L’USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) recently presented new logos for USB products in order to simplify understanding their abilities.
This initiative aims to clarify cable characteristicschargers and ports in a context where USB standards are becoming more and more complex, particularly with the introduction ofUSB 4.
USB standards: new logos to see things more clearly
Finally a little clarity in the appellations USB. For a long time, consumers have had difficulty deciphering technical terms like “USB 3.2 Gen 2×2” or “SuperSpeed”, not very explicit for an uninitiated public.
Instead, the new logos highlight performance, notably the transfer speed (in gigabits per second) – and the charging power (in watts) for cables. This immediately understandable data will be useful in choosing the right product.
For example, a cable displaying “40 Gbps” will clearly indicate its maximum transfer speed, while a logo « 240W » will signal its ability to power energy-hungry devices.
With this redesign, complex technical notices disappear in favor of intuitive numbers and icons. The new unified logos combine transfer and charging performance in a single visual. This applies equally to cables as ports on devices, allowing for quick and unambiguous identification.
This development occurs in parallel with the USB4 Version 2.0 specification releasedwhich offers impressive transfer speeds of up to 80 Gbps in symmetrical mode, with assured compatibility for current USB4 cables. We immediately think of Thunderbolt 5.
What products are affected?
Ultimately, all new devices with USB-C will be able to have this new nomenclature, even if the manufacturers are not not obliged to follow these recommendations.
For example, on many docks or computers, the USB-C ports are not marked: it is therefore possible that some ports are older 10 Gbps ports while others are USB-C ports offering speeds (or a charge) faster.
Dell could be one of the first manufacturers to adopt this nomenclature.
In the meantime, it is a safe bet that the current name still has some resistance.
Reminders about USB 3.2
As a reminder. In 2019, with the arrival of USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, the USB Implementers Forum, which decides on the names of the standards used, reshuffled the cards in the nomenclature of formats:
- USB 3.0, offering speeds of up to 5 Gbit/s and already renamed USB 3.1 Gen 1 in 2015, thus became theUSB 3.2 Gen 1
- USB 3.1, offering speeds of up to 10 Gbit/s and already renamed USB 3.1 Gen 2, became theUSB 3.2 Gen 2
- finally, USB 3.2, which offers speeds of up to 20 Gbit/s is called USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
Despite these limitations, this redesign of the logos represents a real step forward to make the USB ecosystem more accessible. As USB-C establishes itself as a universal standard, these changes accompany this transition and make life easier for users.
