A group of Chinese technology companies has introduced a new cable called the General Purpose Media Interface (GPMI), which could eventually replace HDMI and USB cables. This cable combines video, data transfer, network connection, and power delivery into one single line. While standard USB cables can already perform these functions, GPMI provides much higher data speeds and power capacity.
The Shenzhen 8K UHD Video Industry Cooperation Alliance, made up of more than 50 tech firms, revealed that the most advanced version of GPMI can handle up to 192Gbps of data bandwidth. This is more than double the 80Gbps that USB4 Version 2 currently supports. It also delivers up to 480W of power, nearly five times the 100W provided by USB4 and Thunderbolt cables. With this high power capability, GPMI can theoretically support large and power-hungry devices such as flat-screen TVs, powerful desktop computers, and even some home appliances. Moreover, it is built to support 8K video by default, a feature that may become more important as more devices adopt ultra-high-definition displays.
In addition to the main version, the alliance also unveiled GPMI Type C. This smaller version uses the USB-C connector but still offers enhanced performance. It supports up to 96Gbps data transfer and 240W of power, making it a strong upgrade over current USB-C standards.
Chinese chipmaker HiSilicon highlighted the need for this new technology, saying, “Current technologies place limits on the future development needs of tech firms.” The company also noted that GPMI could reduce the confusion caused by the wide range of cable types in use today, such as Ethernet, HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C.
One of GPMI’s key features is its support for daisy-chaining. This allows multiple devices to connect in a series, all powered by one outlet, while data flows between them. The consortium announced that GPMI will first appear in smart TVs from Chinese manufacturers. However, companies in the West and Japan have not yet announced whether they plan to adopt this new standard.