Miyoshi has released a USB 3.0 extension cable (opens in new tab) with on/off switch (from PC Watch). Why didn't anyone think of this before?

Well, it's a great idea, and after all, someone, as if a lot of someone, thought of this years ago.

Not only have cables like this existed for years, but you can find them for $12 (open in new tab). Sound a little silly? Of course! Having an off/on switch on a USB extension cable is still a good idea. [Some USB devices, such as lights, Raspberry Pi projects, and storage devices, do not have power switches. If you want to turn off the power, you have to disconnect these devices all the time. It makes me angry to think about all the USB flash drives and DC ports I have ruined over the years.

These cables are for both data and power, so if you are concerned about privacy, you can plug in your webcam and flip the switch whenever you are done. Most importantly, turning these devices off increases power efficiency when they are not in use. Let's say you have a smartphone and are concerned about battery degradation due to overcharging. This is a good solution for that.

In my defense, my hardware colleague Jacob Ridley (open in new tab) was also shocked to learn of the USB switch. We both feel like the guy explaining how this "fire" thing is going to be an absolute game changer by 2022. Better late than never, I guess.