Intel is aware that this wouldn't be an easy transition, but it thinks the tech has legs. The wider spec supports analog audio (through adapters), so you wouldn't need to go digital right away. It might be expensive at first, particularly on low-end devices, but Intel is counting on costs dropping as technology and economies of scale catch up.

How quickly companies take to the concept is up in the air. The tech industry is notoriously reluctant to let go of analog technology -- just look at how many PCs still had VGA ports well after digital display formats took hold. However, the rush to make ever-slimmer devices might push companies toward USB-C audio. You could see ultra-thin laptops that don't compromise so much on expansion, or smartphones that have room for bigger batteries without having to bulk up. The main concern is that you're more likely to see wired headphones that only have full functionality on specific devices. That already happens today, but it could be more common going forward.