What is USB connector type. C & why is it so important

Recently google announced the new chromebook will use USB connector type C. Also the new macbook uses USB - C. There has been quite a hype about this. So what is this new interface, how is this different than traditional USB interface, and why is it necessary.

Well you all must know traditional USB. Flash drives you just have to plug it into computer. And are also used to transfer data. They all have two ends one of which goes into computer another one into your phone, tablet, printer or another device.

USB are pretty standard but they have different speeds based on hardware.

Source : Wikipedia

Recently launched 3.1 ports are faster and can transmit 4k content. This could replace HDMI ports and VGA ports. Just like apple did it

So How is USB different than traditional USB other than speed?
Well

Firstly USB - C uses a new type of connector which would be smaller than traditional USB sockets. Which means you wont get backward compatibility. Plus the other end is same too meaning you can plug either end into computer and smartphone.

And secondly These are rated upto 100W out. Which means they can be used to power various devices that need external power supply. So devices like printers don't need different cables for power and data.

The new USB - C with 3.1 interface is still new and only two devices have this (at the time of writing this blog post) but this will be standard by next year. As they are more powerful, practical, & faster.