Term of the Moment
chroma
Definition: USB 3.1
A previous generation of the USB hardware interface, introduced in 2013. USB 3.1 doubled the transfer rate from 5 to 10 Gbps. Also called "SuperSpeed+", new cables and connectors are required.
A Naming Jumble
USB 3.0 and 3.1 were renamed twice, resulting in the following three ways the same ports may be identified. Thankfully, this jumble should disappear in the future because a new naming convention was adopted with USB 4 (see USB). See USB 3.2.
USB-C or High-Performance Type A
The Simpler Reference
Not Really
A Naming Jumble
USB 3.0 and 3.1 were renamed twice, resulting in the following three ways the same ports may be identified. Thankfully, this jumble should disappear in the future because a new naming convention was adopted with USB 4 (see USB). See USB 3.2.
USB 3.0 USB 3.1
3.0 3.1
3.1 Gen 1 3.1 Gen 2
3.2 Gen 1x1 3.2 Gen 2x1
On the host, either USB-C or certified Type A ports must be used to handle the higher speed of USB 3.1. (Image courtesy of VESA.)
Regardless of the fact USB 3.1 is officially USB 3.2 Gen 2x1, millions of references to the simpler 3.1 designation are found everywhere.
USB specs are confusing to begin with, and worse yet is when products are labeled incorrectly. The SuperSpeed logo and 5 Gbps data rate define USB 3.0 and not 3.1. See USB 3.0.