USB Type-C support is coming to Windows 10

On Wednesday, a post on Microsoft’s WinHEC page, almost flew under the radar, introducing Windows 10 support for the revolutionary USB Dual Role, and Type-C connectors, which will be discussed on stage Wednesday March 18th, at the Grand Hyatt in Shenzhen, Guangdong, in China.

The technology, considered a substantial improvement over USB 3.0, creates the conditions for diversified wired connectivity. The USB Type-C connector is predicted to be integrated into the upcoming Macbook Air, likely to be unveiled on March 9th alongside the Apple Watch.

On this note, Microsoft will also discuss how the new USB Type-C and Dual Role will interact with devices, how they can be enabled on Windows 10, and what devices will be supported, in consideration that USB Type-C, is planned to be part of future Apple devices as well, possibly starting this year.

USB Type-C and Dual Role are expected to provide connectivity for devices with power requirements of up to 100W, which includes external displays. Future Windows devices, like Microsoft Surface, as well as future desktop PCs, could do away with VGA, HDMI and other types of dedicated video connectivity altogether.

The resulting simplification of future hardware is expected to translate into increased power efficiency and easier cable management for users, as well as lowering costs of production for desktop devices.

From WinHEC event calendar description, we gather Windows 10 for Phones could be also be part of the presentation:

“Windows 10 introduces support for USB Dual Role and Type-C, which will enable new wired connectivity scenarios such a phone interacting with USB peripherals”

Windows 10 for Phones is on a fast lane to support a broader range of devices, and future versions of those mobile devices are likely to support USB Type-C.