THE CRUNCH
Other World Computing has announced the addition of a USB4 hub and 40 Gb/s Active Optical Cables in 3-metre and 5-metre lengths to its product lineup. The hub is positioned for creative professionals and hybrid workers who want to connect external storage, accessories, and an HDMI 2.1 display to a laptop while also charging it. The cables are designed to extend connectivity over longer distances without losing speed.
The OWC USB4 Hub is marketed as a solution for users who want the portability of a laptop but require full desktop connectivity. It offers up to 40 Gb/s of total bandwidth and supports up to 81 W of charging, which the company claims allows users to eliminate the need for multiple adapters and chargers. The hub is intended for heavy storage users and anyone using a modern laptop as their primary computer.
The new cables are available in 3-metre and 5-metre lengths and are described as Active Optical Cables. These are typically used to maintain high data transfer rates over longer distances compared to standard copper cables, which can suffer from signal degradation. The launch expands OWC's existing USB4 product portfolio.
Why It Matters: The introduction of longer, high-speed cables addresses a common pain point for users with limited desk space or those who need to connect devices that are not immediately adjacent to their laptop. By combining a hub and long cables into a single product ecosystem, OWC aims to simplify the setup for creative professionals and hybrid workers.
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