During its recent Intel Developer Conference 2016 (IDF 2016) in Shenzen, Intel shed a bit more light on the future of the USB Type-C connector and its focus to replace the 3.5mm audio jack with USB Type-C.

According to a report from Anandtech, Intel claims that the 3.5mm audio jack is the last remaining analog interface and multiple improvements from USB Type-C are simply too good to pass up. This also is not the first time that a company has proposed a replacement for the 3.5mm analog audio connector but such move never came to life.

According to Intel, there are several benefits to be gained by switching from analog 3.5mm audio jack to USB Type-C with major one being an ability to move audio components, like amplifiers and DACs to headsets, thus leaving more room in the device. The USB Type-C Audio could be both analog and digital and could promote the move from analog to digital signal.

Pletny of companies have switched to USB Type-C port and even Apple is expected to remove the 3.5mm jack on its next iPhone, replacing it with a Lightning connector.

According to the report, Intel is finalizing the USB Type-C Digital Audio technology and we could expect the final specification in the coming months.





Source: Anandtech.com.