The small square holes on either side of a USB connector aren’t just aesthetic quirks. They’re a mechanical feature to maintain a stable connection.
USB, or Universal Serial Bus, revolutionized how we connect and power devices when it debuted in 1996, thanks to a collaboration between Intel, Microsoft, IBM, and Compaq. Before USB, users had to navigate proprietary ports and cables to connect printers, keyboards, and external drives. USB standardized these connections, simplifying device compatibility and fueling the growth of plug-and-play peripherals. Over the years, USB has evolved through multiple versions, from USB 1.0 to USB 4, enhancing both data transfer speeds and power delivery. USB-C is becoming the dominant connector due to its compact size, reversible design, and broad compatibility across smartphones, laptops, and accessories.
