[mattikus]

"Just because a device has USB Type-C connectors does not mean it supports power or any other alternate mode, such as support for video standards DisplayPort or MHL (used on some smartphones to drive larger >In fact, technically, it’s even possible to have USB Type-C ports that don’t support USB 3.1, although in reality, that’s highly unlikely to ever occur."

This is actually a bigger problem than the author theorizes. Both the Nexus 6p and the Nexus 5x support USB-C on USB 2.0 rather than 3.0 or even 3.1. When USB-C computers become more prevalent, people might be sad to see their fancy device lacking the promised bandwidth they associate with the connector rather than the protocol.

[guan]

I am designing some embedded devices that would only support USB 2.0, and I considered using Type C because it would be more convenient and also more compatible in a future world where most people have type-C cables.

So I am wondering why the author thinks type-C ports that don’t support USB 3.1 would be that rare.

Edit: The author might have meant the downward facing ports in a computer or hub, and it would be rare to have those type-C ports not support USB 3.1. That would make more sense.

[marshray]

For the same reason you're using USB 2.0 when you could maybe get by with USB 1.1: in a few years a big majority of the mainstream embedded chips you'll use will support USB 3.1, so you'll effectively get it for free.

I say "a few years", but I seem to recall it taking 5 or more for the transition from USB 1.1.

[recursive]

I care more about symmetrical plugs than I do about bandwidth. Hallelujah! My prayers have been answered!

[mattmaroon]

It's my favorite thing about the nexus 5x. The 3a charger ain't bad either.

[mchahn]

The new Google Pixel has a type-C on both sides. It is heaven. I can pick the pixel up with my eyes closed and always get it in (please, no jokes). And on my lap the cord can drape out either side.

These features may seem like small ones but they make a big difference in everyday convenience.

[ytdht]

Imagine if the connector was round...

[NateDad]

I can't remember the last time I plugged my phone into my laptop. Bandwidth for USB-C is way low on my list of reasons to like it on my 6P.

#1 for me, personally, is that it's more durable.. my micro USB ports on my phone always started to loosen up, and the cables would stop staying plugged in (yes, even after cleaning out pocket fuzz). My 6P's connection, so far, seems much more robust.

But also, more power, 3 amps is pretty sweet, and the reversible connection is very nice to have, if not really a huge deal.

[guelo]

That's because Google has been actively discouraging the use of the cable for data transfer in order to encourage cloud use. Your phone won't transfer to Mac or Linux at all except via ugly buggy apps you learn about after digging through online forums.

[kozukumi]

Agreed, I don't really care so much about USB data speeds. What I do love is how solid it feels and how fast it charges. I am very impressed with the rapid charging on my 6P.

[onion2k]

USB is still the primary method of backing up your phone for most people, although, admittedly, a lot of people don't bother doing that.

[ossreality]

Or finding out that my Chromebook Pixel 3 has USB Type-C, but not Thunderbolt 3... which means I can't have an eGPU.

And with the Razer Blade + Core set to actually make eGPUs a big thing... I'm pretty disappointed. I'll probably end up with a Razer Blade sooner rather than later.