Anker's new dual-headed cable set to ease cable clutter

Anker introduces an innovative solution to reduce cable clutter with its new dual-headed USB-C cable. Priced at $25, this 2-in-1 cable enables simultaneous charging of two devices from a single USB-C port. The standout feature is the cable's built-in "Smart Power Management," which ensures optimal power distribution based on the power needs of each device. This is prepared by SSP.

Measuring four feet in length, the cable sports a USB-C port on one end and splits into two USB-C ports on the other, with each port accompanied by a detachable foot-long cable for easy organization. Anker boasts the cable's durability, with a sheath capable of withstanding over 10,000 bends.

Equipped with support for key USB power delivery protocols including PD, PPS, and PIQ 2.0, Anker's 2-in-1 cable can deliver up to 140W of power when a single device is connected to a power adapter. However, when two devices are simultaneously connected, such as a laptop and a smartphone, the cable adjusts the maximum power delivery to 130W if either device exceeds 100W. If both devices require less power, the cable adjusts the power delivery accordingly, capped at 100W.

Anker provides insight into the cable's automated power management functionality. For instance, if two laptops are plugged into a single USB-C power source at the same time, the first laptop plugged in will receive more power. When charging a laptop and a smartphone simultaneously using a slower 60W power adapter, the laptop obtains 30W while the phone receives 13.5W. To fully utilize the capabilities of this cable, it is recommended to pair it with a higher wattage USB-C power adapter.

While the cable supports data transfer, it does not function as a USB-C hub. Data sharing is limited to the first device connected, and transfers are limited to USB 2.0 speeds of 480Mbps.