USB Type-C entered the computing world in 2014 with its revolutionary idea of being a rotationally symmetrical connector. The concept of USB-C has significant issues ranging from cost, practicality, and safety concerns. At face value USB-C has everything you need with enough power to charge a laptop high speed data transfer rates of 10GB per second and an easy to insert plug. So no more fumbling around inserting a USB type A three times to get it right.
The first point of trouble with USB-C is cost. The USB logo itself is copyrighted and requires a fee for any commercial use. The method of constructing a cable costs on average 5 times more to manufacture than a micro USB type B in money and time.
Secondly, Apple is not onboard with the use of USB-C when tech power house Apple which controls over 5% of worldwide computer sales and a quarter of cell phone sales. Currently Apple gets a $4 royalty from every Lightning cable manufactured and sold.
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Lastly, because of the cost to manufacture USB-C copycats have introduced shortcuts to the process by forgoing the USB-IF Compliance Program and cut corners on build quality. These shortcuts often allow for more wattage to be drawn from the cable when plugged into an older USB port on a desktop computer. Leading to the chance of damage to your computer or its USB port.
More detailed explanation of USB-C. How its made.
Wow, thank you Kevin for the succinct three points and the source reference and YouTube video ^_^
ReplyDeleteI see why USB-C never dominated the market!
Your post is very informative. I didn’t know too much about the USB-C.
ReplyDeleteYour post is extremely informational. Thank you for the insights. I know that over the years, several connectors, ports, adapters have came to light. I still use a type A-5-pin, type Mini-B to charge or transfer data for some of my older devices such as charging my PS3 controllers and older cameras.
ReplyDeleteDon't know much about USB-C but my phone and laptop uses type-c and have to make sure I have the proper charging block for them.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the very informational post. I didn't know the background about Apple and the royalties it makes off the lightning cable.
ReplyDeleteExcellent information. USB-C I have seen on Samsung products. I have not used personally.
ReplyDeleteSo interesting to learn that Apple gets a royalty from every lightning cable sold. Thank you for sharing this information Kevin.
ReplyDeleteThat is a fascinating blog post. Never looked at this before! You have given me a deeper understanding and understanding of USB-C!
ReplyDeleteMy MacBook and iPad use USB-C. This post helped me learn more! I love the design.
ReplyDeleteVery informative post. Never knew about this stuff.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea the USB-C has been around that long. It fees like it was only about two years ago that I saw one for the first time.
ReplyDeleteDude I just felt like a received one of Prof Wu's Bonus quiz answers.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this! If I remember correctly I think the EU passed legislation banning Lightning Ports and Chargers in favor of USB-C earlier this year.
ReplyDeleteThank you for showing this to us! I never knew the differences in USBs.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all of the information. I have exceedingly more respect for the usb type c cable.
ReplyDeleteAs far as I know, Apple has its own brand of chargers which are not related to USB-C, so only their products have accessibility to these cables. As you pointed out, the reason USB-C is not the market leader is that these cables, in addition to being utilized with many gadgets, have a tendency to break easily.
ReplyDeleteThat's some really interesting information, especially the bit about the royalties. It doesn't sound like much but when you think of how many products Apple actually sells it really multiplies fast.
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