New USB-C standard will prevent cables from frying your device

Not all USB Type-C cables are created equal.

After it was discovered that many USB Type-C cables could potentially damage devices, Amazon issued a ban on cables that didn't meet the USB Implementers Forum Inc.'s (USB-IF) specifications.

At the Intel Developer Forum in Shenzhen, China, the USB-IF took another step to protect users. The USB-IF announced USB Type-C Authentication, a new specification designed to help protect devices from noncompliant USC Type-C cables and chargers.

With the new spec, USB Type-C-equipped devices can use 128-bit encryption to verify if a USB Type-C cable, charger or accessory has been certified or not, according to Ars Technica.  Read more...