PSA: Some USB-C Cables Are so Poorly Made That They Can Damage Your Hardware
Very few phones are equipped with the new USB Type-C cables, but there are enough of them for manufacturers to jump on the train with accessories. However, be careful when purchasing. Some of them are so poorly made that they actually damage the equipment.
USB-C is a new style of USB cable that will appear in most phones in the near future. Luckily, it’s a reversible plug (so no more messing around in the dark) that supports the USB 3.1 specification that can transfer tons of data over your cables. In general, this is good. The only major drawback is that you have to buy all new cables.
Some cable manufacturers, in an effort to capitalize on this huge new market, have made some devices that are significantly out of specification. Google engineer Benson Leung has been reviewing USB-C cables for some time to isolate those that don’t meet the proper specs for making a cable, but now he’s found at least one that roasted his $ 1,500 Chromebook Pixel .
If you’re looking for a USB-C cable, take extra care when reading reviews ( especially Benson’s ) to make sure it’s safe. There are a few cables that meet the new specification and shouldn’t damage your hardware. Unfortunately, cable manufacturers can hide the details and still sell directly to consumers, resulting in a very expensive cheap cable.
Google Engineer Benson Leung Found USB Type-C Cable Not Only Dangerous On Paper – He Allegedly Fried His Hardware | Police Android