Let’s talk about the nearly immortal tech relic that just refuses to die: the Micro USB port. In her article "Micro USB is the bane of my existence," Victoria Song of The Verge paints a hilariously relatable picture of the ongoing struggle between modern tech expectations and outdated gadget reality. Despite USB-C having launched a full decade ago—and even becoming mandatory across many devices in the EU—Micro USB lingers like an unwanted houseguest. From cat nail grinders to Roku devices and even the HP Sprocket photo printer she received as a gift, Micro USB keeps popping up in new products where it honestly shouldn't exist anymore. And it's not just annoying—it adds confusion, clutter, and the classic “Why doesn’t this stupid cable fit?!” moment to our daily lives. While progress is being made, thanks in no small part to EU regulations nudging manufacturers toward USB-C, Song concludes that she’s still stuck with at least two Micro USB cables… for now.

Key Takeaways:

• Despite its 2014 debut, USB-C still hasn’t fully replaced Micro USB, which continues to show up in new gadgets across various categories—from small appliances to streaming sticks and even fancy microphones.

• “The longer the device lasts, the greater the chance that you might need to buy a new Micro USB cable,” Song laments, highlighting how longevity and recharge cycles contribute to the connector’s persistence.

• One key reason for Micro USB’s survival? Long refresh cycles for products like printers, vehicles, and aircraft. Other factors include inventory backlog and minor manufacturing cost savings.

• Product listings can be misleading: Many online descriptions simply say “USB,” leaving consumers to guess whether they’re getting USB-C or the dreaded Micro USB.

• According to Jeff Ravencraft of the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), USB-C adoption is growing rapidly and multiple governments are pushing manufacturers to standardize, especially in the EU.

• The European Union now mandates USB-C charging for most small electronic devices (phones, tablets, cameras, game consoles, etc.), with laptops following by 2026. Printers and niche gadgets aren't covered yet.

• Apple finally ditched its proprietary Lightning port in favor of USB-C with the iPhone 15—largely due to regulatory pressure.

• Song humorously ends her piece admitting that even after trying to purge Micro USB from her life, she still had to go out and buy a $7 braided Micro USB to USB-C cable for her Shure MV7 mic.

• Product mentions:

  • HP Sprocket portable photo printer (uses Micro USB)
  • Roku Streaming Stick 4K (Micro USB despite being a new product)
  • Shure MV7 microphone (uses Micro USB, discontinued in 2024)
  • Braided Micro USB to USB-C cable as a workaround solution (~$7)

Bottom line: USB-C may be the future—but for now, keep at least one Micro USB cable handy… and maybe don’t toss your dongles just yet.
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