USB Type-C is an exciting new standard, and with Google and Apple backing it hard you had to expect accessory makers to jump onto the train early. But some of the accessories being churned out for the standard aren’t all great.
In fact, some seem to be dangerous, or so says one Googler who had a heavy hand in working on USB Type-C and implementing it for the Chromebook line.
I have started reviewing USB cables on Amazon because I have gotten fed up with the early cables from 3rd party vendors that so blatantly flaunt the specification and I want to hold them to task.
You may not just get weird behavior from your devices with these bad cables… What some these vendors are doing is downright dangerous.
In most cases, the “dangerous” part refers to USB Type-A ends of the cables not drawing the right amount of current, which could lead to the cables or the ports they’re being plugged into to become damaged.
The Googler has done his part to list the exact issues in each review he’s posted, but that’s ultimately where his influence will end. As a standard, anyone can create a USB Type-C cable, and without the need to get the product certified before putting it into the market it will inevitably lead to a flood of accessories which don’t properly implement said standard.
And there you have it. That’s all the more reason to stick to official accessories whenever you can. If that’s an issue for you, well, at least someone is doing something to help you choose the right products. If you’re in need of a USB Type-C accessory soon then you’ll want to see if he has reviewed it to make sure it’s up to par. Park it right here for the reviews.
[via Google+]