I’ve been writing about USB-C for what seems like forever (seriously, it’s been seven or eight years!). From a unifying, one-size-fits-all specification to the grim reality of compatibility issues and opaque feature support, USB-C has its plaudits and detractors. Me? I sit firmly in the middle — aware of the problems yet still hoping, however foolishly, that the trusty port will one day live up to its promise. Unfortunately, as time passes, USB-C’s window of opportunity is closing, and fast.
To understand exactly what’s “wrong” with USB-C, just look around your living room. Can you remember which of your power packs charges which of your gadgets quickly or slowly? Laptops and PCs are no better. Back when we had DisplayPort, HDMI, and barrel sockets, you knew where you stood — but now, deciphering which of today’s three or four USB-C ports does what requires serious manual-reading. And who has time for that?