Word got out last week that Intel is delaying the release of USB 3.0 chipsets to 2010. This means a major setback for external drive manufacturers and motherboard builders. For now, PC makers that want to offer USB 3.0 connectivity will have to rely on third-party solutions, increasing component costs and energy usage.
Intel has not given a reason for these delays. According to some rumors, the delay might be meant to promote Intel’s competing Light Peak standard. The first Light Peak compatible chipsets and devices are expected later this year, which would give the new standard a head start.
The first generation of Light Peak devices promises speeds of 10 Gbit/s, double the 5 Gbit/s that USB 3.0 offers. The major disadvantage is the lack of backward compatibility; USB 3.0 devices will work fine on a USB 2.0 connection and vice versa, while Light Peak requires different cables. There’s a nice overview of the speeds of the different interfaces here.
If Intel is able to sufficiently delay adoption of the USB 3.0 standard, my guess is that Light Peak will surpass it within a year; support by the #1 chip maker is vital for any standard. The only option for other manufacturers is to make sure USB 3.0 is so widespread that by the end of the year, Light Peak will be irrelevant. I expect to see spectacular price drops for USB 3.0 chipsets in the near future!
Intel Light Peak
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