News
Source: Engadget
The USB Promoter Group has announced that the next-generation USB4 standard will double the bandwidth of existing connectors—from 40 Gbps to 80 Gbps. And you may not even have to buy a new cable to take advantage of the new tech: As long as you have USB-C cables rated for 40 Gbps speeds, you’ll be able to achieve speeds up to 80 Gbps. The updated USB4 specification features backward compatibility with USB4 Version 1.0, USB 3.2, USB 2.0 and Thunderbolt 3.
“Once again following USB tradition, this updated USB4 specification doubles data performance to deliver higher levels of functionality to the USB Type-C ecosystem,” says USB Promoter Group Chairman Brad Saunders. “Solutions seeing the most benefit from this speed enhancement include higher-performance displays, storage, and USB-based hubs and docks.”
Given the impressive performance bump, it’s perhaps surprising why they didn’t just make it easy for us and go with “USB5,” and the fact that only some cables will deliver the promised speeds is bound to make things confusing for consumers. Either way, the update is “specifically targeted to developers at this time” so it could be a while before we start seeing computers boasting these ultra-fast connections.
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