New USB Plug Standard :)

[ApK]

Originally Posted by pdurrant

The different ends of the USB standard are intended to prevent people connecting devices in a way that won't work. USB is a host/client standard. By having host devices with one plug/socket and clients with another, people can't connect host to host or client to client.

Perhaps people are now familiar enough with USB that this won't be a problem, but I anticipate lots of people trying to connect two client devices together and wondering why nothing happens.

While still nearly universally true on full size usb connectors, the micro connectors have been for A/B use, both host and client. As the use turns to more portable-to-portable connectivity, rather than desktop/laptop-to-portable, the usage will be so fuzzy and bidirectional anyway, the a/b distinction won't matter.

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by ApK

the usage will be so fuzzy and bidirectional anyway

I haven't heard of any plans to publish a USB peer-to-peer standard. Have I missed something?

[ApK]

Originally Posted by pdurrant

I haven't heard of any plans to publish a USB peer-to-peer standard. Have I missed something?

You've likely heard of OTG. Same device port to use it as a client to a PC or a host to a flash drive. That's one step.

edit: I originally misuderstood. I thought the micro PLUG was an A/B combination. On review I find that the micro SOCKET is what is defined as A/B...it can take either kind of plug.

Still, if the sockets are going the way of accepting either plug, there will be no reason to HAVE different plugs.

ApK

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by pdurrant

I haven't heard of any plans to publish a USB peer-to-peer standard. Have I missed something?

There's the "USB OTG" ("on the go") standard used by many tablets, which permits the microUSB client connector to be used, via an adapter cable, as a host.

[MikeB1972]

Originally Posted by pdurrant

I haven't heard of any plans to publish a USB peer-to-peer standard. Have I missed something?

Not a standard exactly, but on a lot of the devices the micro USB port is already multifunction Host/Client/Charger.

You can set up a PC network with USB instead of ethernet easily enough though (Using USB direct cables or USB to CAT5 connectors. Using a normal USB cable will probably make your motherboard somewhat unwell)

You can connect 2 android devices now if they are host/client, you just have to mount one as an external card, can only have 1 acting as host at a time though - Used a micro USB to USB host adapter (OTG) and normal micro USB cable.
Don't try this at home though kiddies, using Wi-Fi direct is safer and easier.

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by HarryT

There's the "USB OTG" ("on the go") standard used by many tablets, which permits the microUSB client connector to be used, via an adapter cable, as a host.

Thanks ApK and Harry.

It sounds like it will remain host/client, but with the ability for devices to negotate as to which is which.

In which case, having the same socket/plug at both ends makes sense. Especially if the new one is limited to devices that can perform such negotiation.

[Shane R]

The working group released a statement that says: “This new industry standards-based thin connector delivering data, power and video is the only connector one will need across all devices.”

All of the big technology companies are members of the USB group. It will be universal.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by Shane R

All of the big technology companies are members of the USB group. It will be universal.

I strongly suspect that Apple will continue to use their proprietary connectors, simply because there are so many third-party accessories which use them.

[ApK]

Originally Posted by HarryT

I strongly suspect that Apple will continue to use their proprietary connectors, simply because there are so many third-party accessories which use them.

Um...I doubt that's the reason Apple will use their own.

[calvin-c]

Originally Posted by Shane R

The working group released a statement that says: “This new industry standards-based thin connector delivering data, power and video is the only connector one will need across all devices.”

All of the big technology companies are members of the USB group. It will be universal.

Yep. The question is why? What problem is being solved by making a universal connector? I can't see any problem with the current connectors but I can't see any real problem arising with the new ones either. I dislike change for the sake of change, which is what this seems to be, but I doubt if my dislike will affect anything.

[Shane R]

Originally Posted by HarryT

I strongly suspect that Apple will continue to use their proprietary connectors, simply because there are so many third-party accessories which use them.

Yes, but the other end of the lightning cable will have to fit into any new USB receptacles on any and every type of PC. I think the EU has made that law. In addition, Macs have USB ports, and Apple sells USB accessories.

[Bricorn]

Oh goody. Another different connector.

[WT Sharpe]

Originally Posted by 5thWiggle

Shouldn't that be:

red = left = port
green = right = starboard

Any here I thought you were a nautical man!

I work in a Navy yard (for 30 more days), but I was in the Army when I was an enlisted man. Port is a drink. I'm guessing Starboard is a Star Trek board game.

[WT Sharpe]

Originally Posted by Shane R

Yes, but the other end of the lightning cable will have to fit into any new USB receptacles on any and every type of PC. I think the EU has made that law. In addition, Macs have USB ports, and Apple sells USB accessories.

To make it even more confusing, the old 30-pin to USB adapters and now the new Lightning Connector to USB adapters are both called Camera Adapters by Apple, as if connecting cameras is their sole and dedicated function; but they work for many other devices as well. Why not just call them USB to Apple devices connectors?

[ApK]

Originally Posted by 5thWiggle

Shouldn't that be:

red = left = port
green = right = starboard

Any here I thought you were a nautical man!

I thought it was red = right = returning.
Let's not make it more confusing.