The USB implementer's Forum announced the completion of a new connector technology, the Micro-USB, that will be used instead of the Mini-series plugs and receptacles found until now in mobile phones, PDA's and digital cameras.

Both in China and in South Korea all future mobile phones manufactured will feature a standard USB port that can be used for both charging and data transfer, and it seems that - gradually - all portable devices around the world will adopt this type of port.

And while portable devices appear to get smaller and slimmer each day, so will the USB connector specification, that is developed to support the miniaturization trend.

According to USB-IF, the new standard will support the USB On-the-go supplement, that enables USB devices to transfer data directly between themselves, without the need of a PC, and will feature a stainless steel shell that will reportedly yield over 10,000 insertion cycles for longer life and durability.

Micro-series definitions include: Micro-B receptacles for standard devices, Micro-AB receptacles for OTG devices, Micro-A and Micro-B plugs, and standard cables.

"As portable devices such as mobile phones, PDAs and digital cameras get smaller and more compact, manufacturers recognized the need for a new USB connector specification to suit the design of these new products," said Jeff Ravencraft, chairman and president of the USB-IF. "USB-IF developed the Micro-USB specification to adapt to sleek new design needs."