While people were excited to see the USB-Cs' power output increase from 100 watts up to 240 watts in the spring, there was still one big problem: How would consumers tell the new USB-C cables from the older ones?
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The USB Implemen te rs forum, or USBIF, a nonprofit that developed the USB protocol, attempted to fix the cable problem on Thursday by unveiling a slew new logos that manufacturers can use on their USB-C cables. Below, you will see the new power rating logos that clearly indicate whether a USB-C cable supports charging at 240W.
In May, USB-IF introduced a new 240W power transfer limit. This was a welcome move, since it meant that USB Power Delivery could now charge all laptops except those with heavy-duty cases, without the need to use a proprietary adaptor.
USB-IF also introduced new logos to represent USB4 power delivery. This provides data transfer speeds up to 40Gbps using a USB connector. There are also logos for combined USB4/240W cables.
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The certification of USB solutions guarantees interoperability and backwards compatability in the market. USB-IF reminds customers to buy certified products from trusted suppliers that display USB Certified Logos on packaging, product briefs or the device, charger and cable.
Although they are well-intentioned and useful, the USB-IFs new logos don't solve the confusion surrounding the new USB-C 240W charger cables and the USB4, even though they are helpful. The Verge points out that the data transfer and charging standards are not linked. This means you can get a 240W charger which transfers files slowly or vice versa.
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Manufacturers will now be responsible for including new logos on cables. Will they? I'm sure they will, but some may not. This will lead to many users wondering if their devices are defective and their files don't transfer as expected.
