I enjoyed this Ars Technica look at USB 3.1 and Type-C, which is probably the cable/connection change people will notice the most over the next few years. (As I look with despair on my dozens of USB devices and cables.) I also dug their retrospective, A brief history of USB, what it replaced, and what has failed to replace it. Remember serial ports?
I know exactly what you mean, I must have so many of the mini usb cables lying around, it’s crazy! I must say though, the new type C is going to save me so much frustration! Having the ability to plug the cable in any way is a great idea, we have to wonder why it took so long to figure it out. 🙂