As expected, the USB 3.0 Promoter Group unveiled the final specifications of the last USB evolution. Performance wise the USB 3.0 should be 10x faster than the USB 2.0.
Unlike you might have read it on other websites, this new format will be backwards compatible with the USB 2.0. So, one will be able to plug an USB 2.0 device on USB 3.0 port. One will have to wait till 2009, and most likely 2010, for a real availability of USB 3.0 devices as well as USB 3.0-based computers. If the future Firewire 1600 and 3200 formats are not quickly finalized and promoted, Apple might drop support for Firewire in future hardware models, as initiated with the MacBook.
[translation by Linathael]
