While I wrote briefly about the new USB 3.0 standard recently, Maximum PC has taken it a step further, performing a detailed examination of the new standard. One observation would be that USB 3.0 connectors and cables will be functionally and physically compatible with hardware supporting earlier generations of the technology. This is where the similarities end; while boasting 10 times more speed than the 480Mbps limit of USB 2.0, USB 3.0 also will support bi-directional data transfers. In addition, USB 3.0 also can supply up to 900 milliamps of power, up from 100 milliamps. The specifications for USB 3.0 are expected to be finalized by Q4 of this year.
For more about the USB 3.0 specification:
- check out this Maximum PC article [1]
Links:
[1] http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/everything_you_need_know_about_usb_30_plus_first_spliced_cable_photos