The Ubiquitous USB: the future of connecting peripherals

The USB is something we’ve all come to know and love. But as we grow older, so does that faithful little port on the side of your laptop. Where next for the old faithful USB? Well, you’re in luck – the crystal ball’s out and ready for action. Let’s take a look…

The future of USB

It’s strange to think that there was once a world without USB (and laptops… and computers…). Since the development of the first USB port in 1994, it has grown up alongside other tech, becoming more effective in connecting peripherals with devices. It’s also become a staple on smartphones, where MicroUSBs are all the rage. And in terms of development, it shows no sign of stopping yet.

The next chapter in the long story of the USB is, you guessed it, the USB Type-C. These allow you to transfer your files and connect with a wide range of peripherals, including headphones (farewell, fiddly headphone jack!). By 2021, the Type C port is projected to be used on 5 billion devices, up from the 300 million devices equipped with these ports at present.

Lightning under threat?

With the rise of the USB Type C in full throttle, the Apple Lightning USB could be under threat. Word on the grape vine (or, as they now call it, The Washington Post) is that new iPhone devices may begin to use USB C ports rather than Apple’s Lightning cables.

Although the new iPhone X still uses the Lightning cables of old, the USB C still poses a clear and present danger to its existence as more and more consumers will become used to the bi-directional, high-speed transfers offered by the USB C.

The USB-C continues going from strength to strength, with manufacturer Samsung ceasing to supply micro-USB to USB Type C adapters with its Samsung Galaxy SA8 and SA8+ models. Although this only applies to one of Samsung’s devices (albeit one of its most popular smartphones), the removal of the adapter suggests a whole new standard is being set in the world of USB.

New USB, new tech

With a new USB cable come new peripherals for your device, ranging from docking stations to extra processing power for video gaming. Not only that, but thanks to the bi-directionality of USB C cables, they are also capable of allowing one device (for instance, a compatible smartphone) charge another. Many tech specialists see the USB C as an ‘all-in-one’ cable, reducing the need for multiple cables associated with one particular device. So you’ll never curse yourself for bringing the wrong charger with you again!

What now?

As the USB story heads into its next chapter, make sure you’re equipped for all your USB needs. Whether it’s a docking station or a spare iPhone charger, Duracell have got what it takes to make you future-proof.