https://www.thestockpot.net/videos/whykmart for those who do not want to watch a video like me.

Isn't the use of USB-C promotion without at minimum basic USB compatability disallowed?

I have a few devices which have a USB-A to barrel plug, but they do not advertise anything and afaik that is perfectly fine. And they also only work with a normal USB charger, not the fancy ones.

Both the video and related post are incredibly high quality productions. The animated circuit diagram on brown paper in the video is a very approachable way to explain the problem and solution. Nice! And it’s always nice to see some Australia pop up on my browsing.

I’m rather surprised anyone would want a battery operated lamp at their bedside anyways, unless it was a backup battery for when the power goes out. There’s no battery indicator to know when it is low so you would just have to guess or pay attention when it looks like it needs to be charged. Most people would probably just plug it in and leave it plugged in all the time.

I also have such a lamp. Supposedly it's USB-C connection, but it only works when connecting with USB-A to USB-C cable.

My guess is it's due to the requirement to comply with EU law about USB-C. But proper USB-C requires active circuitry but manufacturers don't add it to save a few cents.

Meanwhile I probably would've just returned the lamp and bought a $20 lamp off Amazon that has a proper USB-C charger: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087CDBKCH/

I guess I'm not a very good 'hacker'.