Google goes all-in with USB Type-C

Earlier today, Google made some changes to the Play Store, moving its “Devices” category to a whole new website. Along with this change came an all-new Chromebook Pixel, which features either an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, 8 or 16GB of RAM, 32 or 64GB of on-board storage, and a price tag starting at only $999. Another addition to the new Chromebook Pixel is the inclusion of two USB Type-C connectors.

The addition of the Type-C connectors is all thanks to Google joining the USB Implementers Forum, helping to create these new connectors over the past few years. Google is pushing to add them to the new Chromebook mainly because laptops have no common charging standard, unlike smartphones that mostly use Micro-USB. Type-C combines fast charging capabilities with quick data transfer speeds, all while being large enough for laptops and small enough for smartphones. Also, USB Type-C is completely reversible, so you won’t need to struggle with plugging in your device. Google explains:

USB Type-C can deliver up to 100W of power, which is more than even the largest laptops typically need. When a USB Type-C enabled device is plugged in, the charger negotiates the right power for that device.  That way, phones, laptops and tablets can all be powered from the same charger.

But Google seems to have bigger plans with USB Type-C. The company has open sourced its work on Type-C adapters so there will be an abundance of compatible accessories in the future. That’s great news. But what’s even more exciting is this quote from Adam Rodriguez, a Product Manager at Google:

We at Google are very committed to the USB Type-C spec. Expect to see this in a lot of Chromebooks and Android phones in the near future.

This is basically Google saying that Android phones, at least the ones made by Google at the start, will have USB Type-C connectors in the future. Just think: one universal USB cord to use with your laptop, tablet and smartphone.

Are you excited to get rid of that annoying Micro-USB cable, or are you indifferent?