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0 pointsethbro6y ago0 comments

The problem seems to be identifying.

I get not physically keying: that's the whole point of the USB-C idea.

What I don't get is why the hell they didn't mandate standardized identification (at least in manuals) regarding port / cable feature compatibility. The entire point of the trademark is to use it to make things easier for the customer and promote adoption.

Make a logo for every feature (4k 60hz!), trademark them too, then mandate implementers advertise featuresets via the logos. Problem solved.

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6 comments · 2 top-level

tracker16y ago· 2 in thread

Where do you put this variety of a dozen or so features... the end of the USB cable is already really small, and varying logos on that end? I'm not sure I'd even be able to distinguish.

The fact is, it really sucks and they should have limited it to maybe a subset of two... one that can only deliver basic charging and data, and one that can deliver all features. A $5 sku and a $25 sku (or close to). Unfortunately, it's all a mess.

ethbroOP6y ago

> Where do you put this variety of a dozen or so features

> (at least in manuals)

... and come to think of it, why not colored rings around each end of the cord? There aren't that many features.

tracker16y ago

From a couple other comments... the combination is 6 distinctions on two feature classes. Shoot, do I need red, or yellow for this device? It'd be worse than mini/micro usb transition.

2 more replies

afiori6y ago· 2 in thread

This is especially needed as with so many possible variations full feature cable can have problem listing all the features.

cesarb6y ago

> with so many possible variations full feature cable can have problem listing all the features

There are only six variants: https://people.kernel.org/bleung/how-many-kinds-of-usb-c-to-...

And it's actually the product of three variants (2.0 only, 5 Gb/s, 10 Gb/s) by two maximum current ratings (3A, 5A), so a pair of logos would be enough.

tracker16y ago

And they couldn't limit it to two for cables, one with the lowest specs (low power chargers/data), one with the highest support (anything else)?

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