Tag: USB-C

Kingston has announced its first portable SSD with a dual-interface design. The most notable feature of this new product is its simultaneous integration of USB Type-A and Type-C interfaces, along with a compact form factor similar to a USB flash drive. It's designed for plug-and-play use without the need for additional cables, addressing the pain point of carrying adapters or cables when transferring data between different devices. Freeing users from the constraints of cables and enabling seamless switching between devices, this dual-interface portable SSD is designed to meet the needs of modern people's multi-device, high-efficiency mobile lifestyles. Through its built-in dual connectors, users can easily switch between laptops and desktops (Type-A) and mobile devices such as phones and tablets (Type-C), handling tasks such as transferring work files, backing up travel photos, or freeing up phone storage with a single drive. With read/write speeds reaching 1050/950 MB/s and capacities up to 2TB, this SSD supports the USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, with official data showing read speeds up to 1050 MB/s and write speeds up to 950 MB/s. Compared to traditional flash drives, its transfer efficiency is significantly improved, making it more suitable for handling large files such as high-resolution photos and 4K videos. In terms of capacity, this dual-interface portable SSD offers 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB options to meet different storage needs. Featuring a durable metal casing and a five-year warranty, the hard drive boasts a robust metal casing combined with plastic materials. Measuring only 71.85 x 21.1 x 8.6mm and weighing a mere 13 grams, it is highly portable. Kingston also provides a 5-year limited product warranty and free technical support for this product, which is widely compatible with major operating systems such as Windows 11, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS, Android, and iOS/iPadOS.

Sandisk recently announced the launch of what it claims to be the "world's smallest 1TB USB-C flash drive"—the Sandisk Extreme Fit USB-C Flash Drive. This flash drive features an extremely compact and discreet design, almost flush with the device when plugged into the USB-C port. It's designed for professionals, students, and general users who need to expand storage on thin and light laptops or tablets without sacrificing portability. Targeting mobile workers, it adopts a "plug-and-stay" design. As thin and light laptops and tablets with USB-C become mainstream for mobile work and digital learning, users' demands for lightweight storage solutions are increasing. The core design principle of the Sandisk Extreme Fit USB-C is "plug-and-stay." Its discreet appearance prevents it from being obstructed by bumps or storage when plugged into a device, making it suitable for continuous use during meetings, commutes, or classes. With a read speed of 400MB/s, it supports Sandisk Memory Zone backup. In terms of performance, the Sandisk Extreme Fit USB-C...

The Verge reports that Nintendo has implemented encryption mechanisms and a special chip design to restrict the compatibility of third-party accessories with the USB-C port on the Nintendo Switch 2. This prevents players from directly using docks, expansion docks, or adapters from third-party brands. The report indicates that Nintendo has designed a dedicated verification process for the Nintendo Switch 2's USB-C port, including additional encryption, rather than strictly adhering to the standard USB-C specification. This renders standard USB-C to HDMI adapters unusable and even prevents third-party docks that were previously compatible with the Nintendo Switch from functioning. This suggests that Nintendo is using this to strengthen its peripheral ecosystem and ensure that third-party Nintendo Switch 2 expansion accessories meet Nintendo's certification standards. As a result, third-party brands such as Jsaux's planned Nintendo Switch 2 expansion accessories are completely incompatible with the Nintendo Switch 2, ultimately delaying their release. According to the design specifications proposed by the USB-IF, as long as it complies with the USB-C open standard, it can support USB-C video output (DisplayPort Alternate Mode) and USB-C PD (Power Delivery). However, Nintendo has clearly limited the USB-C compatibility of the Nintendo Switch 2 through its design, requiring official or licensed accessories to be used with the Nintendo Switch 2. This means that currently, users who want to use docks, expansion docks, or adapters on the Nintendo Switch 2 must purchase products directly from Nintendo or accessories manufactured under license from Nintendo. Third-party brand docks, expansion docks, or adapters originally designed for the Nintendo Switch may not be directly compatible.

While the USB-IF Alliance states that the current USB4 2.0 specification already achieves the same functionality as Thunderbolt 5, the difference lies in that the former allows manufacturers to decide which features to adopt, while the latter mandates all features and requires Intel product certification. Regarding the overly flexible USB-IF specifications, which have led to inconsistencies in USB connection specifications across the market, Microsoft plans to use the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) to ensure that all USB-C ports on Windows PCs support display output, charging, and at least 5Gbps data transfer bandwidth. Microsoft believes that while the USB-IF specifications offer considerable design flexibility, this has resulted in numerous inconsistent USB port and cable designs on the market. This means that although most cables currently use the USB-C interface, their actual charging wattage, connectivity features, and data transfer bandwidth vary. To address this inconvenience, Microsoft states that its Windows Hardware Compatibility Program will ensure that all USB-C ports on Windows PCs support at least charging, display output, and data transfer bandwidth of 5Gbps or more. Microsoft's intention is clearly to leverage the overall market share of Windows PCs to improve the consistency of current USB-C connectivity specifications and avoid discrepancies in user experience. In Microsoft's plan, all USB-C ports must include at least 4.5W charging capability and the ability to connect to at least one external display. They must also have at least 5Gbps data transfer bandwidth, but are not required to have 1080Gbps, 2080Gbps, 4080Gbps, or 80Gbps transfer speeds, nor specific USB-PD high-wattage power delivery specifications. Furthermore, it does not mandate that all USB-C ports support connecting external PCI Express devices (such as external graphics card enclosures). This means that under Microsoft's specifications, Windows PC devices' USB-C ports must at least meet or exceed the specifications of Intel Thunderbolt 3. Simultaneously, the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program will provide automated testing tools, allowing OEMs to verify that their manufactured Windows PC devices are fully compatible with the Windows operating system and can fully utilize the built-in Windows USB drivers. Microsoft stated that it will continue to work with Intel on the Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 5 specifications, with Intel providing the relevant certifications.

Apple announced that starting in April, AirPods Max, which now features a USB-C port, will support lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio. However, a wired connection is required to use them on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Following the 24-bit/48kHz lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio modes previously offered on AirPods Pro, Apple will now add these features to the USB-C AirPods Max via a firmware update in April. However, this functionality will not be available wirelessly and must be achieved via a wired USB-C connection. The lossless audio performance can be combined with Personalized Spatial Audio for a more accurate, uncompressed, and immersive listening experience. It will also support lossless audio from over 100 million songs included in Apple Music, allowing gamers and streamers to enjoy lower latency audio content through AirPods Max. In addition, Apple has also added support for lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio modes to its own Logic Pro and other music creation apps, allowing creators to listen to their creations more instantly and clearly through AirPods Max. At the same time, AirPods Max can also use head tracking to allow music creators to create and mix with personalized spatial audio.

In late 2022, the EU passed a new law mandating that small consumer electronic devices must use USB-C as their charging interface after December 28, 2024. Following the end of the grace period, all small consumer electronic devices without USB-C interfaces have been removed from sale in EU member states, including the iPhone 14 series (which still uses the Lightning interface) and older iPhone SE models. While other countries continue to use the iPhone 14 as the mainstream entry-level iPhone model, or the iPhone SE to attract users who still prefer Touch ID fingerprint unlocking, the current EU regulations and the end of the grace period prevent the iPhone 14 series and older iPhone SE models from being sold in the EU. Since most Android phones have already switched to USB-C interfaces, and most small consumer electronics have followed suit, there has been no issue of devices being removed from sale due to incompatibility. In addition to requiring small consumer electronics devices to switch to USB-C connectivity, EU regulations also mandate that larger consumer electronics, such as laptops, must also adopt USB-C. However, the EU has set a grace period until early 2026, meaning manufacturers still have some time to adjust. Outside the EU, the Indian government also intends to follow suit, making USB-C the unified charging interface for all small handheld devices, expected to be implemented from June 2025.

In addition to requiring Apple to switch the iPhone to a USB-C port design, the EU appears to be further demanding that Apple adjust the interactivity, data transfer capabilities, and operability of its products, including the configuration and setup of devices. This may involve requiring Apple to open up AirDrop and AirPlay functionality, allowing Android devices to connect with iPhones. Reports indicate that the EU's draft documents require Apple to provide third-party vendors with the same functionality as its products, including AirDrop and AirPlay APIs, enabling easy interaction between third-party operating systems, including Android, and Apple devices, including file transfer. Features such as AirPods' ability to quickly connect to iPhones via Bluetooth and seamlessly switch between Apple devices may also be required to be provided to operating systems like Android in the future. The EU also hopes that many third-party accessories can connect and be set up automatically when devices are close together, similar to Apple accessories, without requiring complex interface steps. The EU could complete the relevant legislation as early as 2025 and require Apple to open up these functions by then, allowing more devices to join the convenient Apple ecosystem.

XREAL recently updated its One series augmented reality glasses, adding a direct USB-C connection that allows for output to devices such as newer iPhones, Android phones, Windows PCs, Macs, and even Steam Deck or home game consoles, eliminating the need for XREAL Beam or Beam Pro adapters. This design obviously leads to a more convenient user experience, directly driving the augmented reality display content through the computing power of the connected device. Like previous models, the newly launched XREAL One and XREAL One Pro are equipped with the in-house developed X1 chip, enabling 3DoF spatial computing and boasting a transmission latency of less than 3 milliseconds. The direct USB-C connection further enhances user convenience, while the display refresh rate is controlled at 120Hz. As for image projection modes, there are two options: anchored and follow. The former is suitable for static video viewing, while the latter can be used in gaming scenarios, allowing the game screen to move with the viewing direction for a more immersive experience. The glasses feature a 0.68-inch Micro OLED display panel provided by Sony, with a resolution of 1080P per eye. The difference between the two models is that the XREAL One offers 600 nits of brightness and a 50-degree field of view, while the XREAL One Pro increases the brightness to 700 nits and the field of view to 57 degrees. Both models offer two eye distance options: 57-66mm and 66-75mm. The frames are 3-section adjustable, and the lenses can be adjusted to three color depths via electrochromic technology. They can also be used with detachable lens accessories to capture 12-megapixel still photos and 1080P 60P video. The suggested retail price for the XREAL One is $499, with a release date in mid-December this year. The XREAL One Pro is priced at $599 and is expected to be available in early 2025.

As Apple has gradually shifted its focus to USB-C connectivity, it is beginning to phase out previously released adapters. For example, the Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter may be discontinued, and some Apple retailers appear to have also stopped selling Lightning to VGA adapters. Since the iPhone 7 series, Apple has removed the 3.5mm headphone jack and switched to the Lightning connector for digital audio output. However, it still allowed users to continue using wired headphones through the Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter, and also began selling wired headphones with a Lightning interface. With the iPhone 15 series switching to USB-C, Apple has gradually phased out the Lightning connector in its product designs. Even accessories like AirPods, Magic Mouse, and Magic Keyboard have switched to USB-C, leading to the discontinuation of Lightning adapters. Currently, most Apple Stores in the US and globally no longer offer Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapters, and some regions have even stopped offering Lightning to VGA adapters, seemingly indicating that the Lightning connector is becoming obsolete. However, some third-party accessory manufacturers are still releasing Lightning adapters, so consumers should not have any problems using them in the short term.

In response to the EU's EN IEC 62680 universal charger OEM/ODM specification, the USB-IF Alliance announced the launch of a testing program to help OEMs/ODMs more quickly confirm whether their universal chargers comply with the EU's requirements. In addition to previously proposing USB-C as a unified charging standard for small devices, the EU also proposed the EN IEC 62680 universal charger OEM/ODM specification, requiring devices using charging equipment to meet relevant requirements to ensure safety and interchangeability between different devices. The EU requirements will mandate that all small devices comply with the universal charger specification from January 2025, while laptops must comply after 2026. This means that more charging products sold within the EU will need to comply with the EN IEC 62680 specification. The USB-IF Alliance's testing program primarily aims to help OEMs/ODMs more quickly confirm whether their charging products comply with EU regulations and expedite certification. It is important to note that the USB-IF Alliance's testing program addresses the EU's specification and includes its own additional design standards; the two are not entirely identical.