USB-C 2.1 could charge our laptops and smartphones in a flash
More power and data bandwidth? Yes please.
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Next-gen USB-C 2.1 cables could finally be on their way, potentially seriously cutting the time it takes to charge our laptops, smartphones and other devices.
AsTom’s Hardware reports, Club3Dhas launcheda range of USB-C cables that can deliver up to 240W of power, which is over twice the 100W maximum that current USB-C cables can supply.
This could have big implications forlaptopsandsmartphonesthat use USB-C to charge, as it would mean their batteries are topped up much more quickly, which means less waiting around for them to charge.
This boosted power supply could also mean that more power-hungry devices, likegaming laptops, could finally use USB-C to charge, rather than proprietary chargers that come with big, bulky and heavy power supplies.
Analysis: Versatility for the win
These new cables could also prove to be pretty versatile as well, with Club3D apparently offering three cables, all of which feature 240W power. The CAC-1573 looks to be the entry-level model, as it only offers USB 2.0 data transfer speeds at 480Mbps, and no video output support.
The CAC-1575 appears to be a step up, offering USB 4 speeds of up to 20Gbps, as well as support for4Kat 60Hz video.
Finally, the CAC-1576 looks to be the high-end cable, with USB 4 speeds of up to 40Gbps, and support for8Kvideo at 60Hz. While the other two cables are two meters in length, the CAC-1576 is only one meter.
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We don’t know how expensive these cables will be, nor when they will be available to buy. It’s also worth pointing out that you’ll need a new charger to make the most out of the cables, and as Tom’s Hardware points out, Club3D currently only has a charger that supports up to 132W.
Some device may not accept the higher power supply either, but hopefully we’ll see a growing number of chargers and devices that can take full advantage of the benefits of USB-C 2.1 soon.
Matt is TechRadar’s Managing Editor for Core Tech, looking after computing and mobile technology. Having written for a number of publications such as PC Plus, PC Format, T3 and Linux Format, there’s no aspect of technology that Matt isn’t passionate about, especially computing and PC gaming. He’s personally reviewed and used most of the laptops in our best laptops guide - and since joining TechRadar in 2014, he’s reviewed over 250 laptops and computing accessories personally.
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