Have you heard the buzz about GPMI cables? This new contender might be poised to give the beloved HDMI and other popular formats like USB and Thunderbolt a serious run for their money, but hold your horses—there might not be a need to panic just yet!

Introducing GPMI: A Game-Changer?

So, what is this GPMI, or General Purpose Media Interface? Developed by the Shenzhen International 8K Ultra High Definition Video Industry Collaboration Alliance (SUCA)—which includes heavyweights like TCL, Hisense, and Huawei—GPMI is touted to offer drastically higher bandwidth than existing standards.

Two Versatile Variants

GPMI will debut in two versions: the Type-C connector, compatible with existing USB Type-C ports, and the proprietary Type-B version, which promises even more impressive specifications. The Type-C variant boasts a blazing 96Gbps transfer speed and power delivery up to 240W, rivaling high-end USB4 connectors.

Then there's the more intriguing Type-B connector, which offers a whopping 192Gbps bandwidth—double that of HDMI 2.2 and more than double the capabilities of DisplayPort 2.1 and Thunderbolt 5!

Why GPMI Might Struggle to Gain Traction

But before you rush to replace all your HDMI ports with GPMI, let’s temper that excitement. While the specs are undeniably impressive, GPMI is still not widely available and faces significant hurdles before it can compete with HDMI’s dominance.

HDMI is already ubiquitous across televisions, gaming consoles, and PCs. It’s the go-to option for most consumers today, meaning that GPMI will need to be more than just superior on paper—it must also become a common feature in devices we actually use.

Are Higher Specs Enough?

While GPMI’s technical superiority is alluring, it may not persuade the average user to make a switch. Take HDMI 2.2, for example, which handles 8K resolutions at over 120Hz and supports 4K at an astounding 480Hz. Many users haven’t even adopted 8K technology yet, which makes GPMI’s advantages feel less urgent.

The Future of GPMI: Uncertain?

The real challenge will be its adoption across other manufacturers. Brands like Samsung, Sony, and LG dominate the market in North America, and they’re firmly entrenched with HDMI technology.

In the immediate future, GPMI will likely remain a niche player. It could take years—or even longer—before we see substantial adoption outside of China. While it might not dethrone HDMI or USB, GPMI could very well ignite innovation within these established standards, ultimately benefiting everyone in the long run.