USB4: What this future standard means for USB chaos and Thunderbolt 3

Now that the upcoming USB4 spec promises to “adopt the Thunderbolt 3 protocol,” some hope it means an end to our international nightmare of USB confusion. You know, the one where there are:
Two different connectors: USB-A or USB-C
Four different active specs: USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and USB 3.1 Gen 1 and Gen 2
Scarce Thunderbolt 3 support, despite using the same form factor as USB-C
An upcoming USB 3.2 spec that precedes USB4 and introduces yet more confusion through clumsy rebranding

Yeah. That nightmare.More likely, even when USB4 is fully implemented around 2021, confusion will linger.  You can't blame the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) and the USB Promoter Group (USB-PG) either, tempting though it is. They are organizing groups that ratify standards and help certify hardware. With literally tens of thousands of vendors making USB devices, it’s akin to herding cats. And because USB goes into everything from five-cent USB keys to $50,000 servers, the group says it has to leave it up to vendors to choose what’s best for the product.To read this article in full, please click here