Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) has finally stepped forward to pledge hardware support for USB 3.0, shifting from its initial noncommittal stance to explicitly backing the next-iteration of the USB standard. Urging developers to target both USB 3.0 and its Thunderbolt interconnect technology, Intel says that it will support both in 2012. Moreover, Intel maintains that Thunderbolt is a complement to USB 3.0, not a replacement--despite early accusations that Intel was hindering the progress of USB 3.0.

As reported by CNET News, Kirk Skaugen, a vice president at the Intel Architecture Group was quoted at the recent Intel developer conference saying: "Intel is going to support USB 3.0 in the 2012 client platform. We're going to support Thunderbolt capability. We believe they're complementary." It is understood that support for both technologies will be incorporated into the chipset accompanying Intel's "Ivy Bridge" processors, the next generation of Intel processor slated to succeed the recently released "Sandy Bridge."

With both USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt set to arrive in a big way next year, which standard do you see yourself using in the year ahead? I would love to hear your thoughts on the matter.

For more on this story:
- check out this article at CNET News
- check out this article at Daily Tech

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