USB C and USB4 Cables

Cable Matters

Let’s talk about cable matters. When you are in need of a charging cable, the main question that will be asked of you will be: Apple or Android? What if your device is a laptop or a smartwatch? Good luck finding that specific charger. Tech leaders are figuring out that finding the correct charging cables is an increasing problem that can’t be ignored. With the many different types of tech we are wearing and carrying, there needs to be a solution. Not to mention the USB port song and dance that continues when you have to plug it in as it never goes in right the first time. This could even lead to bent or broken connectors if overdone. But I digress, there is an issue finding the correct charging cable that fits your specific device and I think we have finally found a solution– USB C and USB4 cables.

Enter the USB Type C

A fairly new, universal plug-in standard that will be the solution to these problems and more. This cable connector packs 24 tiny pins in an oval shaped receptacle half the size of a standard USB A connector. It provides more than twice as many pins as a regular Micro-USB. These physical aspects, paired with USB 3.2 specifications, can provide multiple benefits for end users such as:

-Super fast file transfer speeds up to 5GB per second (1 4K Movie, 1000 High Quality images, or 5 copies of Encyclopedia Britannica per second) 

-Video Output

-High Rating Power Transfer

-Network Capabilities

The best thing about this is that you only need one connection and a compatible multi-function adapter to do all these things at the same time. Older USB connectors required you to use multiple ports for most of these functions, limiting the number of available free ports in your system. 

Lighting Cable Out, USB C In

Device manufacturers have always been known for using proprietary connectors to power their devices. They do this not only to profit from the accessory sales, but also to ensure optimal performance when charging and transferring data. The USB Implementers Forum is looking to change this with USB Type C. Apple, who is the most famous example of a company that provides proprietary accessories to their customers, is a part of this conglomerate of tech companies. The implementation of USB Type C to their devices and accessories has been growing at a steady pace. Newer model MacBook, iPad, and charging accessories include these connections. Rumor has it that future generations of iPhones are being designed with these specifications in mind. Apple’s Lightning cables won’t be able to keep up with growing consumer demand for faster, cheaper, and more reliable features in their products. 

Enter the USB4 Cable

Justifying the use of older USB Connectors is getting harder with USB4 right around the corner. This new standard will not only use USB Type C connectors, but provide even faster data transfer speeds. It will even support features such as using a high powered external graphics card with a compatible laptop. Those who design, game, video edit, and need to keep up with the latest tech will surely demand USB4 compliant products for the next 5 years.

The dominance of USB C compatible computers big and small is a foregone conclusion. With technology progressing faster than the blink of an eye, along with USB C cables, you will start to see more USB4 compatible devices in the near future.

Author: Jaime Enriquez, Technical Training Coordinator

Check out our latest blogs– Volunteering – It’s Good for the Soul, Choosing the Right Case (iPad), and A Healthy Dose of Positivity!