How fast can this cable transfer data? And can it rapid charge my smartphone? The USB powers-that-be have come up with a new system to better answer these questions. — Photo: Franziska Gabbert/dpa
BERLIN: How quickly can this USB cable I've just found in my drawer transfer files? And can I use it to fast charge my smartphone?
Until now, it was often impossible to find out until you tried it out. But new logos both for USB-C cables and ports are soon set to give us an idea of what data transfer speeds and charging speeds are possible.
Previously, people mostly needed to rely on knowing the differences between the so-called USB 2, USB 3 and USB 4 standards when it came to transfer speeds between devices or the power for operating or charging laptops and smartphones.
The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) has developed new logos for USB ports on devices and for USB-C cables, including for chargers. — Photo: USB Implementors Forum (USB-IF)/dpa
And for those who did know their USB standards, it was often still impossible to see if a device and cable could fully utilises the maximum possible data rate of the supported USB standard.
The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), which is responsible for USB standardisation, has recognised that there's been a little too much confusion and has now developed new logos both for USB ports on devices and for USB-C cables.
The logos no longer feature standard designations, but instead provide specific information on data speed and wattage.
The new logos no longer feature standard designations, but provide specific information on data speed and watts. — Photo: USB Implementors Forum (USB-IF)/dpa - ATTENTION: editorial use only in connection with the latest coverage and only if the credit mentioned above i referenced in full
Manufacturers do not have to use these logos, but will be allowed to do so in future if their devices or cables have successfully passed USB-IF certification, the developers explain.
In future, devices such as notebooks will be labelled with a logo indicating 5, 10, 20, 40 or 80Gbps (gigabits per second). This will be displayed both on the packaging of the device and on the respective USB ports themselves.
For USB-C cables, the maximum possible data rate on the logo will also be accompanied by the maximum possible power output that the cable can transport, for example up to 60 watts or up to 240 watts.
This information will also be displayed on the cable packaging, but above all this new logo will be printed on the cable connectors. – dpa
