Over the past few years most smartphone makers have switched from micro USB ports to USB Type-C ports, and a growing number of laptops also ship with USB-C power adapters, allowing you to charge many of your gadgets with a single charger. But the most powerful gaming laptops and mobile workstations? They still tend to […]
Tag: usb
Differences between Thunderbolt 4, USB 4, Thunderbolt 3, and USB 3
Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 are next-gen technologies that are similar in a lot of ways. But there are also some key differences. Both use the same USB-C connector. Both are capable of data transfer speeds up to 40GB/s. Both can deliver enough power to charge a laptop, and both can drive an external display. But […]
You’ll be able to connect an 8K display to a USB 4 port thanks to DisplayPort Alt Mode 2.0
1 Comment on You’ll be able to connect an 8K display to a USB 4 port thanks to DisplayPort Alt Mode 2.0USB 4 is on the way, and when it arrives it’ll support data transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps. At least that’s what we learned when the specification was released last year. But it turns out that speeds actually top out at 80 Gbps when using DisplayPort Alt Mode 2.0 to drive an 8K display. […]
USB4 specification released (with support for speeds up to 40 Gbps)
The next version of the USB protocol has been released, and as promised, it’ll support data transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps when using supported cables. That’s twice the theoretical max of USB 3.2. Now that the USB Implementers Forum has released the USB4 specification, we could start to see the first computers, tablets, phones, […]
USB4 will support speeds up to 40 Gbps (incorporates Thunderbolt 3 tech)
The first USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 devices are expected to ship this year, offering data transfer speeds up to 20 Gbps. But less than a week after announcing the impending arrival of the new technology (and a confusing re-naming of previous-gen USB standards), the USB Promoter Group has announced that USB4 is on the way… […]
Silicon Power C50 is a USB Type-A, Type-C, and micro USB flash drive
My smartphone has a USB Type-C port. My tablet has a micro USB port. And my laptop has two USB Type-A ports and a USB C port. I even have a few devices with mini USB ports, which means  I have a collection of USB cables with four different connectors in my house. One day […]
USB 3.2 will bring faster speeds, even with old USB cables
The group behind the USB standard has announced that the next version of the USB specification could bring data transfer speeds that are up to twice as fast as what you see now. That’s because the upcoming USB 3.2 standard supports up to two lanes of 5 Gbps or 10 Gbps operation, rather than single-lane. You […]
Intel: Thunderbolt 3 will be integrated with next-gen chips
It’s been a few years since the Thunderbolt 3 protocol was  introduced, and Intel says there are more than 120 PCs on the market to support the standard. But Intel’s latest chips don’t actually include native support for Thunderbolt 3. Device makers have needed to integrate a discrete Thunderbolt 3 controller, which has slowed adoption. That’s one […]
Apple slashes prices on USB-C adapters (temporarily) following MacBook Pro launch (and mixed reception)
Comments Off on Apple slashes prices on USB-C adapters (temporarily) following MacBook Pro launch (and mixed reception)The MacBook Pro line of laptops have long been popular with folks looking for, well, a “pro” machine that can get work done. But a lot of fans of earlier MacBook Pro laptops have expressed disappointment with this year’s models. While many had been waiting for Apple to launch models with updated processors, they were […]
USB group unveils standard for audio over USB Type C (goodbye headphone jack?)
When Apple decided to do away with headphones jacks for its latest iPhones, a lot of people were upset. But some people are annoyed for different reasons than others: some really don’t want smartphone makers to give up on the tried and true 3.5mm jack. Others are fine with leaving it behind… but are disappointed […]
USB-C to HDMI cables coming soon
One of the key features of USB Type-C is support for delivering a lot of data through a USB cable, including video output. That means you should be able to use the same port to plug in a power adapter, connect peripherals like hard drives or gamepads, or hook up a monitor. And soon you […]
A new certification program could protect you from bad USB chargers
Google software engineer Benson Leung has become something of a folk hero for his efforts to review USB Type-C cables and let potential customers know whether or not they’re compliant with official specifications. A lot of them aren’t… and some could even damage your phone, laptop, or other device if you try to charge your gadgets […]