whats the advantage of 'lightning' connector?

[ThereGoesJB]

I had assumed it was speed, but I was reading that the lighting to USB connection is only USB 2.0.

Not that I personally need USB 3.0 speeds for my iphone, but since the technology has been out a while now, and they went through the effort of revamping their standard device connection last year... what is the difference?

 

[highlightshadow]

1. Not just data - adaptable pins ... iOS can assign different functions on demand to pins to provide data, video, audio etc
2. Power - because its not only USB2.0 compliant it can supply more power than standard
3. Reversible - plug can be inserted either way. iOS detects and configures pins accordingly
4. Small - Its smaller
5. Protection - Not a consumer benefit but for Apple they can certify products

I guess in theory they could increase lightening speed for syncing too ...