New $16 240W omnidirectional USB cable orients to your device not vise versa

In summary: When shopping for USB cables, it’s important to consider compatibility, speed, power delivery, length, and price. Sanwa Supply’s new USB-C cable offers a unique feature that can make using devices while charging more convenient. While it may not be the fastest or longest cable available, it is durable and versatile for quick charging needs.

Sanwa Supply’s 500-USB090 USB-C cable is now on sale on their Japanese website. The rotating plug on the cable is designed to make using portable devices easier during charging.

Both ends of the cable can rotate 180 degrees vertically and 360 degrees horizontally, allowing users to position the cord in any direction. This eliminates the inconvenience of having to adjust the device based on how the cable bends, as seen in the image below.

The cable supports 240W power delivery, making it suitable for charging phones, tablets, Nintendo Switch, portable monitors, and MacBooks quickly. While this power rating may not be common yet, it is expected to become more widespread with the introduction of USB4 2.0 and Thunderbolt 5. Sanwa demonstrates the flexibility of the cable by showing it connected to various devices in different settings.

One limitation of the 500-USB090 is that it only supports USB 2.0 data transfers up to 480Mbps, which is why it is primarily marketed as a power cable. Most standard USB cables now support USB 3.2, offering much higher transfer speeds.

As USB4 and Thunderbolt protocols become more prevalent, we can expect bi-directional transfers at speeds of 80Gbps or asymmetrical connections with speeds of 120Gbps in one direction and 40Gbps in the other. While charging at 240W is possible, it is not yet universal.

In October, Elecom released the first certified USB4 2.0 cable, with one model supporting 240W charging and another limited to 60W. Newer PCs like Apple’s M1 Macs are incorporating Thunderbolt 5, and older desktops can achieve compatibility through PCIe cards.

It is unclear if or when Sanwa will offer the 500-USB090 globally, but the cable is currently available in Japan for ¥2,580 (approximately $16).

Additionally, the company has introduced a quick-release Ethernet cable inspired by Apple’s MagSafe technology. The CAT6 plug detaches easily, making installation simpler and reducing the risk of damage if the cable is tripped over. This 10Gbps accessory starts at ¥4,180 ($27) for the one-meter version.