While the USB 3.0 interface is becoming more common on many PCs today, a new type of USB interface has emerged, and it’s also going to be available on numerous devices very soon.

The first details on the USB 3.1 Type-C came out during December, 2013, while its first rendition was released in April, this year. Back then, the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) promised that the standard would be finalized by the middle of the year. Once USB Type-C becomes approved as standard, electronics manufacturers will be able to apply the new interface for their designs, and would eventually do away with the Type-A and Type-B connectors.

Here are the main features of the new connector according to the press release:

• Entirely new design
• Compatible with emerging product designs
• Highly versatile interface for different device types
• Similar to size of USB 2.0 Micro-B
• Enhanced usability
• Reversible cable direction and plug orientation
• Supports scalable power charging
• Future scalability
• Designed to support future USB performance needs
• Receptacle opening: ~8.4mm x ~2.6mm
• Durability: 10,000 cycles
• Improved EMI- and RFI-mitigation features
• Power delivery capacity: 3A for standard cables and 5A for connectors

Type-C interface is comparable to the standard Type-B microUSB connector used on most Android smartphones. The small size will allow for slimmer designs on devices like laptops. Since Type-C cables can deliver up to 100W, they can also be used for powering laptops and other devices.

The only drawback with the Type-C interface is that it’s not backwards compatible. Meaning, it is only intended to work with a connector of the same type.

Now that the USB Type-C has been approved as standard, we can expect from manufacturers to roll out models with this feature. Although the current Type-A and Type-B variants would still take years before they phase out, at least many consumers we’ll be having a more versatile feature for all their gadgets.