USB organization improves audio properties usb-c

The USB Implementers Forum has announced the USB Audio Device Class 3.0 specification. The specification changes allow for lower power consumption and describe the control of audio with voice commands.

With version 3.0 of the USB audio specification, according to the USB IF, the USB type-c port should become the primary interface for accessories such as headsets, docking stations and VR glasses. The Audio Device Class specification already existed and some manufacturers, such as Lenovo with the Moto Z, are already using it with smartphones, but the new specification extends the standard. Intel announced at its last IDF conference that it sees a great future for USB audio capabilities.

Added include improvements to the power consumption of audio accessories that connect to devices via USB. In addition, the specification describes how manufacturers can control play, pause, and increase and decrease the volume via physical buttons, and how this can be done via so-called hotwords with voice commands.

According to the USB IF, USB-c ensures that manufacturers can omit the 3.5 mm audio jack, which would make it easier, among other things, to make water-resistant devices. The main manufacturer to say goodbye to the 3.5mm connector is Apple; the iPhone 7 does not contain usb-c, but Apple’s own lightning connector for audio playback.