01-05-2007, 03:45 AM
|
|
Developer & Designer, News Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,959
|
|
Goodbye Mini-USB, Hello Micro-USB
"The USB Implementers Forum, Inc. (USB-IF) today announced the completion of the Micro-USB specification, a new connector technology that will replace many of the Mini-series plugs and receptacles currently used in portable products. This USB-IF connector specification was developed to support the growing miniaturization trend for portable devices, as well as the continued adoption of USB in mobile phones... The Micro-USB specification supports the USB On-The-Go (OTG) supplement, which was created in response to the growing need for portable devices to communicate directly with each other when a PC is not available. Micro-series definitions include: Micro-B receptacles for standard devices, Micro-AB receptacles for OTG devices, Micro-A and Micro-B plugs, and standard cables. The Micro-series are unique in that they feature a stainless steel shell, which yields more than 10,000 insertion cycles for longer life and higher durability, and passive latching mechanism for higher extraction forces. The Micro-series connectors will continue to maintain the ease-of-use and speed of the USB technology."
Grrr, just when you thought Mini-USB was here to stay, Micro-USB comes and crashes the party. Ah, 2007 - it's going to be a year of incompatible accessories once more. 
|
| |
|
|
|
01-05-2007, 04:07 AM
|
|
Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
|
|
<bangs head into keyboard>
:bangin:
AUGH! I hate new cable "standards"! That lame flat USB whatever that HTC used on the StrTrk drives me nuts, and now we have another new one? <sigh>
|
| |
|
|
|
01-05-2007, 04:45 AM
|
|
Ponderer
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 67
|
|
Fully agreed. The mini-usb was just fine. Especially if all gadgets were using it. I really hate it when you get a new phone or gadget and it doesn't use mini-usb. Even if the microUSB will become an Open Standard, it's not standard.
__________________
PDAs: x50v, rx3115, PalmV, TH-55, SL-5500, T-615C (previously owned: Axim X5-Adv, h2210, e800).
Phones: QTek 9100, W810i, M600i, E61, A780, 6288, SLVR L7, U8500, KG800, ROKR E2, D840, K300i, 3300, K700i, i-Mate, T310, (previously owned E680i, E398, MOT M1000).
|
| |
|
|
|
01-05-2007, 05:38 AM
|
|
Contributing Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,228
|
|
this is great. sign me up for this, and a new card standard that is "better" while we are at it. I was getting tired of all of my devices being able to share adapters and cards and stuff, and I have a whole passle of cash just waiting to be spent on this kind of thing, because buying stuff like groceries and gas gets old. :roll:
|
| |
|
|
|
01-05-2007, 05:49 AM
|
|
Intellectual
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 171
|
|
Quote:
|
more than 10,000 insertion cycles for longer life and higher durability
|
Course... wifi sync would have similar "durability" ;-)
...and, I have never had a 4mm coax power jack/plug failure either.
|
| |
|
|
|
01-05-2007, 07:18 AM
|
|
Pupil
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 49
|
|
It's like stinking MicroSD - why was miniSD not "mini" enough?
Everyone should just keep using USB mini-B. It pisses me off enough that my iPod doesn't.
|
| |
|
|
|
01-05-2007, 07:57 AM
|
|
Pontificator
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,041
|
|
I already carry a small plastic bag full of 'adapters' for my technical work... This is just so lame...
|
| |
|
|
|
01-05-2007, 10:14 AM
|
|
Thinker
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 459
|
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Ed Hansberry
... because buying stuff like groceries and gas gets old. :roll:
|
Actually, it does!  I can't believe how much of my income goes on "groceries and gas" and some (most?) months I'd much rather spend it on fun stuff. Unfortunately, micro-USB does not come under any recognisable definition of "fun stuff"
|
| |
|
|
|
01-05-2007, 11:41 AM
|
|
Oracle
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 866
|
|
I actually think this is a good idea. I mean as devices continue to shrink, it becomes harder and harder to fit a port the size of a miniUSB port onto a device. Whilst it may be yet another "standard", if it can catch on like miniUSB then I would be very happy. I could deal with having one mini and one microUSB cable in a bag. What would be better - the introduction of the microUSB standard, or manufacturers making up many different small USB connectors of their own?
|
| |
|
|
|
01-05-2007, 01:20 PM
|
|
Ponderer
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 72
|
|
New Connectors
Too bad we do not have a group of developers who would offer new products along with optional connectors to previous standard connectors.
At least then we could continue to use the add on and connection potentials to old toys and other devices along with the new ones.
I know I am dreaming.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Linear Mode
