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by placeybordeaux 4106 days ago
This is written like it is a novel situation. Smart phones have had this problem almost since inception.

Would be nice to see a hardware switch to deactivate the pins that aren't needed for power.
2 comments
Someone1234 4106 days ago
That switch sounds like a tech' support nightmare. Even WiFi switches are a massive PITA that are almost more trouble than they're worth.

I'd suggest that if people want safe USB that they just buy a USB "condom" (i.e. an adapter that goes between the power and port, and disconnects the data wires).

Although does USB-C use any of the data pins to determine if it is safe to transmit power? I just ask because Apple's USB implementation sends different amount of power based on how the device responds across several non-power related pins.

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masklinn 4106 days ago
> Although does USB-C use any of the data pins to determine if it is safe to transmit power?

Power Delivery 2.0 signals via Vbus (the 5V line) and additionally via CC when using the Type C connector. PD2 is specified for Type A, Type B and Type C connectors.

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stellar2014 4106 days ago
Syncstop claims to work with any mobile device win/apple/android/blackberry. Anyone tried syncstop with apple devices? [edit] corrected typo
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3pt14159 4106 days ago
The difference is that smart phones (at least the iPhone) have a "trust this computer?" prompt. It is unclear whether the new Macbook will.

Edit: This will presumably disable any usage of the non-power lines.

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