USB-C™ – An Overview

September 19, 2017

Perhaps you’ve heard all the hype around USB-C™ cables lately and you have questions about the technology. Look no further, we have all the information you need right here!

WHAT IS USB-C™?

USB-C™, also known as USB Type-C™, is the latest connector developed by the USB Implementers’ Forum (USB-IF), a group of industry leaders within the consumer electronics community, such as Apple, Intel, and Dell. This new technology is likely to be widely adopted, as many of the world’s most recognized manufacturers support it already. With such support, USB-C™ will gradually replace previous USB types, including USB-A, USB-B and USB Mini-B. As future devices are equipped with the new USB-C™ port, which is smaller than its predecessors, it’s likely that these devices will also be thinner, lighter, and more compact than ever before.

WHAT DOES A USB-C™ OR TYPE-C™ CABLE LOOK LIKE?

The USB-C™ cable head is smaller than before, and looks a bit like a Micro-USB connector.

WHY IS USB-C™ BETTER THAN EXISTING USB CABLES?

USB-C™ is very user friendly and it has a reversible connector. There’s no up or down orientation so it works regardless of which way you plug it in. Truly universal. Not just happy to work with smartphones, tablets, laptops, digital cameras, or anything that traditionally connects via USB, USB-C™ is also at home across different operating systems like iOS, Android, Windows, Google and more. Now that’s a real game changer.

PERFORMANCE

It’s really, really fast. USB-C™ can transfer data at speeds up to 10Gbps (gigabits per second). Or an entire high definition feature-length movie in just 30 seconds. That’s up to 20 times faster than USB 2.0!
Not only is it fast, there’s so much more power. With up to 100 watts, or 3 amps of power, USB-C™ cables can power almost anything from laptops to large high-resolution monitors, even some printers.
Also, USB-C™ cables can deliver Ultra-HD 4K video resolution to USB-C™ and HDMI displays. That’s four times the resolution of standard high definition.

THE FUTURE OF USB-C™

USB-C™ isn’t just a new development, it’s a new standard. Everything it promises — speed, ease of use, universality — can be applied to a multitude of devices. With this much potential, USB-C™ has another edge over existing USB cables: it’ll be around much longer.

WHAT WILL I USE USB-C™ FOR?

As the world moves toward USB-C™, it doesn’t mean you have to replace all your existing devices. Your new USB-C™ device (such as a laptop) will still be compatible with all your existing devices (smartphones, tablets, mouse, printer, etc.), you just need the correct USB-C™ cable or adapter.

WHAT’S BEHIND THE MOVE TO USB-C™?

Mountains of defunct cables in landfills across the world motivated action for reform. Tech companies all over the world responded to new European regulations that called for a standard connector.
The USB-C™ connector is being widely adopted by manufacturers including Apple, Google and Microsoft. With such widespread support from these market-leading manufacturers, it’s only a matter of time before the new standard becomes the norm.
The idea of new technology that embraces future proofing for environmental reasons is groundbreaking. At Aries Manufacturing, we’re proud to be a part of this pioneering move toward an environmentally sustainable, tech-friendly future.

IS USB TYPE-C™ THE SAME AS USB 3.1?

Although USB-C™ and USB 3.1 were developed at the same time, they are not the same thing.
USB 3.1 is an upgrade from the familiar USB 2.0, and more recent USB 3.0, offering significantly faster data transfer.
USB-C™ is not backward compatible.
USB 3.1 is the new technology. The USB-C™ is a connector that enables the functionality to support the new technology.

WHAT IS USB POWER DELIVERY?

USB Power Delivery, or USB PD, is a charging protocol that uses high speed USB-C™ connecters and cables. Smartphones, tablets, and laptops that are Power Delivery-enabled allow safe, faster charging and more power for larger devices, without the need of a separate power supply. USB PD will charge your smartphone up to 70% faster than standard 5W charging. You can even share power between USB PD devices.

If you have any other questions or would like to see the USB-C™ cables we offer, please visit our website https://ariesmfg.com/ or give us a call at (800) 959-2743.

Beware of Faulty Lightning® Cables

April 1, 2016

When you use unauthorized Lightning cables or accessories that are not genuine Apple products, iOS 7 will give you a warning message “This cable or accessory is not certified and may not work reliably with this iPhone.” Currently, you may be able to dismiss the warning message, if the cord still works at all, but it is only a matter of time before Apple may completely shut out these non-genuine charging cables from working with their devices.

How? Well, what it comes down to, is what is inside that tiny, little, mysterious Lightning tip plug. Apple has placed inside the tip of each Lightning tipped plug – 4 embedded chips, including a security chip that can figure out if the connection is made by an authorized MFi (Made for iPod/iPhone/iPad) or Apple Certified partner. The Lightning connector affects the iPad Air, iPad 4, iPad Mini, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5S, iPod touch 5th generation, and the iPod nano 7th generation.

GetPower is a certified and genuine MFi partner with Apple. With GetPower’s Lightning tipped cords, you will never have to worry about getting stuck with a non-working, non-approved, or error-causing cable. Even GetPower’s packaging for its Lightning products has to go through a rigorous approval process with Apple before allowing to be placed into production, yet alone onto market shelves. GetPower believes in upholding and/or exceeding all OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) phone standards with its products. GetPower makes universal cellular accessories for phones with quality and safety as a number one priority. GetPower will not skimp on technology, power output, or safety measures just to be able to provide the lowest pricing on the market. (e.g. GetPower plugs will not “get hot,” they have no RF/radio interference/feedback.) GetPower also understands the growing power demands and needs for smartphones and tablets in the market and ensures that all its products will charge your devices efficiently. With quality products comes satisfied and happy customers.

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GetPower has an ever evolving line of MFi certified Lightning tip cables.

GetPower’s Part Numbers:
GP-PCUSB-IPH5  (2.1Amp Car Cord with Extra USB Port and Lightning Tip)
GP-USB-IPH5  (USB Charging and Sync Cable with Lightning Tip)
GP-XL-USB-L (10 Foot USB Charging and Sync Cable with Lightning Tip)
CWP-USBBOWL-iP5 (USB Charging and Sync Cable with Lightning Tip in Impulse Countertop Bowl)

So how can you tell what is or isn’t a genuine Apple or MFi certified product?
Apple MFi certification is a license showing that Apple (Apple Inc.) has authorized the accessory manufacturer to mark their products compatible with iPhone, iPod, and/or iPad. This is indicated (though sometimes duplicated) by the Made For: iPhone/iPod/iPad icon.  ALWAYS LOOK FOR THIS LOGO!

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Apple® MFi Made for logo

There are strict regulations on how Apple’s unified logos and icons can be placed onto a MFi partner’s packaging. The rate of getting MFi certified is under 5%. In order to ensure the Apple brand image, Apple requires the quality of accessories with a MFi icon to be on the same level as an Apple product. Only after passing multiple tests can this license be obtained. The accessories with a MFi icon hold a more reliable guarantee for customers than others. It is a symbol of high-quality and strength of technology for manufacturers that have successfully obtained a MFi license. Apple Inc. has issued specific and mandatory requirements that functional accessories for Apple products be produced and sold only by authorized manufacturers with a certified MFi license. Apple will not honor any warranties on their products if the product in question was used with an uncertified accessory.

Thursday’s Technology Tips

April 1, 2016

Technology moves at lightning speed, and as technology progresses, it seems like there is an endless procession of new devices to keep us connected at all times. The devices are incredibly powerful, and can perform a limitless list of tasks. It is now commonplace for people of all ages to have a smartphone. That’s not to mention the millions of tablets, iPods, digital cameras, and GPS devices that are in use all across the country. All of these devices serve as important tools in our day to day lives, but they also come with a thirst for power. It is for this reason that I highly recommend the GetPower USB and AC Wall Plate Adapter.

The new GetPower USB and AC Wall Plate Adapter is a great no-install option to offer customers; just plug and play.  The unit can easily become a semi-permanent installation by utilizing the extended wall plate screw.  The GetPower USB and AC Wall Plate Adapter offers an industry leading 4.1 Amps of total USB power, designed to easily charge a large tablet, and two smartphones all at the same time. The unit also is ETL Certified and protects your devices with surge protection during stormy weather.

The new GetPower USB and AC Wall Plate Adapter has been a transformative item in my own household. Gone are the days of having phones, iPods, and iPads plugged into multiple wall outlets, creating a never ending tangled mess, and people fighting to get a spot on the outlet. The new GetPower USB and AC Wall Plate Adapter allows you to transform a standard 2 outlet wall plate in your home to an all in one charging station. The wall adapter plate comes standard with a 3 LED light system to let you know when your device has finished charging, and it boasts 3 USB ports, 2 @ 1 Amp output to charge smartphones, and 1 @ 2.1 Amps capable of charging tablet computers. The other great feature about the LED light system is that you don’t have to get up and screen your device screen to see if your device is fully charged, the red/yellow/green status light lets you see from across the room when your device has finished charging.

The great thing is that, while adding the 3 USB ports to your standard wall outlet, you don’t have to give up the 2 standard outlets, as they are included. The GetPower USB and AC Wall Plate Adapter produces enough power to charge 3 of your wireless devices while still being able to plug in 2 of your household appliances at the same time.

Part Number:
GP-3USB-AC-AC