
Sanwa Supply Unveils Innovative 240W Rotating USB-C Cable | Image Source: www.techspot.com
OSAKA, Japan, December 21, 2024 – Sowa Supply, a well-known Japanese electronics company, introduced a new USB-C cable, the 500-USB090, which combines energy delivery efficiency with a unique design designed to improve user comfort. According to TechSpot, this cable stands out in the entire market for USB accessories, offering an innovative turnaround function that addresses the common problems that users face when loading their devices.
The new cable emphasizes its ability to rotate 180 degrees vertically and 360 degrees horizontally, allowing users to position connected devices in almost any orientation without being limited by the positioning of the cord. This function is designed to facilitate the use of smartphones, tablets, laptops and other devices during charging, making it particularly useful for use in confined spaces such as cars or small offices.
High-power delivery with limitations
One of the main outlets of the 500-USB090 is its impressive 240W power supply capacity. According to Sanwa Supply, this level of power is enough to load a wide range of devices, including MacBooks, portable monitors, gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch, and high performance tablets. The robust charging capacity of the cable complies with emerging standards in the USB ecosystem, in particular the USB4 2.0 and Thunderbolt 5 protocols, which are expected to be more important in the near future.
However, cable has its drawbacks. It only supports USB 2.0 data transfer speeds, cached at 480 Mbps, significantly slower than the USB 3.2 standard commonly found in new USB cables. This limitation positions 500-USB090 primarily as a power cable instead of a data transfer solution. As TechSpot points out, this could deter users who require high-speed data transfers as well as load capabilities.
Comparison with new USB standards
Although the 500-USB090 pushes the limits in terms of flexibility and load power, it is delayed compared to the capabilities of the new USB4 and Thunderbolt 5 protocols. These standards promise speeds of up to 80 Gbps for two-way transfers and even higher asymmetric speeds of 120 Gbps in one direction. The introduction of USB4 2.0 cables certified by companies like Elecom, which also supports the 240W charge, highlights the growing competition in this area. However, Sanwa Supply’s offer remains a compelling option for users by prioritizing load comfort over data speed.
Market availability and prices
Currently, the Sanwa 500-USB090 USB-C cable is available exclusively in Japan via the company’s online store, priced at ¥2.580, approximately equivalent to $16. The accessibility of the cable, as well as its innovative design, could make it an attractive option for users looking for convenient charging solutions. However, as TechSpot pointed out, Sanwa has not revealed plans for a global launch, leaving international consumers willing to test the product pending further updates.
In addition to the swivel USB-C cable, Sanwa Supply expanded its alignment with other innovative accessories, such as a fast-release Ethernet cable inspired by Apple’s MagSafe technology. This Ethernet cable, priced at 4,180 yen (27 dollars) for a one-metre variant, has a removable CAT6 plug, designed to avoid damage to accidental tugs and simplify installation in different environments.
Consequences for the USB Access Market
The 500-USB090 is part of a broader trend towards more user-friendly and versatile USB accessories. As USB-C continues to dominate as a universal standard for data loading and transfer, manufacturers are looking for ways to differentiate their products through design innovations and enhanced functionality. Sanwa Supply focuses on the practical challenges that users face, such as cable management and load flexibility, which underscores the growing demand for these improvements.
In addition, the introduction of USB4 2.0 and Thunderbolt 5 should further revolutionize the market for USB accessories, leading to improvements in speed, electricity delivery and compatibility. Although the Sanwa Supply 500-USB090 cannot take full advantage of these protocols, it represents a step forward in meeting the needs of evolving consumers and highlights the potential for future innovation in this area.
As USB technologies continue to evolve, products like 500-USB090 demonstrate the importance of balancing advanced capabilities with practical design considerations. With its rotating plug and high delivery power, Sanwa Supply has established a new reference point for versatility and comfort, even when it leaves room for improved data transfer speeds.