Microsoft is creating a new connection for their tablet and laptop devices but as revealed in their newest patent filing, the working version of its Surface connector port will resemble the magnetic snap of past Apple devices while maintaining current USB-C compatibility standards.
The patent, filed by Microsoft’s Surface Design team, describes a solution that maintains the magnetic connector for power while keeping the port on the device USB-C. It does however, also state the connector will only support USB 2.0 speeds. Most USB-C implementations on the market are currently using USB 3.0 or even 3.1 capabilities, but Microsoft has stated that the device ports themselves will be using USB 3.0 even if the connector doesn’t make it there.
Either way, most Surface users will be hoping for a combination of Thunderbolt and USB-C in Microsoft’s future plans. The Surface Chief, Panos Panay, explained earlier this year that the company is being careful with its approach to USB-C for the Surface. “The last thing I want is to take away the port they need today and tomorrow and the next day, to achieve a technology milestone where I then put a barrier in front of my customers”.
