Microsoft describes docking stations for phones using USB Type-C

We have been speculating a lot about Windows Phones supporting docking stations, and we heard recently the rumour that the Lumia 940 will support a docking station.

Now Microsoft has described exactly what they expect such a docking station will do on MSDN, noting they promote either a single cable system using USB Type-C or a wireless docking solution.

They write:

Wired docking

A wired docking configuration uses a single connection to a dock. The connection is either through a cable or a device to an adjacent dock attachment. The dock provides ports for input devices, such as mice and keyboards, and for output devices like displays and printers. Better docking equipment provides a power connection, for both use and charging of the device, and a wired network connection.

Wired docking features to consider:

• Use of a single cable from the device to the dock
• Support for phone, tablet and laptops
• Wired or wireless mouse and keyboard input
• Multiple connections on the dock
• Monitor outputs using HDMI or DisplayPort or both
• A power connection to the device
• An Ethernet port

The wireless dock will feature:

Wireless docking

Like a wired dock, a wireless dock has ports for input and output peripherals. The connection to the device is wireless only. The dock does not provide power or a wired network connection to the device.

Wireless docking features to consider:

• A wireless connection from the device to the dock
• Support for phone, tablet and laptops
• Wired or wireless mouse and keyboard input
• Monitor outputs using HDMI, DisplayPort, or both

Technology for wireless docking include:

• Include Miracast extensions in receiver firmware.
• Support WSB and MA-USB.
• Support WiGig for enterprise class docking equipment.

Read the full documentation at MSDN here.

Thanks WalkingCat for the tip.