![](https://149367133.v2.pressablecdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/usb-c-00b.jpg)
![](https://149367133.v2.pressablecdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/usb-c-00b-560x600.jpg)
For years, people have grown accustomed to using USB ports for almost all of their devices. Whether you need to charge your phone using your computer or use a controller to play games, you can always count on a USB port to be readily available for you. But 2018 was the year of change and innovation, and the USB port you know and love welcomed change in a big way.
Introducing: USB Type-C, the newest port added to the family. Its round shape brought many new uses and functionalities to your ports. But, how different is it from its much older brothers? How have companies revolutionized its use in mainstream devices?
What is this USB Type-C port?
The USB Type-C (USB-C) port is a not-so-recent discovery in the world of tech. The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) developed this USB port back in 2013, and launched it into mass production the following year. The connector is a reversible oval shape, much different from the usual rectangular shape of the previous generation. Its reversibility allows any orientation of the cable for transferring files or charging your device.
USB-IF developed USB-C following the USB 3.1 standard. Such a standard was particularly used because of its faster transfer speeds and charging capabilities. With a USB-C port, you can transfer an hour-long movie in less than 30 seconds, provided you have the appropriate connector for it.
Computer and smartphone manufacturers have incorporated the USB-C port in most of their devices. One of the early adopters of the new technology was Apple, with their redesigned 12-inch MacBook in 2015. Other computer manufacturers followed in the later years, especially with the release of the Thunderbolt 3 technology used for gaming machines.
It’s the younger, faster and more all-around sibling
USB-C has been around for the past four years, and it has gradually developed into an all-around port for users. Alongside Thunderbolt 3, the USB-C port posts the highest data transfer speed across all the available USB connections in existence. Not only that, USB-C ports these days can now connect your devices to external GPUs and displays, and charge your devices. Most USB-C ports even support fast charging for smartphones.
While the technology behind it is supported by a USB 3.1 standard, it’s still very much different from other USB ports that use the USB 3.1 protocol. For starters, the USB 3.1 standard found in USB-C ports are USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports, which offer twice as much performance in data transfer as USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports. Most of the Gen 1 ports also use an older USB Type-A standard, which works for most of your gadgets and peripherals today. However, you would need more adapters for other functionalities, like displaying to a monitor.
But the USB-C port is a far cry from the old USB 2.0 and 3.0 protocols, which have been in existence for 14 years (and counting). Data transfer speeds for those two protocols are significantly slower compared to the USB-C port. An hour-long movie would ideally take around one to two minutes on a USB 2.0 port. Also, older USB protocols don’t really allow you to power up devices that need more electricity. So, charging devices on them might not be as fast.
Supercharged with Thunderbolt 3
So, you’re probably wondering what really makes a USB-C port just that fast. It’s not so much that it’s round, or that it’s new; rather, it’s the technology inside it. Late 2015 saw the arrival of the new Thunderbolt 3 standard specifically for USB-C ports. It first started out in most Windows laptops before making it to the 2016 MacBook Pro and several gaming motherboards.
What Thunderbolt 3 does for USB-C ports is to significantly increase its capacity and capabilities by a mile. We’re talking faster file transfer, heightened gaming experiences, and being able to plug in 4K displays for clearer images. Thunderbolt 3 also allows much bigger devices to be charged at a controlled rate. This is mostly evident with the MacBook Pro, several high-end Ultrabooks, and most recently, the 2018 iPad Pro.
The charging capacity brought about by Thunderbolt 3 deals with a tweak to how USB power delivery works. USB power delivery standards state that each USB standard has specific conditions that must be met to power up devices. Early versions of USB ports only allow a small amount of electricity (2.5W) for delivery, while USB-C allows for the full 100W. Basically, you went from just powering up your mouse and keyboard to charging your entire laptop.
What’s to come for USB-C?
At this point in time, you’re already living in the future that the USB-C port hopes to achieve. Suddenly, you can simply bring a USB-C cable around, plug it into a powerbank, and you can already charge your expensive MacBook. More and more devices are starting to adopt USB-C because of its potential to enhance your tech experience as a whole.
However, people still find it difficult to switch to USB-C, and for good reason. Most devices continue to use a USB Type-A or micro-USB connector, especially gaming controllers and peripherals. Also, they can argue that the old ports are more accessible. In a not-so-distant future, using a USB-C port could potentially replace a phone’s headphone jack.
The future of USB-C is still uncertain. Companies will iron out the new technology more so it can become mainstream for the future. Let’s just hope that by the time that happens, there won’t be a USB Type-D yet.
![](https://149367133.v2.pressablecdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/gadgetmatch-366x120a-3-1.png)
![ViewFinity S9](https://149367133.v2.pressablecdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/samsung-ViewFinity-S9-5k-Monitor-20230818.jpg)
Samsung Singapore has announced the launch of the new ViewFinity S9 5K monitor that is optimized for professionals in the creative and visual industries.
A 2023 CES Innovation Award winner, the ViewFinity S9 provides top-notch visuals and lifelike colors, and versatile connectivity when needed.
Here are the display’s specs in a nutshell:
- 27-inch screen with 5,120 x 2,880 resolution
- 99% DCI-P3 coverage
- 600cd/m2 brightness for any lighting environment
- Delta E <21 color accuracy
- TUV-certified Intelligent Eye Care
The ViewFinity S9’s display is 50% larger than most UHD monitors and provides exceptional clarity so professionals can work on ultra high-resolution content with accuracy.
The monitor comes with a smart calibration feature that allows users to make adjustments straight from a smartphone.
Mac and Windows PC users also benefit from the ViewFinity S9’s easy connectivity features. It has an assortment of ports, including Thunderbolt 4 and mini DisplayPort inputs in addition to USB-C.
The device is also equipped with a 4K SlimFit camera so it can be utilized for video-conferencing calls; it connects wirelessly so users won’t have to worry about extra wires or cables.
Pricing, availability, preorders
Preorders for the ViewFinity S9 is now open until August 27 before it retails with general availability the next day starting at SG$ 2,288.
Customers who preorder will get a complimentary portable SSD T7 Shield 4T in black worth SG$ 488.
![Chainsaw Man CASETiFY](https://149367133.v2.pressablecdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/chainsaw-man-casetify-gadgetmatch-20230815-03.jpg)
CASETiFY is proving to be for the anime enjoyers. Following its recent collaboration with renowned mecha animé Neon Genesis Evangelion, the case and accessory maker is now turning its eyes towards a modern hit — Chainsaw Man.
You’ll see traces of horror films that inspired Chainsaw Man in the entire collection. Fans can now join the priority list to be one of the first to get their hands on the many cases and accessories when it officially drops on August 22.
Chainsaw Man features Denji, an impoverished orphan who inherited the debt of his father. He finds work as a Devil hunter. Denki does his hunting with the help of a Devil Dog with a chainsaw on its face named Pochita.
Animated by Studio Mappa (Attack on Titan: The Final Season, Jujutsu Kaisen), this animé doesn’t hold back on blood and gore. Not to mention some really more adult themes. It’s definitely not for kids.
POCHITA is the star
Pochita, the adorable demon chainsaw doggo that series protagonist Denji merges with is the star of the collection. Made of silicon material, the Pochita Collectible Airpods Pro/Pro2 Case will be available in limited quantity.
Even if you don’t have AirPods, you can still try to snag one as it also works as a decorative piece.
Hold Makima… sort of
If, like Denji, you have the hots for Makima, now’s your chance to sort of hold the Public Safety Special Division 4 Chief. She, along with Denji, Power, Aki, and Kobeni are the featured characters in the cases.
The collection includes tech accessories from Airpods cases to MagSafe wallets and lifestyle items such as water bottles. Here’s a quick look.
Download the CASETiFY Co-Lab app to get fresh updates on drops like this Chainsaw Man collection. App users can save their payment information, shipping details and device type. This makes the shopping experience as smooth as possible.
Accessories
Hi, these Samsung-exclusive accessories are soooo cute
Pair it with your latest Samsung devices, stat!
![Samsung exclusive accessories](https://149367133.v2.pressablecdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/gadgetmatch-20230801-samsung-galaxy-accessories-8.jpg)
ICYMI, Samsung unpacked (pun intended) their latest devices during the Unpacked event. The annual tradition among tech journos, nerds, and Samsung fanboys was held earlier than usual at their home court.
Yes, the South Korean company launched a bunch of devices in Seoul, along with cute and exclusive accessories to pair with.
Pick your foldable phone and dress it up!
Wrap your wrist with something that’s more you~
Protect your tablet but add some of your flair!
The hype is real when it comes to Samsung’s latest devices. Watch our Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 hands-on and psyche yourself up with the latest foldables!
-
Reviews2 weeks ago
The Xiaomi Pad 6 is great for the editor on-the-go
-
Reviews2 weeks ago
HONOR 90 review: Simply bedazzling
-
Gaming2 weeks ago
Refurbished Steam Decks are now available through Valve
-
Health2 weeks ago
Redmi Watch 3 Active: Basic but better
-
Gaming2 weeks ago
Rockstar officially partners with Grand Theft Auto V roleplay servers
-
Gaming2 weeks ago
PlayStation 5 Slim supposedly leaked online
-
Entertainment2 weeks ago
Catch Cinemalaya 2023 films at Ayala Malls this weekend
-
Apps2 weeks ago
Spotify DJ feature now available in the Philippines