USB 3.1

Released in July 2013, USB 3.1 - AKA USB SuperSpeed Plus, and SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps - makes a number of improvements over the previous versions including:

• Data transfer rates: doubles the speed of USB 3.0 to 10Gbps, making it as fast as the original Thunderbolt standard.

• Enhanced power delivery: up to 20 volts, 5 amps, and 100 watts for power and charging, which supports charging a laptop.

• Audio/video: built-in support for DisplayPort video and four channel audio (speaker and microphone).

USB 3.1 is backward-compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, including existing USB 3.0 software stacks and device class protocols as well as with existing 5Gbps hubs and devices and USB 2.0 products. USB 3.1 best utilizes all its features when used with USB Type-C cables and connectors.

USB 3.1 is also referred to as USB 3.1 Gen 2 (generation 2), whereas USB 3.1 Gen 1 is essentially identical to USB 3.0 ,with speeds up to only 5Gbps.