USB A -> USB C vs USB C -> USB A

There seems to be a hidden tech language bias involved in discussions about the maintenance USB connection on an Apple TV 4.


Is it true that when someone says "USB A to USB C" what is implied is "USB A (male connector) to USB C (female connector) and when someone says "USB C to USB A)" what is implied is "USB C (male connector) to USB A (female connector)?


That is, the first connection type specified implies a male orientation and the second connection type specified implies a female orientation.


This implication certainly seems to be the case for the type of adaptor cable available in Apple stores worldwide (identified as USB C to USB A) but which are useless for connecting an Apple TV 4 to a MacBook Pro (early 2011).


That said, this does not seem to be the case for Apple's description of Belkin's cable at http://www.apple.com/au/shop/product/HHSP2ZM/A/belkin-20-usb-c-to-usb-a-cable (at $29.00) but does seem to be the case for Belkin's description at http://www.belkin.com/us/F2CU032/p/P-F2CU032/ (at $19.00) which, apparently are the correct cables to use. And in both cases the pictures of the USB C connector have the appearance of male-ness.


I only ask for clarification (not further speculation) because I'm sure I've been asking for the wrong type of cable because of my ignorance regarding USB C.

USB-C to USB-A refers to an adapter or adapter cable. Note in Apples description

it states the cable is for connecting your USB-C Mac to standard USB-A devices.

since USB-A devices other than hubs do not exist such a cable can only be

male USB-C to female USB-A. Printers, phones, navigation devices, etc all use

one of 4 cables: USB-A male to USB-B male, USB-A male to lightning male,

USB-A male to Mini-USB and USB-A male to micro-USB. USB-C is largely unique

to Apple and specifically newer devices.

USB A -> USB C vs USB C -> USB A
 
 
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