Dock connector interface - Galaxy Tab General

I've had a hunt around to find any sort of official specs on the Tab's dock interface but have had no luck. I'm guessing it's similar to, but not the same as, the iPod dock connector?
It's obviously capable of HDMI output as it does so via the desk-dock, it's possible the specs are only available to 3rd parties, but it'd be useful to be able to make alternative cables. If the connector is completely proprietary (as I suspect it is) then that's going to be pretty difficult though.

i believe its the same as dell streak pdmi connection. there was talk of a usb adaptor for usb host has that been cancelled?

The connectors are not the same.
The was a youtube video showing the connectors of the iPad, Dell streak and Galaxy Tab and they showed one won't work with the other.

tscotsman said:
i believe its the same as dell streak pdmi connection. there was talk of a usb adaptor for usb host has that been cancelled?
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Click to collapse
There was a picture of the unit but no mention of it since then. Unfortunately if it IS a completely non-standard proprietary connector, then we're going to be reliant on Samsung for the cables, and they're not exactly cheap (can be found online for around £14.99 which is $12-ish.) Could be worse, but a bit steep just for a USB cable.

There definitely WAS pictures of a Tab->USBA connector, and I'm hoping that they will show up in due time. It'd be horrific if we have to physically make a cable to use USB host.

There is a extreme close-up at gsmarena. The connectors have the same number of pins but the housing is upside down and has some clip holes. They have a comparison too.

Related

Video Out?

Other than DLNA, is the epic going to get the vidout via 3.5 feature???
All the reviews I've found seems to gloss over this...
I personally think it's a huge feature
I saw a video on youtube of a Galaxy S doing it. IDK if the Epic 4g Will for sure, but I would assume it could still do this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTQBAx_BDfk
Something interesting I found in my digging is that the Galaxy S phones will only support Stereo sound over DLNA and if you want 5.1 from a movie you will have to use the 3.5 jack for audio. I have no clue how this works in practice, but its just something interesting I came across.
Well, the AT&T version definitely has it intact
engadget.com/photos/atandt-execs-get-a-better-captivate-unboxing-experience-than-you-do/#3179029
(3.5mm to RCA cables in pic)
possibly even BETTER!
Samsung Galaxy S Will Be Able to do MicroUSB to HDMI for Video Out
phandroid.com/2010/07/28/samsung-galaxy-s-will-be-able-to-do-microusb-to-hdmi-for-video-out/
mensaphone said:
possibly even BETTER!
Samsung Galaxy S Will Be Able to do MicroUSB to HDMI for Video Out
phandroid.com/2010/07/28/samsung-galaxy-s-will-be-able-to-do-microusb-to-hdmi-for-video-out/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice but $50??? If its supported, hope MonoPrice comes out with a cheap alternative.
MameJunkie said:
Nice but $50??? If its supported, hope MonoPrice comes out with a cheap alternative.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw this.
I'm excited that all of the Galaxy lineup can do HDMI out from microUSB, but I REALLY am not gonna spend $50 on a USB cable.
Wasn't the price similar for the Droid X cable? I don't think its samsung trying to gouge people, as much as the cables being kinda hard to find.
I think once more phones come out with HDMI-microUSB, then generic cheaper brands of cables will come out.
If not, i'll just have to live without HDMI out.
Strictly speaking, it's not a microUSB cable... it's a HDMI cable with proprietary connector that has the approximate physical form factor of a microUSB plug, but additional contacts for the HDMI signals.
I'm purely guessing, but I suspect the cable MIGHT be "semi-active"... using a single pin on the microUSB connector for each of the raw, unbalanced TMDSx and CLOCK signals, and turning them into a balanced pair with dedicated shield ground with parts embedded in the hood of the cable itself. I'm going to guess that when the phone is using the port in "hdmi" mode, they probably repurpose the USB D+ and D- pins for I2C to reduce the pincount further.
It's not really that exotic or mysterious. MicroUSB only uses one side of the connector slab, so there's room on the underside to put more contacts for other purposes. The only part that's really amazing is that they can get a reliable high-speed connection from a connector that's slightly loose, with etched copper contacts the width of a human hair.
bitbang3r said:
Strictly speaking, it's not a microUSB cable... it's a HDMI cable with proprietary connector that has the approximate physical form factor of a microUSB plug, but additional contacts for the HDMI signals.
I'm purely guessing, but I suspect the cable MIGHT be "semi-active"... using a single pin on the microUSB connector for each of the raw, unbalanced TMDSx and CLOCK signals, and turning them into a balanced pair with dedicated shield ground with parts embedded in the hood of the cable itself. I'm going to guess that when the phone is using the port in "hdmi" mode, they probably repurpose the USB D+ and D- pins for I2C to reduce the pincount further.
It's not really that exotic or mysterious. MicroUSB only uses one side of the connector slab, so there's room on the underside to put more contacts for other purposes. The only part that's really amazing is that they can get a reliable high-speed connection from a connector that's slightly loose, with etched copper contacts the width of a human hair.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Found a site which has the MicroUSB to HDMI out cables for 13 bucks with free shipping!
MicroUSB to HDMI Cable
Looks like it was made for the Evo and Droid X but should work with the epic too!
bitbang3r said:
Strictly speaking, it's not a microUSB cable... it's a HDMI cable with proprietary connector that has the approximate physical form factor of a microUSB plug, but additional contacts for the HDMI signals.
I'm purely guessing, but I suspect the cable MIGHT be "semi-active"... using a single pin on the microUSB connector for each of the raw, unbalanced TMDSx and CLOCK signals, and turning them into a balanced pair with dedicated shield ground with parts embedded in the hood of the cable itself. I'm going to guess that when the phone is using the port in "hdmi" mode, they probably repurpose the USB D+ and D- pins for I2C to reduce the pincount further.
It's not really that exotic or mysterious. MicroUSB only uses one side of the connector slab, so there's room on the underside to put more contacts for other purposes. The only part that's really amazing is that they can get a reliable high-speed connection from a connector that's slightly loose, with etched copper contacts the width of a human hair.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a standard MicroUSB port nothing proprietary at all. The cable's HDMI end also has a MicroUSB out connector on the side for charging while connected to HDMI.
PS: Here is the exact same Samsung cable for $3.60, currently out of stock but I was fortunate enough to get one before I went out of stock again.
http://www.myluxphone.com/samsung-ecc1hu0bbebstd-tv-out-cable-micro-usb-to-hdmi.html
NeonMonster said:
Found a site which has the MicroUSB to HDMI out cables for 13 bucks with free shipping!
MicroUSB to HDMI Cable
Looks like it was made for the Evo and Droid X but should work with the epic too!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huh? The Evo has a dedicated Micro-HDMI port and cannot do HDMI via MicroUSB. The original cable made by Samsung I linked above is almost 10 bucks cheaper.
What I think is smart is that the cable takes into consideration that you can't charge the phone with a straight up microUSB to HDMI cable. They added another microUSB port for the charger on the base, which is SOOOOO smart, cause, well, you know, video is just going to rape the battery life.

Wireless charging

Has anyone looked at the following product for wireless charging (ala Powermat)?
It doesn't look like it outputs a lot of power, but for overnight / sitting on the work desk type of charging, it may be adequate.
www dot seeedstudio dot com/depot/wireless-power-supply-p-701.html
Would be interesting to see if it could be nicely integrated into a phone cover.
I think I will order one to play with even though I am not a developer or a hacker or anything like that!
I've seen charging coils like that hacked into existing devices. There are also, on the horizon, self contained batteries that have the inductive charging built in - upgrade any device to wireless charging! (any device with enough volume to justify making such a battery, anyway)
This definitely could work quiet well for that sort of application. I think it is a bit larger than you would hope but if you put a usb connector on the end I think it would work really well.
Yap, but there are limitations.
Loss of energy
Less efficiency
Low amp ratings
Interference
Bulky.
Goods are
Wireless
No need of conectors that opens to external world( for devices with built in coils)
No connector problems like damaged port,loose contacts etc.
Sent from my HTC HD2 using xda premium
giritrobbins said:
This definitely could work quiet well for that sort of application. I think it is a bit larger than you would hope but if you put a usb connector on the end I think it would work really well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the $64 problem! Trying to get USB connectors without the need to butcher an existing USB cable. Ideally, I would like to have a double ended USB connector - a male microUSB to plug into the phone, and a female micro or mini USB on the other end - to allow a USB cable connection between the phone or external charger. I know that I could buy from Digikey a male micro USB connector, and a female connector. But these connectors do not come with casings, so any use of them probably wouldn't look pretty without many hours of thought and effort.
I am assuming (without having this charger in my hands with the specifications) that I would probably need to have one or more diodes in-line with the receiver wires to stop external source current entering the receiver and possibly damaging it.
I haven't read up on Li-Ion cell phone batteries and how to keep them efficient. So I don't know whether these batteries can live long term on low current charging, or whether they would need higher current (as from manufacturer provided chargers) to provide efficient long term output.
Induction charging is being used in several applications already, like WII remotes and such. The problem is, as stated above ^^^^ I'm not really sure how lithium ion batteries stand up so such charging, (almost trickle). I know that the batteries used in Wii remotes are Nickel Hydride though.
DMPinBC said:
That is the $64 problem! Trying to get USB connectors without the need to butcher an existing USB cable. Ideally, I would like to have a double ended USB connector - a male microUSB to plug into the phone, and a female micro or mini USB on the other end - to allow a USB cable connection between the phone or external charger. I know that I could buy from Digikey a male micro USB connector, and a female connector. But these connectors do not come with casings, so any use of them probably wouldn't look pretty without many hours of thought and effort.
I am assuming (without having this charger in my hands with the specifications) that I would probably need to have one or more diodes in-line with the receiver wires to stop external source current entering the receiver and possibly damaging it.
I haven't read up on Li-Ion cell phone batteries and how to keep them efficient. So I don't know whether these batteries can live long term on low current charging, or whether they would need higher current (as from manufacturer provided chargers) to provide efficient long term output.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have heard rumours of the device killing batteries. It would be interesting to see how much of the power actually gets to the unit. The wireless power supply you linked in your OP shows a rating of 300-400 mA. That means the average battery would take 3-4 hours to charge from dead if all that power was indeed making it's way to the battery. Not really a trickle charge is all that power makes it to the battery.
All lithium ion battery assemblies have built in circuitry to prevent overcharging, overheating, and possible explosion/fire. The charge circuitry will turn off when fully charged and there's no penalty for topping off a LIon battery without discharging. Hacking a USB cable isn't all that complicated although may not be pretty depending on how well it's soldered together. There will always be a lump in the middle of the cable where the connections are made but you could use sleeving to hide it.
I tried an OEM non branded wireless charger, and after 6 hours of charging, my iphone's battery only increased around 20%...
Anyone tested this on Desire HD?
Anyone know if this will work/has tested on a Samsung Vibrant? Thanks.
I think this technology is still young, probably in 2/3 years it will be improved in its energy losses...
gebedias said:
I think this technology is still young, probably in 2/3 years it will be improved in its energy losses...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think time is going to make it more efficient. I think the trend in industry right now (specifically the WPC) is to define a standard, places where you would use wireless power are places where there is plenty of power.
There are a bunch of different companies that make wireless power solutions. I think that the best would be to hack together a QI compliant receiver to the USB port on your phone and then use any QI compliant mat for the transmitter.

Long standalone MicroUSB connector for DIY dock?

Does anyone sell a long MicroUSB adapter kit for DIY docking stations?
Something that can be assembled onto a fiberglass or wood dock.
As in, a connector that doesn't have the molded end with cable already attached.
But wht exacty u need? Micro/mini usb cable? Usb male/female pin/plug? Give some mor details.
HD2 HYPERDROID EXTREME EDITION V6.0.1 @ FIKERT KERNAL.
Most micro USB connectors come apart pretty easily.
There are usually 3 tack solder contacts on one side and 2 on the other.
Get yourself a few $3 cables and a razor blade to try out.
You can strip the shells off, route a hole in your stand and insert it.
I think by "long" microUSB he mean really those longer ones, with ~16 additional pins, like one we can find in Nook Tablet.
Rebellos said:
I think by "long" microUSB he mean really those longer ones, with ~16 additional pins, like one we can find in Nook Tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree, he wants to make his own dock, and needs something a bit longer that will be easier to mount. I have thought about the same thing myself
I think one of these below should do the trick, as they can be taken apart, but obviously, you'll have to do your own soldering. It's a bit tricky, even with a 0.5mm pencil tip iron.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/8pin-micr..._MobilePhoneDataCables_JN&hash=item43afbf91cb
Good luck!
you might want to check out parts sites. I did a quick search on mouser.com for micro usb and under interconnects i selected "USB connectors" you can see a picture of most of the options and even go with micro 3.0 if its better for you
Whoops, I forgot about this thread.
Thanks for all the great suggestions so far!
Yeah, I want the longer USB. Because right now, I have an OEM Samsung car dock that I use.
But when I have my phone in a TPU case, the USB isn't long enough anymore to properly insert all the way into the phone. Because the TPU case puts the phone about 1/4" further from the USB.
I like the idea of stipping a three dollar USB cable.
I think this will be a long term project that I'll work on here and there.
Looking into this myself but for a different reason. I can't find what I want but I did order two of these and I reckon they will work perfectly for you.
http://ie.farnell.com/hrs-hirose/zx80-b-5s/micro-usb-type-b-plug/dp/1719110?Ntt=171-9110
I think that's also Newark in the US. Probably the same part number there. There is at least an extra 5mm there to get you past the TPU case.

will the G2 connect to a 3.0 USB port?

When I connect my G2 to my PC, I get the message about how it will benefit from a 3.0 USB port. As far as I can tell the USB adapter it comes with isn't a 3.0 compatible cord. I was thinking about ordering one from Amazon. What do you guys think?
*UPDATE*
Looking at the connection, a 3.0 micro cable will not connect to this phone. Wonder why I get that message. I'm guessing that this is a misnomer my PC is throwing up.
My guess is this is just a generic warning Windows 7 likes to put out for anything it thinks might be usb 3.0 compatible
DroidSloth said:
My guess is this is just a generic warning Windows 7 likes to put out for anything it thinks might be usb 3.0 compatible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No other phone or tablet I have ever used has said this, even some new ones using Snapdraon 600 chipsets. My guess is that the Snapdragon 800 in our phones does in fact feature a USB 3.0 controller for it, but we probably just have the port for a 2.0 cable which is standard.
EDIT: found this:
LG’s G2 is equipped with the Snapdragon 800, a 2.26GHz quad-core Krait CPU paired with the Adreno 330 GPU. It supports USB 3.0, up to 4K video playback and capture, and supports Quick Charge 2.0 for up to 75% faster charging times.
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Click to collapse
earlthepearl said:
When I connect my G2 to my PC, I get the message about how it will benefit from a 3.0 USB port. As far as I can tell the USB adapter it comes with isn't a 3.0 compatible cord. I was thinking about ordering one from Amazon. What do you guys think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am seeing the same error. Based on the color of the USB on the supplied cable, it is not a 3.0 cable. However, the device is 3.0.
I am having issues finding a USB 3 to USB micro (not micro B) cable. It would be nice to have when the time comes to start moving ROMs from the desktop to the device :laugh:
Hosehead said:
I am seeing the same error. Based on the color of the USB on the supplied cable, it is not a 3.0 cable. However, the device is 3.0.
I am having issues finding a USB 3 to USB micro (not micro B) cable. It would be nice to have when the time comes to start moving ROMs from the desktop to the device :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you see the pic I posted above? A 3.0 micro usb cable has extra pins and it's a different shape. The chipset might have 3.0 architecture, but the port is only 2.0. Maybe on a future model this might com about, but not on this phone.
earlthepearl said:
Did you see the pic I posted above? A 3.0 micro usb cable has extra pins and it's a different shape. The chipset might have 3.0 architecture, but the port is only 2.0. Maybe on a future model this might com about, but not on this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I did, and the emoticons in my post were not intentional, as they are supposed to be the letter B.
The cable you posted is not what we are looking for. We need to determine if there is such a cable as a USB 3 to USB micro. This is different than the pictured cable, which is UB 3.0 to USB Micro B.
I do not have my stock cable handy, so I cannot remember if it is USB 3 at all. Is the plastic blue inside the USB side?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Hosehead said:
Yes, I did, and the emoticons in my post were not intentional, as they are supposed to be the letter B.
The cable you posted is not what we are looking for. We need to determine if there is such a cable as a USB 3 to USB micro. This is different than the pictured cable, which is UB 3.0 to USB Micro B.
I do not have my stock cable handy, so I cannot remember if it is USB 3 at all. Is the plastic blue inside the USB side?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you're a little confused. You refer to "USB Micro" and "USB Micro B" as if they are different connectors. They are not. Yes, people commonly refer to it as a micro USB connector, but only because they don't know or drop the "B". The LG G2 has a USB 2.0 micro B connector on it. It does not have a USB 3.0 micro B connector on it. The cable pictured earlier in the thread is the proper USB 3.0 A to Micro B cable. Obviously, it won't fit in the LG G2, because the LG G2 does not have a USB 3.0 micro B connector. This does make it very strange that a computer would pop up a message saying that the device would work better on a USB 3.0 port when it doesn't have the necessary physical connector to support USB 3.0 but, well, sometimes technology does strange things.
Hosehead said:
Yes, I did, and the emoticons in my post were not intentional, as they are supposed to be the letter B.
The cable you posted is not what we are looking for. We need to determine if there is such a cable as a USB 3 to USB micro. This is different than the pictured cable, which is UB 3.0 to USB Micro B. I do not have my stock cable handy, so I cannot remember if it is USB 3 at all. Is the plastic blue inside the USB side?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is a micro cable that's not a B? You mean a micro A?
The stock charge cable is not 3.0.
Can't you just check the transfer speeds?
The Lg G2 micro usb is not a Hdmi port, but it still supports it, through a MHL adapter. So maybe it also supports usb 3?
I am wondering if we can disassemble the phone and replace the USB board with a board that has a USB3 port soldered to it. Then of course also cut out the outer case shell to have a bigger hole. Wouldnt look as nice but it sure would be nice getting much faster speeds since both the chipset and storage system are easily capable of so much more.
Also, this is what a USB3 micro-B connector would look like on a phone:
The micro USB port is not MHL incompatible. It uses slimport like the Nexus 4.
Based on the service manual and the physical configuration of the port I believe that this phone has a USB 3.0 port, but we just don't have a cable or adapter yet to access the rear pins. Attached is a sketch I made showing what the port looks like. The service manual on page 468 supports the physical configuration of the port (3 pins on each side of central standard usb 2.0 5pins ). I am hoping the Nexus 5 will have this port and help LG push out the necessary adapter. I hope we can get some official confirmation on this at some point. I would use USB 3.0 for transferring or recording video directly to flash drive. There is also a potential for 4K recording like the Note 3. So big files would be common place while recording a 4K. 4K streaming from a G2 to a ultra HD tv has already been demonstrated at a trade show in August.
So yes, I believe a micro USB 3.0 port could be added, but by no means would it be easy, or look right. Best just hope for an adapter.
Sent from my VS980 4G using xda app-developers app
Hosehead said:
Yes, I did, and the emoticons in my post were not intentional, as they are supposed to be the letter B.
The cable you posted is not what we are looking for. We need to determine if there is such a cable as a USB 3 to USB micro. This is different than the pictured cable, which is UB 3.0 to USB Micro B.
I do not have my stock cable handy, so I cannot remember if it is USB 3 at all. Is the plastic blue inside the USB side?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The LG G2 definitely does have a USB 3.0 connector, but unfortunately it is a proprietary non-standard connector. See my previous post. I can not find a cable with this strange new connector anywhere.
Sent from my VS980 4G using xda app-developers app
earlthepearl said:
What is a micro cable that's not a B? You mean a micro A?
The stock charge cable is not 3.0.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When they are saying its an A cable or B cable, they are really talking about the what the end connector will be. Think of the A connector as the standard usb connector you connect to your computer or to your wall charger. Then think of the B connector as the tiny usb connector you connect to your cell phone or tablet.
Companies sell A to A usb cables or A to B cables (which is what all cell phones use). A simple wiki search on usb will help clear things up.
Sent from my Motorola Photon 4G using Tapatalk 2
You're saying it is USB3 compatible, then is this why the plug feels very tight to fit into the connection port? Sometimes it even makes a bit of a cracking sound, as if its not connecting properly, before finally fitting properly.
Looking into the connector, it does look a bit different from my Razrs connector.
SweStag said:
You're saying it is USB3 compatible, then is this why the plug feels very tight to fit into the connection port? Sometimes it even makes a bit of a cracking sound, as if its not connecting properly, before finally fitting properly.
Looking into the connector, it does look a bit different from my Razrs connector.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is probably for the most part because it new, but can't say for sure. My Google Nexus was getting quite loose, and I know it was tight in the beginning. It doesn't have anything to do with the proprietary USB 3.0 connector because if the plug is ever released it will be about twice as long as a standard micro USB 2.0 to reach the extra pins. I still can't figure out anything more about it.
Unfortunately from comparing various tear down of the LG G2 and the FCC teardown pictures of the Nexus 5, the Nexus 5 looks to have a standard micro USB 2.0. Definitely not as wide as a standard USB 3.0 and not as deep as the LG G2 proprietary USB 3.0 connector.
Sent from my VS980 4G using xda app-developers app
ElecEngineer1422 said:
That is probably for the most part because it new, but can't say for sure. My Google Nexus was getting quite loose, and I know it was tight in the beginning. It doesn't have anything to do with the proprietary USB 3.0 connector because if the plug is ever released it will be about twice as long as a standard micro USB 2.0 to reach the extra pins. I still can't figure out anything more about it.
Unfortunately from comparing various tear down of the LG G2 and the FCC teardown pictures of the Nexus 5, the Nexus 5 looks to have a standard micro USB 2.0. Definitely not as wide as a standard USB 3.0 and not as deep as the LG G2 proprietary USB 3.0 connector.
Sent from my VS980 4G using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still, there's something off about the charger on the G2. It doesn't match my Razr one, but the Razr plug fits in the G2. The other way around works, but is very, very tight.
Where did you find the breakdown of the G2? I've been looking but didn't find anything.
SweStag said:
Still, there's something off about the charger on the G2. It doesn't match my Razr one, but the Razr plug fits in the G2. The other way around works, but is very, very tight.
Where did you find the breakdown of the G2? I've been looking but didn't find anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The service manual is at the following post, but only has schematics. Anything you find that I missed please let me know. The last page of the manual would have the detail we need, but it is only a draft and it is missing.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2437403
LG G2 Service Manuals (LS980/VS980/D803)
Sent from my VS980 4G using xda app-developers app
Am I the only one that is going crazy trying to figure out where we can find the proprietary plug/connector to fully utilize the USB 3.0 our micro-USB port?
It is also driving me nuts to see if 4K video recording will ever be possibly. I would like to record 4K directly to a USB 3.0 thumb drive.
Sent from my VS980 4G using xda app-developers app

Not thrilled about USB-C

I remember a couple years ago how glad I was when I swapped my original Asus Transformer tablet with its proprietary connector for a newer device because for once all of our phones and tablets had the same microUSB connector and we could use all our chargers interchangeably. Now with the 5x it's a return to the old days. Right now we have chargers in a few places around the house plus in our two cars, so anything can get a top-up anywhere with the same cable.
Once the 5x gets here, it'll mean that I have to have a second cable -- if not charger -- anywhere I want to charge it, including a second cable/charger stuffed into the consoles on the cars. At this point in time, a USB-C port might as well be considered "proprietary!" Yes, the changeover has to start somewhere, but why am I always on the bleeding edge?
Another problem is that most of my Nexus 5 charging is done on my wireless charging pad, and that's going bye-bye as well.
I am gladly upgrading to 3A fast charging... technological advancements, yo. Be ready for fast charge wireless next....
It's the age old problem... "WTF, I just installed 3 gas lamps and now they come out with this thing called electricity!"
And cables are so cheap. At least most of my micro USB cables are beat to hell and falling apart. It'll be nice to have a phone where the charge cable stays in while I'm driving.
This really isn't new at all. Google is doing us a favor by going ahead and moving us along into the next technology phase. It does suck that all those spare cables you accumulate from Amazon over the years suddenly, at once, become useless, however, you can get cheap ass adapters still, extensions etc... just have to do it. Do it once and it's done. Get everyone a Nexus 5x or 6p and load up on new cables/docks/chargers etc... bring on the fun!
I'm looking forward to the switch. I remember when micro usb became the standard. I was so happy, because HTC used to use that weird charging port, which was almost mini-usb (I think), but it had that squared off corner, so you couldn't use the cables for any other mini usb device. I'll just buy a couple adapters for my existing chargers, and be done with it. I'll accumulate other usb c cables as time goes on.
That's how I felt when I first got the oneplus two but first thing I bought was a micro USB female to usb-c male adapter off amazon. Didn't have to replace any of my original micro USB cables. Plus Google will give you a usb-c cable so that'll do for now as far as I'm concerned. I recommend this adapter if you still want to use your existing micro USB cables.
In case you weren't aware all cell phones manufactures have to start using type c cables in 2016 in Europe, that includes Apple. So a year from now type c will be the normal
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
well the difference is that usb c will eventually be the standard most companies will use. sans apple, probably.
murfi said:
well the difference is that usb c will eventually be the standard most companies will use. sans apple, probably.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, it's not like this is a weird, or custom cable. This is the new USB standard. It's like you're complaining when we started swapping serial ports for USB. It might be inconvenient, but it is better, and sooner or later, everything will be using it. May as well start stocking up on cables now. I already ordered a few.
I think the best cable available is this $8.99 yoozon one that Amazon sells. Type C to Type A, no need for new car chargers or adapters at home. Just buy like 2-4 of these if you got many Type C devices.
mvh11 said:
Yeah, it's not like this is a weird, or custom cable. This is the new USB standard. It's like you're complaining when we started swapping serial ports for USB. It might be inconvenient, but it is better, and sooner or later, everything will be using it. May as well start stocking up on cables now. I already ordered a few.
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i made a mistake in my post. usb c will not be the new standard, it IS the new standard.
it just takes some time to spread, obviously, but it will inevitably spread.
murfi said:
well the difference is that usb c will eventually be the standard most companies will use. sans apple, probably.
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new macbook uses it.
minnemike said:
new macbook uses it.
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correct. i was strictly thinking of smartphones.
rochrunner said:
I remember a couple years ago how glad I was when I swapped my original Asus Transformer tablet with its proprietary connector for a newer device because for once all of our phones and tablets had the same microUSB connector and we could use all our chargers interchangeably. Now with the 5x it's a return to the old days. Right now we have chargers in a few places around the house plus in our two cars, so anything can get a top-up anywhere with the same cable.
Once the 5x gets here, it'll mean that I have to have a second cable -- if not charger -- anywhere I want to charge it, including a second cable/charger stuffed into the consoles on the cars. At this point in time, a USB-C port might as well be considered "proprietary!" Yes, the changeover has to start somewhere, but why am I always on the bleeding edge?
Another problem is that most of my Nexus 5 charging is done on my wireless charging pad, and that's going bye-bye as well.
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I agree. Early adopting a connector isn't fun. It's like having a proprietary cable all over again. Google made it worse by using it as an excuse to remove wireless charging and not giving an adapter or cable to connect to 99% of current PCs/phone chargers as well which basically means that $380 phone becomes $390+. Being that the USB C connector in the Nexus 5X is only USB 2.0 it would have made much more sense to include a USB C to A cable instead and used qualcomm quick charging..
Evo_Shift said:
I agree. Early adopting a connector isn't fun. It's like having a proprietary cable all over again. Google made it worse by using it as an excuse to remove wireless charging and not giving an adapter or cable to connect to 99% of current PCs/phone chargers as well which basically means that $380 phone becomes $390+.
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I agree that it sucks Google remove wireless charging, but they did it because the technology is not available for metal cased phones. However multiple devices including cell phones will use USB C starting next year. It's not an option, a bill/law was passed in Europe stating no new cell phones will be allowed to be sold in Europe unless that used the approved standard plug which is USB C. If I remember correctly, the law applies to more than cell devices. I for one thing the law makes since and it's necessary, it's forces companies to stop trying to make more profit by creating proprietary cables which are no longer used 3 years later.
2swizzle said:
I agree that it sucks Google remove wireless charging, but they did it because the technology is not available for metal cased phones. However multiple devices including cell phones will use USB C starting next year. It's not an option, a bill/law was passed in Europe stating no new cell phones will be allowed to be sold in Europe unless that used the approved standard plug which is USB C. If I remember correctly, the law applies to more than cell devices. I for one thing the law makes since and it's necessary, it's forces companies to stop trying to make more profit by creating proprietary cables which are no longer used 3 years later.
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Personally, I'm fine with companies using plastic for phone bodies. I don't know why everyone goes crazy over a metal/glass bodied phone. Plastic is probably the best for durability over time. Metal, while durable, gets dented really easily, and shows scratches wear much more than other materials. Glass front and back is much more prone to cracking, and once glass is cracked, it would bug me to no end, and I would have to replace it. Plastic, while it will scratch, and get pitted from drops/scratches/etc, doesn't block RF. It's lightweight, and is more forgiving of the screen, compared to other materials.
And with plastic, you can use your wireless charging with no issues.
I have a feeling we will see metal bodied phones with a cut-out, and a plastic cover where the wireless charging coil is placed in future.
murfi said:
correct. i was strictly thinking of smartphones.
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Sure... but hard to see them not going with it in the end with their own notebooks now featuring it.
minnemike said:
Sure... but hard to see them not going with it in the end with their own notebooks now featuring it.
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They could still opt for lightning-to-usb c cables.
murfi said:
They could still opt for lightning-to-usb c cables.
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If i recall well, in 2014 the European union decided that all phone should use USB standard starting from 2017. This indeed includes Apple which will either have to do a US version with it's lightening and EU version with USB or use USB on all their devices. Lightning to usb do not seem like a viable option in the EU.
Additionally they stated to use USB and dropped thunderbolt on their macbook so i guess they will do the same on iphones, maybe for the 7. I bet they want to reimburse their lightning investment and avoid losing face ; switching to USB too soon would be seen as acknowledging than USB is better than their technology.
PS: Are you French? You write like french guys...
Good riddance. Micro USB is fragile and an overall crap connector. Bring on USB C. It's about time we got a better standard if you ask me.

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