Intel Throws Green Kryptonite at SuperSpeed USB

Intel has weakened the struggling arrival of USB 3.0 again. Intel announced recently that it would not be integrating USB 3.0 into its chipsets until 2011. This is a huge blow for technology as Intel adoption is virtually the only way to get new technology into the mainstream. Intel's silicon is everywhere and piggybacking onto it is how most emerging technologies finally make it into the world en masse. USB 3.0 device manufacturers will still have a venue for their wares, but it will require 3rd party chip makers to step up production. This investment in the wake of other announcements may be slowed as well. Certified Wireless USB has been pronounced terminal by some and other connectivity systems are being developed. For those truly longing for USB 3.0 it should be as simple as buying an add-on card or having to shell out a few more dollars for an integrated motherboard. This announcement all but insures that both options will likely take a while.

One has to wonder whether to cry foul on the recent appearance of LightPeak. With Intel's promised near-term production all but assured by the unveiling teams. This joint venture with fellow titans, Apple and Sony, may seem more lucrative than the open standard USB 3.0. Only time will tell, and it seems that as of today USB 3.0 may have a bit more time to wait.