speed of delivery is now as little as 24hrs, which includes a logo print – so ideal for emergency use.
6. Security and encryption technology is now well advanced to protect any sensitive information stored on the Branded Memory sticks.

So whilst the USB will slim down, the benefits will still be as large as ever.