Users will soon be able to connect their USB Type-C enabled phone directly to any HDMI-enabled displays via a cable. The HDMI consortium has announced HDMI Alternate Mode (HDMI Alt Mode) that is developed for the USB Type-C specification. This removed the need for any adaptors or dongles. HDMI Alt Mode will also support the full range of HDMI 1.4b features. This includes resolutions up to 4K, Audio Return Channel (ARC), 3D, HDMI Ethernet Channel, and Consumer Electronic Control (CEC).
Rob Tobias, President of HDMI Licensing, LLC stated, “The USB Type-C connector is gaining traction in the mobile and PC markets. Consumers expect to easily connect these devices to displays with a USB Type-C to HDMI cable and utilize the capabilities and features of native HDMI. This specification will also result in more source devices incorporating HDMI. HDMI continues to evolve to meet the needs of the over 1,600 worldwide adopters making HDMI products, and grow upon the nearly six billion HDMI devices shipped.”
LeEco was the amongst first companies to offer phones with USB Type-C ports. Their newest phones, the Le 2 and the Le Max2 not only offer USB Type-C ports, but are also used for audio via their CDLA technology.