Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant yet often overlooked contributions of Indian inventor Nasir Ahmed, particularly his development of the DCT algorithm, which has become foundational in digital image and video compression, impacting global communication and technology [1][9]. Group 1: Historical Context of Indian Software Industry - In the late 20th century, India's software industry was highly regarded, with companies like InfoSys setting the standard for software outsourcing and achieving high CMM certification levels [1][2]. - During the early days of software outsourcing, Indian firms were seen as leaders, while Chinese companies were still learning from them [1][2]. Group 2: Development of DCT Algorithm - Nasir Ahmed conceived the idea of image compression in 1972 while working as a professor in the U.S., despite facing financial challenges and skepticism from peers [2][3]. - The DCT algorithm allows for significant image size reduction (up to 10:1) while maintaining visual quality, revolutionizing how images are stored and transmitted [6][7]. Group 3: Impact of DCT on Digital Communication - The DCT algorithm became integral to various digital formats, including JPEG for images and MP3 for audio, enabling efficient data transmission over the internet [7][8]. - Without DCT, modern digital communication, including video calls and social media sharing, would not be feasible, highlighting its critical role in the digital age [8][9]. Group 4: Recognition and Legacy - Despite the widespread use of DCT, Nasir Ahmed remained relatively unknown and did not seek patents or commercialize his invention, focusing instead on academia [9][10]. - The article emphasizes the importance of foundational innovations like DCT, which, while not always recognized, have profound effects on global connectivity and technology [10][11]. Group 5: Indian Innovation Culture - The article discusses the Indian approach to innovation, which often emphasizes deep technical research over quick financial gains, as exemplified by Ahmed's work on DCT and the invention of USB [10][11]. - This culture of perseverance and focus on foundational technology has led to significant contributions to the digital world, despite the perception of India as primarily a service-oriented economy [11][13].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution and various standards of USB technology, highlighting the importance of understanding different USB protocols and their corresponding performance indicators. Group 1: USB Evolution - USB was introduced in the late 1990s as a universal interface, replacing multiple types of ports and significantly changing computer usage [1] - USB 2.0, released in April 2000, offered a transmission speed of 480 Mbps, a substantial increase from USB 1.1's 12 Mbps, making it suitable for high-bandwidth peripherals [5][6] - USB 3.0, launched in November 2008, increased the maximum speed to 5 Gbps (625 MB/s), marking a significant upgrade over USB 2.0 [9] - USB 3.1 Gen 2 doubled the speed to 10 Gbps (1250 MB/s) in 2013, with further updates leading to USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 supporting 20 Gbps [13][16] - USB4, introduced in 2019, provided a major upgrade with a theoretical maximum bandwidth of 40 Gbps (5000 MB/s) [19] - USB4 Version 2.0, launched in 2022, further increased the speed to 80 Gbps (10000 MB/s) [21] Group 2: USB Standards and Icons - USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) created a set of icons to help users identify the supported protocols and performance of USB ports [2] - The USB PD (Power Delivery) standard allows for power delivery of up to 100W, with the latest version supporting up to 240W [29] - DisplayPort Alternate Mode allows USB-C ports to support video output, but is gradually being replaced by USB4 and Thunderbolt standards [33][34] Group 3: Thunderbolt Technology - Thunderbolt is not USB but uses USB-C connectors and has cross-compatibility with USB, making it relevant for users to understand [24] - The latest Thunderbolt version supports speeds up to 80 Gbps, comparable to USB4 [25]