Some USB-C cables could fry your laptop and smartphone: Report

A new report has pointed out a major potential problem with USB-C, the cable that powers many devices today. Google engineer Benson Leung tested the USB-C cables and adaptor for quality and compliance with the standard and while testing it, managed to blow up his test gear. According to a report by ZDNet, the cable in question was a USB 3.1 Type-C SuperSpeed cable from a company called Surjtech. Benson Leung connected the cable up to his test gear and thanks to what appears to be sloppy soldering and the use of an incorrect resistor, the cable instantly destroyed a Chromebook Pixel 2 and both of his USB power delivery analysers. The report also sheds some light on the process one has to go through. Firstly, whenever possible, use a genuine cable or adapter/charger. In addition, also read reviews as it is worth checking out what others have commented on the product. Avoid purchasing any cheap or no-name cables as well. [caption id=“attachment_298474” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”]  Image: Google+[/caption] Benson Leung also followed up on his Type C and offered more details of what exactly happened, along with a few images. According to a report, Apple also solved this problem with its proprietary Lightning cable, and made a ‘Made for iPhone’ licensing program. Anything that does not have this label is said to potentially dangerous.