Strategy Analytics Forecasts Significant Growth of USB-C in Cars as Consumers Demand Faster Charging

The emerging USB Type-C connectivity standard, which has seen rapid adoption in the consumer electronics space, is poised to make major inroads in automotive connectivity, Strategy Analytics 2019 USB Type-C Forecast finds. Following rapid adoption in the consumer electronic space, the USB Type-C connectivity standard is seeing rapid adoption in the automotive space, as consumers demand faster charging and more versatility in connectivity options.

The new Astrotec S70 true wireless will soon be available with a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo (another example of a large manufacturer using the platform to promote and have pre-production sales) and will feature both dynamic and balanced armature drivers in a hybrid design that uses Bluetooth 5 connectivity and includes a USB Type C fast charging case, providing 36 hours of playtime. The earbuds have an original form factor with behind the ear hooks, are water resistant and weight only 10g.

There's no lack of ideas for differentiating products and even more opportunities to bring those to market with crowdfunding platforms like Indiegogo. 49101, an innovative headphone brand from Taiwan, just announced Changer wireless Bluetooth earphones that offer a multipurpose cable for data transfer, charging and battery sharing capabilities between devices. The neckband design features Micro USB, Lightning or Type C power connections and behaves like a true power-vampire, borrowing battery power from other Android smartphones.

Chinese smartphone maker OPPO announced a new critical fast-charging technology for mobile devices, allowing 4x faster charging speed than conventional chargers. OPPO's VOOC technology features a flash charging system that will make a smartphone ready to be used for the working hours of the day after just 30 minutes of charging. Even though OPPO doesn't explain how its VOOC technology relates to the latest USB Power Delivery specifications, the brand's latest smartphones do use a USB-C connector.

Alpha and Omega Semiconductor, a global supplier of a broad range of power semiconductors and power ICs, announced a new Type-C Power Delivery compliant input protection switch with up to 28V over-voltage protection. The AOZ1376 is a smart protection switch with reverse current blocking capability intended for applications where internal circuitry requires protection from exposure to high voltages.

Powermat, the wireless charging technology pioneer, announced it will become the newest Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) member. Powermat will contribute its technology and expertise to further advance inductive wireless charging capabilities while maintaining backwards compatibility to the existing Qi ecosystem, which was recently converted to the leading global standard, following Apple's decision to adopt Qi in the latest iPhone generation.