03-08-2022, 06:38 AM
Generally speaking, USB cables are classified into one of two different bandwidth groups: 1.1, which transfers data at a maximum rate of 1.5 Mbit per second, and 2.0, with a 480 Mbit per second data transfer rate. USB 2.0 is backward compatible with the lower data transmission requirements of 1.1, but the substitution can’t be reversed; 1.1 just can’t deliver the rate of data transfer that USB 2.0-rated devices need.
In addition to the bandwidth classifications listed above, USB devices can also be labeled in the following “speed” categories, which specify the amount of bandwidth they need to operate:
Low Speed: The “ low speed” rating indicates that a device requires minimal bandwidth (1.5 Mbit/s) to function, so it can be used in conjunction with either 1.1 or 2.0 USB cables. Joysticks, keyboards and computer mice are a few common examples of low speed devices.
Full Speed: Devices labeled “full speed” need a signal rate of 12 Mbit per second. Since this is such a common bandwidth requirement, all USB hubs on the market have been designed to support Full Speed. And even though the data transfer speed is higher, Full Speed – like Low Speed – transmits equally well via 1.1 or 2.0 USB cables.
High Speed: “ High speed” USB devices run at 480 Mbit per second, and require a 2.0-rated USB cable.
What does it mean when USB cables and devices are described as “hot swappable?”
One of the most convenient features of USB C PD cable and devices is their ability to be “hot swapped,” which means that they can be plugged into – and unplugged from – a computer as needed, without that computer needing to be powered down first.
Active noise cancellation: It's a feature we all love, but there's a good reason it's more commonly found in full-sized, over-ear headphones. Good noise cancellation requires sophisticated electronics, and those electronics must go somewhere. That's why most in-ears with active noise cancelling capabilities either come with a gigantic in-line control box, or bulge way out of your ears. Moving that circuitry to inside the neckband headphones means the bits you stick in your ears can stay compact and light, without any sacrifices in terms of the quality of noise cancellation.As long as you're using the right cable or the right wireless standard (and it's difficult not to), you can use just about any wall charger with your phone. Modern-day handsets will regulate the power draw to keep the battery protected, so there's no danger of blowing up your phone by using a charger that's too powerful for it.
That said, be wary of using cheap, no-brand chargers, or chargers that have been sitting around for years, as they may not necessarily stick to the same safety standards as the rest. We're not saying all of these chargers are dodgy, but to be safe it's always worth going with a newer charger from a reputable manufacturer or accessories maker, even if it's a little bit more expensive.
The bottom line is that while just about any new-ish charger will work with just about any new-ish phone at this point, you won't necessarily see the maximum charging speeds or the most efficient charging rate if you're not using kit made by the same company.
In addition to the bandwidth classifications listed above, USB devices can also be labeled in the following “speed” categories, which specify the amount of bandwidth they need to operate:
Low Speed: The “ low speed” rating indicates that a device requires minimal bandwidth (1.5 Mbit/s) to function, so it can be used in conjunction with either 1.1 or 2.0 USB cables. Joysticks, keyboards and computer mice are a few common examples of low speed devices.
Full Speed: Devices labeled “full speed” need a signal rate of 12 Mbit per second. Since this is such a common bandwidth requirement, all USB hubs on the market have been designed to support Full Speed. And even though the data transfer speed is higher, Full Speed – like Low Speed – transmits equally well via 1.1 or 2.0 USB cables.
High Speed: “ High speed” USB devices run at 480 Mbit per second, and require a 2.0-rated USB cable.
What does it mean when USB cables and devices are described as “hot swappable?”
One of the most convenient features of USB C PD cable and devices is their ability to be “hot swapped,” which means that they can be plugged into – and unplugged from – a computer as needed, without that computer needing to be powered down first.
Active noise cancellation: It's a feature we all love, but there's a good reason it's more commonly found in full-sized, over-ear headphones. Good noise cancellation requires sophisticated electronics, and those electronics must go somewhere. That's why most in-ears with active noise cancelling capabilities either come with a gigantic in-line control box, or bulge way out of your ears. Moving that circuitry to inside the neckband headphones means the bits you stick in your ears can stay compact and light, without any sacrifices in terms of the quality of noise cancellation.As long as you're using the right cable or the right wireless standard (and it's difficult not to), you can use just about any wall charger with your phone. Modern-day handsets will regulate the power draw to keep the battery protected, so there's no danger of blowing up your phone by using a charger that's too powerful for it.
That said, be wary of using cheap, no-brand chargers, or chargers that have been sitting around for years, as they may not necessarily stick to the same safety standards as the rest. We're not saying all of these chargers are dodgy, but to be safe it's always worth going with a newer charger from a reputable manufacturer or accessories maker, even if it's a little bit more expensive.
The bottom line is that while just about any new-ish charger will work with just about any new-ish phone at this point, you won't necessarily see the maximum charging speeds or the most efficient charging rate if you're not using kit made by the same company.