Why USB Fits Only One Side?

We Indian's are ruling the world, whether it be our prime minister Narendra ModiJi or the CEO's of Google, Nokia, Microsoft (just to name a few). We are everywhere. But did it ever occurred to you that the greatest of invention of all time or at least one of the greatest invention was done by an Indian? Yes i am talking about the Universal Serial Bus i.e. USB.  

Ajay V. Bhatt, is an Indian-American computer architect developed the USB.The first USB technology began development in 1994, co-invented by Ajay  Bhatt of Intel and the USB-IF (USB Implementers Forum, Inc). This  organization is comprised of industry leaders like Intel, Microsoft,  Compaq, LSI, Apple and Hewlett-Packard.

Ajay Bhatt

 In earlier days there was no one standard that could be followed for improving the compatibility among the devices. Each device manufacturer was shipping separate cable for their device and that was too inconvenient if you broke or damaged the original cable. Everyone wanted to rule the market with their own new solution, but they were not really concerned about the consumer and that hit AJay Bhatt hard.

Ajay Bhatt while working at Intel thought of "what if there is one standard that fits all" and that leads to the invention of USB. When the development of USB started, its goal was being unpretentious — to simply improve the compatibility among different devices and solve the very basic problem of inconvenience that no one was thinking about.

But why it fits only one side?

While talking to design news, the co-inventor of USB, Ajay Bhatt said "When we started I don’t think most people, including my colleagues at Intel, realized that USB was something that was needed,” Bhatt stated that the biggest issue their team faced was cost, They were trying to  compete with other standards that co-existed before convincing the customer to make whole new transition. Bhatt and his team itself said and thought about making it reversible because that would be too convenient for the users but they knew that adding one feature would increase the cost. 

It was also a complicated thing to start with and doubling the pins would have meant more wires and circuitry. As this technology was new and unproven in the market, there were lots of economic risks involved. And so they ditched the idea of usability for cost perspective. 

So next time when you see a USB device feel proud. It might be made in China or else where but it is invented by an Indian. Till next time stay safe, stay updated and stay connected.