The USB Standards setting organization has announced that USB 3.0 will be headed to smartphones and tablets by the end of 2012, and it looks like devices will get a microUSB 3.0 port.
The new USB 3.0 on your tablet or smartphone will enable faster data transfer between your device and your computers, with speeds of around 800 Mbps. This means that a file which would normally take 15 minutes to transfer would only take around 1 minute and 10 seconds. This significant improvement in data transfer speed will be a game-changer for users who frequently move large files, such as high-definition videos, extensive photo libraries, or large application files, between their mobile devices and computers.
Benefits of USB 3.0 in Mobile Devices
The introduction of USB 3.0 to mobile devices brings several benefits beyond just faster data transfer speeds. One of the key advantages is improved power efficiency. USB 3.0 ports can deliver more power to connected devices, which means faster charging times for smartphones and tablets. This is particularly beneficial for users who are always on the go and need their devices to charge quickly.
Additionally, USB 3.0 supports better power management features, which can help extend the battery life of mobile devices. This is achieved through more efficient data transfer protocols that reduce the amount of power consumed during data transfers.
Another significant benefit is the enhanced performance for peripherals. With USB 3.0, users can connect a wider range of high-performance peripherals to their mobile devices, such as external hard drives, high-resolution webcams, and advanced docking stations. This opens up new possibilities for mobile productivity and entertainment.
Thunderbolt Technology: A Rival to USB 3.0
Intel has also announced that they intend to introduce their rival Thunderbolt technology to mobile devices this year. Thunderbolt offers even faster data transfer speeds than USB 3.0, with rates up to 10 Gbps. However, this shouldn’t cause a problem as the majority of new PCs will come with both USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt connections. This dual compatibility ensures that users can take advantage of the best features of both technologies.
Thunderbolt’s higher data transfer speeds make it ideal for professional users who need to move large amounts of data quickly, such as video editors and graphic designers. Additionally, Thunderbolt supports daisy-chaining of multiple devices, allowing users to connect several peripherals through a single port. This can simplify cable management and reduce clutter on a user’s desk.
Despite its advantages, Thunderbolt has been slower to gain widespread adoption compared to USB 3.0. One reason for this is the higher cost of Thunderbolt-compatible devices and cables. USB 3.0, on the other hand, is more affordable and has a larger ecosystem of compatible devices.
Source BGR
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