Intel and USB 3.0: Fiber optics going mainstream

For years, we have regarded Fiber optics as the best way to carry huge amounts of data, but we do not see them on our home computers just yet. We are now learning that in the not-too-distant future, Intel look set to offer computers with fiber optic lines.

According to Cnet News, Intel has secured a Light Peak endorsement from Sony, which should help to make the technology an industry standard. It is widely assumed that USB 3.0 will benefit from fiber optics; the new Universal Serial Bus should be launched sometime in 2012.

Intel now have to work hard to try and offer fiber optics to USB 3.0, if they manage to pull it off, then we can expect devices such as external hard drives to transfer data over in a fraction of the time as USB 2.0. The Universal Serial Bus is just the start; fiber optics will also be used in a number of other devices in the coming years, such as digital cameras, phones and other consumer electronic products.