The Need for USB-C Cable Labeling

Apple’s recent switch to USB-C for the iPhone 15 is a welcome move, as it will make it easier to connect the phone to a wider range of devices. However, there is a need for USB-C cables to be labeled more clearly so that users can understand their full capabilities.

At present, there is no standard way to label USB-C cables. This can make it difficult to know what a cable is capable of, even if it is certified by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF). For example, a cable that is certified for 60W charging may not be able to support 240W charging, even if it has the same connector.

The lack of clear labeling can also lead to problems with compatibility. For example, a cable that is not designed for high-speed data transfer may not be able to transfer data at the full speed of the device.

To address this problem, USB-IF has developed a set of guidelines for labeling USB-C cables. These guidelines include the following:

The cable should be labeled with its maximum power delivery (PD) rating.

The cable should be labeled with its data transfer speed.

The cable should be labeled with its Thunderbolt compatibility, if any.

However, these guidelines are voluntary, and many manufacturers do not follow them. This is why it is important to be vigilant when purchasing USB-C cables.

Here are some tips for choosing a USB-C cable:

Check the cable’s specifications to make sure that it is compatible with your device.

Look for a cable that is certified by USB-IF.
Choose a cable that is labeled with its power delivery and data transfer speeds.

If you are not sure which cable to buy, it is always best to ask a salesperson for help.

In addition to the labeling of USB-C cables, operating systems also need to play a role in making it easier for users to understand the capabilities of their cables. For example, ChromeOS already has a feature that indicates if a USB-C cable supports DisplayPort or USB-4. It would be helpful if other operating systems also adopted this feature.

By taking these steps, we can make it easier for users to choose the right USB-C cables for their needs and avoid compatibility problems.

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The USB-IF guidelines also recommend that cables be labeled with their length and environmental certifications.

Some manufacturers are already starting to label their USB-C cables more clearly. For example, Anker’s Powerline II USB-C to Lightning Cable is labeled with its power delivery rating, data transfer speed, and length.

As the adoption of USB-C continues to grow, it is likely that the labeling of USB-C cables will become more standardized. This will make it easier for users to choose the right cables for their needs and avoid compatibility problems.

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Gadgets

Starlink: A Controversial Innovation

by George Mensah 2023-09-20

Starlink is an innovative internet service developed by SpaceX, the spacecraft manufacturer helmed by Elon Musk. It uses low-orbit satellite technology to provide internet access to people in isolated regions of the world. Starlink currently has over 4,000 satellites in orbit, with plans to launch more in the coming years.

A new service called Find Starlink allows people to view the locations of Starlink satellites overhead as they pass by. Starlink satellites are not solo but rather come in what are called megaconstellations, a string or web of numerous interconnected satellites orbiting the Earth. Unlike traditional satellites that orbit Earth at around 35,786 km, some Starlink satellites orbit at around 550 km.

Under the right weather conditions and circumstances, these megaconstellations are actually viewable with the naked eye. The ability to view Starlink satellites as they pass by overhead, coupled with the Find Starlink tool, enables people around the world to catch a glimpse of this interesting space phenomenon.

Find Starlink lets users track satellites in real time

While the Starlink map has always been available to the public, it was mostly used to see if there was coverage in certain areas. Find Starlink now enables users to view the Starlink satellites in real time — and if conditions are right, they can be viewed from the ground without the aid of a telescope. Because the satellites are grouped up, they often appear like a string of lights going across the sky rather than one light.

Find Starlink also includes a useful tool where users can input their locations or coordinates to see the satellites’ visibility, the optimum time to view the Starlink satellites, and associated brightness values. However, just because a satellite appears to be overhead doesn’t mean you’ll be able to view it. According to Find Starlink, the satellites move 300 miles per minute, making missing a satellite cluster quite easy. So, don’t be surprised or disappointed if you feel you timed it perfectly but couldn’t see it.

The Find Starlink tool is not associated with SpaceX or Starlink in any official capacity, but uses coordinates to track the paths that the megaconstellations take while orbiting the Earth.

Starlink satellites have drawn scrutiny

Though the Find Starlink tool is a neat way to catch the satellites orbiting overhead, the service is not without its controversy. Notably, leading astronomers and members of the scientific community at large have raised serious concerns about the satellites. Some fear that the satellites could interfere with observation of space, especially as SpaceX plans to launch more in the coming years. This could hinder the ability of scientists to study the cosmos.

Most recently, a report published in Astronomy & Astrophysics observed 68 satellites belonging to a SpaceX Starlink constellation with a LOFAR radio telescope. These scientists reported unintended electromagnetic radiation emanating from the satellites, which in turn interfered with radio astronomy research.

According to Benjamin Winkel from the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy in Germany, “Our simulations show that the larger the constellation, the more important this effect becomes as the radiation from all the satellites adds up.” Winkel adds, “This makes us worried not only about the existing constellations but even more about the planned ones.” While the full effects that Starlink satellites will have on scientific research have yet to be seen, it is something to keep in mind when using the Find Starlink tool to view the phenomenon in the night sky.

Conclusion

Starlink is a revolutionary new internet service that has the potential to connect people in remote areas to the world. However, it is important to be aware of the potential drawbacks of this technology, such as its potential impact on scientific research.

If you are interested in viewing Starlink satellites, the Find Starlink tool is a great way to do so. Just be sure to be patient and persistent, as the satellites move quickly and can be difficult to see.

Gadgets

Apple Watch Ultra 2: Incremental Upgrade or Worthy Purchase?

by George Mensah 2023-09-20

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a solid upgrade over the original Ultra, but it’s not a must-have for everyone. The most significant changes are a brighter display, a faster S9 chip, and Double Tap support.

The brighter display is a welcome addition, especially for those who use their watch outdoors in bright sunlight. The S9 chip is also a nice boost to performance, but it’s not something that most users will notice on a daily basis.

Apple Watch Ultra 2

Double Tap is a new feature that allows you to interact with your watch using a single hand. This can be useful for athletes or anyone else who needs to use their watch while their hands are full.

However, the Ultra 2 is still a very expensive watch, and the new features may not be worth the upgrade for everyone. If you’re happy with your current Apple Watch, there’s no need to rush out and buy the Ultra 2.

Here are some things to consider when deciding whether or not to upgrade to the Apple Watch Ultra 2:

Do you need a brighter display? If you use your watch outdoors in bright sunlight, the brighter display on the Ultra 2 is a nice upgrade. However, if you mostly use your watch indoors, the difference in brightness is not as noticeable.
Do you need a faster processor? The S9 chip in the Ultra 2 is faster than the S8 chip in the original Ultra, but most users will not notice a significant difference in performance.
Do you need Double Tap support? Double Tap is a new feature that allows you to interact with your watch using a single hand. This can be useful for athletes or anyone else who needs to use their watch while their hands are full. However, if you don’t need this feature, it’s not enough of a reason to upgrade.
Are you willing to pay the price? The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a very expensive watch. If you’re happy with your current Apple Watch, there’s no need to rush out and buy the Ultra 2.

Overall, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a solid upgrade over the original Ultra, but it’s not a must-have for everyone. If you’re not sure whether or not to upgrade, it’s worth waiting for some reviews to come out to see if the new features are worth the extra cost.

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