USB organization stops using SuperSpeed and USB 4 brands
The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) will stop using the SuperSpeed and USB 4 brands. The organization wants to be clearer in communication towards consumers. The new designations should show the maximum throughput and maximum payload.
In an interview with The Verge USB-IF director Jeff Ravencraft says the new logos should better indicate what the devices and cables can do, rather than what USB version the products are based on. That’s why the organization wants manufacturers to use ‘USB 10Gbps’ instead of ‘SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps’ and ‘USB 20Gbps’ instead of ‘USB 4 20Gbps’. For USB-C cables, the maximum charging capacity is also shown. Because the new guidelines only apply to USB-IF certified devices and cables, manufacturers are not required to use the new designations.
The changes have recently come into effect. By the end of this year, the new designations will appear on labels and packaging. These apply to products with any type of USB port, except USB 1.0 and USB 2.0. In the latter case, the USB-IF finds that the use of ‘USB 480Mbps’ could confuse consumers, who think it is faster than USB 5Gbps because of the higher number. Therefore, the organization continues to use the Hi-Speed designation with USB 2.0.
USB-IF Performance Logos USB-IF Logos