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Show HN: WhatCable, a tiny menu bar app for inspecting USB-C cables (github.com)

566 points by sleepingNomad · 74 days ago · 168 comments on HN

Article summary

WhatCable is a free and open-source macOS menu bar app that provides information about USB-C cables, including their capabilities, charging speed, and data transfer speed. The app uses IOKit services to gather this information and displays it in a user-friendly interface. WhatCable also offers a command-line interface and can be installed via Homebrew. A Pro version is available with additional features, including live power metering and display diagnostics.

Main themes

  • USB-C cable inspection
  • macOS app development
  • IOKit services
  • USB Power Delivery
  • Thunderbolt 3 and 4
  • Cable quality and compatibility

What commenters say

  • The app's functionality could be replicated on Linux using a wrapper for lsusb, and some users have found alternative solutions such as lsucpd.
  • Some users have experienced issues with the app not detecting USB-C ports or showing incorrect information, which may be due to hardware or software limitations.
  • The app's display of implementation details, such as whether a cable is plugged in upside down, may be unnecessary and potentially confusing for users.
  • A console utility or quickly launchable GUI version of the app would be preferable to a menu bar app for some users, as it would reduce clutter and be more convenient to use.
  • The app's Pro version offers valuable additional features, but some users may not find them worth the cost, and the free version may be sufficient for their needs.
  • Some users have reported issues with the app's accuracy, such as incorrectly identifying cables as being plugged in upside down, which may be due to bugs or hardware issues.
  • The app's ability to provide detailed information about USB-C cables and their capabilities is useful for troubleshooting and optimizing system performance, but may not be necessary for casual users.
  • The development and maintenance of the app, including the resolution of issues and addition of new features, is an ongoing process that requires user feedback and support.