In a new press release by the USB 3.0 Promoter Group, we learn that “a new power delivery specification which will significantly extend the capabilities and usages of cable bus power in USB applications.
Key characteristics of the forthcoming USB Power Delivery solution include:
- Compatible with existing cables and connectors
- Enables voltage and current values to be negotiated over the USB power
pins - Enables higher voltage and current in order to deliver power up to 100W
- Switchable source of power delivery without changing cable direction
- Coexists with USB Battery Charging 1.2 and works equally well with both
USB 2.0 and USB 3.0
The new specification will enable delivery of more power via the familiar USB connectors and cables, and will coexist with the USB Battery Charging 1.2 specification and existing USB bus-powered applications.”
To decipher, this means we would be able to power devices like external hard drives, monitors, notebooks, and printers. These types of plugs would be very useful for any office, school, library, and the best part this would eliminate the need for those “brick” power chargers that we currently have to lug around.
The hope for this new technology it to be out sometime in 2012, we’ll keep you posted if we hear of further developments.