USB4 Archives

Winsage

January 6, 2026

HP put a mini PC inside a keyboard, and I love it — a Windows-based approach to the Raspberry Pi 500 with self-repairable parts

HP introduced the EliteBoard G1a at CES 2026, a keyboard that integrates a mini PC powered by AMD's Ryzen AI 300 PRO mobile processors, featuring a neural processing unit (NPU) capable of delivering up to 50 TOPS. It is designed to cater to hybrid workers using external monitors with laptops closed. The internal components include upgradeable DDR5 SODIMM RAM and M.2 NVMe solid-state drives. Key specifications include: - OS: Windows 11 Home, Windows 11 Pro - CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 PRO, AMD Ryzen AI 5 340 PRO, AMD Ryzen AI 5 330 PRO - GPU: Up to AMD Radeon 860M integrated - RAM: Up to 64GB DDR5-5600 SODIMM - Storage: Up to 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2, 512GB encrypted PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2, 32GB eMMC v5.0 (Ryzen AI 7 350 only) - Ports: 1x USB4, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (detached cable); 1x tethered USB4, 1x USB4, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (attached cable) - Connectivity: MediaTek RZ616 Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.3, MediaTek MT7925 Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 6.0 - Audio: Stereo speakers, Stereo microphones - Power: Configurable 32Whr battery (3.5+ hours), 65W USB-C GaN power adapter - Dimensions: 358mm x 118mm x 17mm, weight 1.49 - 1.69 lbs The design includes a spill-resistant keyboard that can be replaced in about ten minutes and a removable bottom panel for easy access to internal components. Both models support up to four 4K monitors at 60Hz and offer around 3.5 hours of usage on a full charge. The EliteBoard G1a has received a CES Innovation Award.

Winsage

October 8, 2025

I just found a 40% discount on this new Windows 11 Copilot+ PC that brings it below $500 — a great option for Windows 10 holdouts this Prime Day

Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale features the Acer Aspire 14 AI, a Windows 11 Copilot+ PC, now priced at 9, reflecting a 40% discount from its regular price of 9. The laptop is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 5 CPU, an Intel Arc GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It has a 14-inch 1080p display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, a full-size keyboard, and a spacious trackpad. Connectivity options include two USB4 Type-C ports, two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, and a headphone jack, along with support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. The device is suitable for productivity tasks, media consumption, light gaming, and creative projects.

Winsage

October 8, 2025

I just found a 40% discount on this new Windows 11 Copilot+ PC that brings it below $500 — a great option for Windows 10 holdouts this Prime Day

Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale features the Acer Aspire 14 AI, a Windows 11 Copilot+ PC, now priced at 9, a 40% discount from its regular price of 9. The device is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 5 CPU, an Intel Arc GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, making it suitable for productivity tasks, media consumption, and light gaming. It has a 14-inch 1080p display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, a full-size keyboard, and a spacious trackpad. Connectivity includes two USB4 Type-C ports, two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, and a headphone jack, along with support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Copilot+ PCs usually retail for 9 or more, making this sale a unique opportunity. Windows 10 support will end in October 2025, making the Acer Aspire 14 AI a future-proof option for users seeking the latest AI capabilities.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

ROG Xbox Ally From Asus and Microsoft Arrives Holiday 2025

Microsoft announced the ROG Xbox Ally, a handheld gaming device developed with Asus, during the Xbox Games Showcase. It will launch later this year in two models: the standard ROG Xbox Ally and the more powerful ROG Xbox Ally X. The ROG Xbox Ally features: - AMD Ryzen Z2A processor - 16GB RAM - 512GB storage The ROG Xbox Ally X features: - AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor - 24GB RAM - 1TB storage Both models run on Windows 11 Home, have a 7" FHD display, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.4. The standard model weighs 670g with a 60Wh battery, while the X model weighs 715g with an 80Wh battery. Pricing is anticipated to be around 0, with a release expected during the holiday season. Additionally, the game Silksong will be available at the time of the device's release.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft agrees that USB is a mess and it’s making changes to fix it: ‘Manufacturers can implement ports that look identical but differ wildly in functionality’

Microsoft is implementing new standards to enhance the reliability of USB connections, particularly for devices that comply with the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP). All WHCP-compliant hardware with USB Type-C must use USB-IF-certified silicon, ensuring efficient charging and support for DisplayPort Alt-Mode for additional monitors. USB4 certification requires a maximum data speed of 40 Gbps, up to 15 W of power for accessories, support for dual 4K displays at 60 Hz, and compatibility with PCIe and Thunderbolt 3. Testing is conducted through Microsoft's Hardware Lab Kit (HLK), and certification is paused if issues arise during testing. This initiative aims to clarify USB Type-C port capabilities and improve consumer confidence in WHCP-certified devices.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Windows 11 news and updates: Sora video AI comes to Bing while USB-C changes will make all of our lives easier

Microsoft has made adjustments to Windows 11 and Windows 10 to comply with the Digital Markets Act for users in the European Economic Area, including stopping prompts to set Edge as the default browser and automatically pinning users' preferred browsers to the Taskbar. The optional update KB5058499 (OS Build 26100.4202) for Windows 11, released on May 28, 2025, improves gaming stability and includes upgrades to AI tools. OpenAI's Sora AI model is now available globally in the Bing Video Creator within the Bing mobile app. Notepad has added support for Markdown syntax. Microsoft has committed that all USB-C ports on Windows 11 will support data, charging, and display functionalities, with USB4 ports being compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and USB4 peripherals. The release date for Windows 11 version 25H2 is anticipated between September and October 2025.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft belatedly attempts to tame USB-C confusion with its rules for PC OEMs

27 percent of computers equipped with USB4 are experiencing limited functionality notifications when users connect USB-C devices that require specific features not supported by the PC. Microsoft mandates that USB-C ports on Windows PCs include essential features such as PC charging support and the capability to connect at least one external display, with a minimum power supply of 4.5 watts for accessories. Microsoft does not enforce higher transfer speeds or specific USB-PD wattage levels but expects USB-C ports to deliver USB 3.x speeds, display output, and charging support. Thunderbolt 4 and 5 ports support a comprehensive suite of USB-C capabilities, including high transfer speeds of 40 or 80Gbps and the ability to connect multiple external 4K displays while providing up to 15 watts of power for accessories. The Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) provides automated testing tools for PC manufacturers to ensure compatibility with Windows and requires USB-C ports to utilize Windows' built-in USB drivers for streamlined fixes through Windows Update.

Winsage

June 2, 2025

Make USB-C great again: Microsoft requires full functionality of all PC ports for Windows 11 certificate

Microsoft has announced an update to its Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) for Windows 11, introducing a new standard for USB-C ports. All certified devices must support data transfer, charging, and video output through their USB-C ports. Laptops with 40 Gbps USB ports will be required to support USB4 and Thunderbolt 3. The updates are effective for devices shipping with the Windows 11 24H2 update and will mandate the use of certified chips from USB-IF, along with Microsoft's own USB controller driver. These changes aim to eliminate inconsistencies in USB-C functionality across devices, providing users with reliable port performance by 2025.

Winsage

June 2, 2025

Microsoft imposes new rules on Windows 11 laptop makers to ensure they don’t cut corners with key features of USB-C ports

Microsoft has introduced new regulations to standardize USB-C ports on Windows 11 laptops, ensuring that all ports provide essential functionalities: display support, PC charging support, and data transfer. The updated Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) mandates that every USB-C port must adhere to a minimum standard of functionality, allowing users to connect external monitors, charge devices, and transfer data efficiently. Ports supporting USB 40Gbps will also be compatible with USB4 and Thunderbolt 3 peripherals. These requirements are effective with the release of Windows 11 24H2. While the regulations establish a baseline, variations in specifications such as supported displays, power delivery capacity, and data transfer speeds may still exist and should be detailed in laptop specifications.

Winsage

June 2, 2025

‘Two firm promises of USB-C on Windows 11’ — How Microsoft plans to eliminate connectivity confusion

USB-C ports are standard on contemporary Windows laptops, but not all deliver the same performance. A recent blog post by Microsoft revealed that 27% of Windows PCs with USB4 ports experience a "limited functionality" notification when connecting peripherals. This issue arises from inconsistent USB-C implementations by manufacturers, often leaving users unaware of their ports' capabilities. To address these challenges, Microsoft is updating the Windows 11 Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) to ensure that laptops shipping with Windows 11 version 24H2 will have WHCP certification. This certification guarantees universal USB data, charging, and display support across all USB-C ports, and full compatibility for USB4 ports with 40Gbps performance with Thunderbolt 3 and USB4 peripherals. The WHCP will enforce minimum capabilities for each USB-C version, requiring USB-IF certified silicon in certified laptops, ensuring USB Power Delivery capabilities for all ports, and mandating DisplayPort Alt Mode for external display support. Additionally, a new requirement for Microsoft's driver stack will ensure PCs receive the latest USB driver updates. USB4 introduces two performance tiers: 40Gbps and 80Gbps. New laptops with USB4 connections at 40Gbps will be required to ensure compatibility with USB4 and Thunderbolt 3 accessories. WHCP certification will also apply to 80Gbps USB4 ports, mandating 80Gbps transfer speeds and a specific mode for high-resolution displays. The WHCP certification will be enforced through a Hardware Lab Kit, incorporating user feedback and automated testing.