Achieving fast-charging requires manufacturers to change the Vbus voltage, which is exactly what Qualcomm does to achieve the Quick Charge state. However, the Type-C USB specification prohibits this, and it looks like Google wants to change this approach once and for all.
Google Isn’t Happy With What Manufacturers do With Their Proprietary Technology – Company Wants Interoperability Between the Chargers
Google has stated the following, showing concern of the different proprietary charging methods that other companies have adopted over the course of time:
“Type-C devices are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to not support proprietary charging methods that modify Vbus voltage beyond default levels, or alter sink/source roles as such may result in interoperability issues with the chargers or devices that support the standard USB Power Delivery methods. While this is called out as “STRONGLY RECOMMENDED”, in future Android versions we might REQUIRE all type-C devices to support full interoperability with standard type-C chargers.”
Even though Qualcomm’s proprietary charging technology has not harmed devices as yet, Google wants Type-C USB to work as a universal standard, where the cables all work with all of the devices. In case you didn’t know, Type-C USB is capable of delivering up to 100 watts of power, and Google is not too keen on allowing manufacturers to implement their own versions since they fall out of the specifications line. Earlier, it was reported that a new Type-C USB certification would prevent the overheating of products in the near future.
It all started when an engineer managed to end up frying his Chromebook by plugging in a Type-C USB cable, which resulted in hefty changes being introduced in order to put an end to the deleterious effects of these accessories. First came Amazon, who started removing shoddy cables from its catalog and now thanks to the intervention of HP, Intel, and Microsoft, the new authentication will have several benefits for consumers.
However, in order for this to be done right, Google will need all manufacturers to play nicely. However, it doesn’t look like companies like Qualcomm, MediaTek, OPPO or others are going to comply with this anytime soon.
