Chrome OS Now Warns Users About USB-C Cable Shortcomings

Google has updated Chrome OS to warn users about the shortcomings of their USB-C cables.

There's no denying the appeal of USB-C. It's faster than its predecessors; relies on reversible connectors; and supports data transfers, power delivery, and video output with a single cable. But it's also maddeningly difficult to distinguish between various USB-C products.

Google has a solution. 9to5Google reports(Opens in a new window) that Chrome OS 102 now alerts users when a connected USB-C cable doesn't support the same data transfer speeds as a connected device, isn't compatible with USB4 or Thunderbolt 3, or can't properly handle display output.

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Google has also published a support article(Opens in a new window) related to these warnings in which it explains what kind of cable a Chrome OS user needs to buy to take full advantage of USB-C's capabilities. The company doesn't make specific recommendations, but at least it's offering users some guidance.

It doesn't seem that all Chrome OS users will see these alerts, however, with 9to5Google reporting that they're exclusive to Chromebooks that feature Intel's 11th Gen or 12th Gen CPUs that support USB4 or Thunderbolt 3. Devices with older processors will be out of luck.