Coming to a Computer Near You: SuperSpeed USB 3.0

(Channeling "deep-voice movie guy") Just when you thought computers and computer accessories were starting to get along thanks to the import plug we know as USB 2.0; we introduce you to a whole new beast, a beast that can transfer 25 GB of high-definition data in 70 seconds, a beast called SuperSpeed USB 3.0.

*Cue exciting, yet foreboding music*



The official specifications for SuperSpeed USB 3.0 development was announced today by the USB Promoter Group. The USB is considered the most successful PC peripheral in that the port is use to connect everything from keyboards to MP3 players to external drives and flash drives.

The SuperSpeed is so named because its transfer rate is more than 10 times faster than the current USB 2.0 that we all know and love. To put that into some perspective, it would take about 14 minutes to transfer a 25 GB hi-def file using USB 2.0; whereas it would take about 70 seconds, just over one minute to transfer that exact same hi-def file with USB 3.0.

One of the main goals of the USB Group is that manufacturers and developers retain backward compatibility. That's good news for your peripherals, in essence it means your old digital camera with USB 2.0 will still work with your new computer's USB 3.0 port; or your old computer's USB 2.0 port will work with your new digital camera. However, you will retain the 2.0 transfer rate if either end is using the older 2.0 technology.

Now, don't get too excited (if you're a geek), or too flustered (if you are an average person that really hates that the computer industry can't stop changing the way things work every 5 minutes. Hi Mom!) just yet. The new SuperSpeed USB 3.0 isn't expected to be implemented into anything until mid-2009 and won't be available in typical consumer electronics/products until 2010.

For other tech industry related news check out our Holiday Blog with all kinds of deals on electronics and computers. And don't forget these other speedy blog posts:

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