The Micro-USB connector is the smallest of all USB interconnects. At half the height of the Mini-USB connector, this new slim design is better suited to increasing consumer demand for compact light-weight mobile devices.
The Micro USB connector is designed to be more robust and endure the constant plug-and-play usage of handheld OTG (On-The-Go) mobile devices like MP3 players, digital cameras, PDAs, GPS and mobile smart phones. Micro-USB technology was developed by the USB Implementers Forum, Inc. (USB-IF), an independent non-profit group that advances USB technology. Micro-USB connectors allow manufacturers to push the limits of thinner and lighter mobile devices with sleeker designs and greater portability.
A USB Micro port will allow over 10,000 insertion cycles compared to the Mini-USB at 5,000. Standard USB is approx 1,500 to 2,000 depending on the manufacturer. It's a requirement that all USB devices allow 1,500+ insertion (connect/disconnect) cycles. This is a little known fact about the lifespan of active USB products. Passive USB products, like cables and thru adapters, do not have this limitation.