While 4K gaming seems like a distant goal for many, the 8K-ready landscape is rapidly advancing. Following the announcement of HDMI 2.2, a consortium of over 50 Chinese firms, known as the Shenzhen 8K Ultra HD Video Industry Collaboration Alliance, has unveiled the General Purpose Media Interface (GPMI).

The GPMI aims to tackle the complexities of using separate power and image cables for 8K displays. It offers a staggering bandwidth of up to 192 Gbps alongside power delivery capabilities of up to 480 watts through a proprietary Type-B connector. Additionally, a USB Type-C variant is also on the cards, already approved by the USB Association, which can handle 96 Gbps and 240 W—substantially outpacing previous USB4 standards.

The Type-C version’s enhanced bandwidth could be essential for high-refresh-rate 8K displays and televisions, as 8K content demands a significant amount of data transmission. However, the real challenge for the GPMI lies in its adoption by manufacturers. While the 480 W power output is remarkable within one cable, its potential hinges on whether device makers are willing to shift from established connection standards to this new technology.

This promising innovation could significantly simplify the connections behind many entertainment setups, paving the path for a streamlined future.