USB 4 to take on Thunderbolt 3 abilities


USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) announced the next-generation USB. The new standard, expected for certification later this year, is based on Thunderbolt 3. The new spec is expected to offer up to 40 Gbps and provide 100 watts of power. The new USB will use current USB-C connectors and be backward compatible with USB 3.2, USB 2.0, and Thunderbolt 3.

Unlike Thunderbolt, the new USB 4 will not require a royalty but will lack certification.

The Verge:

Although USB 4 will integrate Thunderbolt 3’s features, Intel says that the two standards will coexist. While USB 4 is open, Thunderbolt 3 is not, and Intel requires manufacturers to be certified to use it. It also offers these manufacturers more support with reference designs and technical support. USB 4 might have the same specs, but Intel provides other Thunderbolt 3 services that go beyond the hardware itself.

The publication of the full USB 4 specification is currently due to arrive in the second half of this year, after which point the USB-IF said that it expects it to be another year and a half before manufacturers start producing devices. After all these years, it looks like the particular annoyances of the USB standard aren’t about to disappear overnight, but at least soon we’ll be able to stop worrying about getting USB confused with Thunderbolt 3.