The USB we've been using since 1996 will likely become obsolete in the near future.
Intel is laying the path for a new USB takeover.
- Thunderbolt 3 technology to become royalty-free
- Intel says better gaming, faster transfers will be result
- Link: More about Thunderbolt 3
On Wednesday, the company announced that its Thunderbolt 3 technology would become royalty-free, giving any device manufacturer the ability to produce the new technology.
According to Intel, it will take effect next year.
Intel's Thunderbolt 3 technology uses the USB type C, or USB-C, to plug devices into computers and other devices.
Right now, we use USB type A -- and have been for 20 years.
USB-A transfers data at 10 gigabits per second, while USB-C can transfer data at 40 Gbps.
A single USB-C dock with several USB-C ports could connect all your accessories with the dock using a single USB-C port.
USB-C can also plug into any direction. There is no more jamming, flipping and switching to make it fit into its tiny, dark hole.
It can also mean an enhanced gaming experience.
"With Thunderbolt 3, gamers can travel, work or enjoy long hours at a coffee shop with a thin and light notebook," Intel said in a release. "Then, when it’s time for epic gaming, the notebook can be paired with a Thunderbolt 3 external graphics box to get a GPU boost for higher resolution and settings experience."
Those with older devices will have to buy an adapter or dock to plug it in.
For more information on the Thunderbolt 3, visit here.