Core Viewpoint - The complexity of USB standards has become widely recognized, leading to confusion among consumers and industry professionals alike. The introduction of the USB4 standard was expected to simplify this situation, but progress has not been smooth [1]. Group 1: USB Standard Evolution - USB standards have undergone multiple updates, with USB 2.0 supporting speeds up to 480 Mbps, USB 3.x series introduced in 2008, and USB 4 series launched in 2019 with speeds up to 80 Gbps [2]. - The introduction of "Gen" symbols (e.g., Gen 1, Gen 2) has complicated the identification of USB versions, making it difficult for users to understand the maximum transfer speeds associated with each version [3][4]. Group 2: Naming Confusion - Different names can refer to the same technology, such as USB 3.0 being rebranded as USB 3.1 Gen 1, which adds to the confusion surrounding USB standards [3]. - Manufacturers have the discretion to choose naming conventions for their products, leading to inconsistencies in how specifications are presented across different brands [4]. Group 3: Market Naming Rules - The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) introduced market naming rules in October 2022, suggesting that names should reflect the maximum speed, such as "USB 5Gbps" for USB 3.2 Gen 1 [6]. - Despite the introduction of market names, there remains ambiguity in distinguishing between USB 4 and USB 3.x based solely on these names [7]. Group 4: Connector Standardization - USB connectors have evolved from standard A and B types to USB Type-C, which is now the standard. However, the physical shape of connectors does not indicate the speed of the USB standard [15]. - USB Type-C has become the de facto standard, supporting fast charging and display connections, but it also introduces complexity in determining data and charging directions [16]. Group 5: Ongoing Issues - The upcoming USB4 version 2.0, expected to reach speeds of 80 Gbps, will further complicate the naming conventions as it will be differentiated from previous versions [14]. - The continued use of "Gen" identifiers without specifying transfer speeds contradicts the USB-IF's goal of reducing consumer confusion [12].