The USB Standard Development Group today unveiled its latest specification, USB4 , a new standard that will enable faster data transfer speeds and make life easier for users with simple, no-fuss connectors. But what new features and advantages does USB4 actually offer?
Everything you need to know about the new USB4
A new connector is going to reach the devices of the future, so before you get stuck and don't know what to do when you find it, you better read the news and curiosities that we leave you below.
It's USB4. Not USB 4, and not USB 4.0 either
According to the official specification announcement, the new architecture protocol is called USB4 , a name that breaks with the historical reference to the universal port inherited in recent versions and that will surely cause more than one headache.
It is based on Thunderbolt 3
The Intel connection port is the main source of inspiration for this new standard, so the new port is going to have all its advantages. Great transmission speed, screen connection... and the same connector.
What connector does it have?
Because it is based on Thunderbolt 3, the port used will still be a reversible USB-C, which will make connecting it easier.
Is the USB port of a lifetime going to disappear?
It seems. With the advent of the USB-C port as a standard connector, the use of a USB-A port would no longer be necessary, so its days would be practically numbered.
How fast is this USB4 going to be?
To be precise, the specification ensures that 40 Gbps will be reached , a speed that more than doubles the 20 Gbps offered by USB 3.2, and which, as you may have guessed, matches that of Thunderbolt 3.
Will I still be able to use USB 2.0, USB 3.2, and Thunderbolt 3 peripherals?
Yes, there will be no problem to continue using your "old" devices. The new standard will be 100% compatible with the previous specifications, so you should not fear any case of planned obsolescence.
What advantages does it offer besides speed?
Thanks to its architecture, we will be able to connect several high-performance devices, such as two 4K screens, while offering enough electrical current for them to work.
Don't worry, it won't arrive until next year.
Although the first details of the standard have just been presented, it will not be until the middle of the year when the organization officially presents the specification. In the meantime, more than 50 companies are working on completing the official draft of the specification, so things are on track. In the meantime, you'll still be able to find USB 3.2 devices.