Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Apple Behind Intel's USB Competitor?

Posted by Soulskill on from the hopefully-they'll-come-up-with-a-less-goofy-name dept.

We recently discussed Light Peak, Intel's upcoming, optical interconnect technology that boasts data transfer rates of up to 10 Gbps. While some have speculated that Light Peak will directly compete with USB 3.0, Engadget has now unearthed information that indicates the idea for the technology originated from Apple, who apparently asked Intel to develop it. "According to documents we've seen and conversations we've had, Apple had reached out to Intel as early as 2007 with plans for an interoperable standard which could handle massive amounts of data and 'replace the multitudinous connector types with a single connector (FireWire, USB, Display interface).' ... Based on what we've learned, Apple will introduce the new standard for its systems around Fall 2010 in a line of Macs destined for back-to-school shoppers — a follow-up to the 'Spotlight turns to notebooks' event, perhaps. Following the initial launch, there are plans to roll out a low-power variation in 2011, which could lead to more widespread adoption in handhelds and cellphones. The plans from October 2007 show a roadmap that includes Light Peak being introduced to the iPhone / iPod platform to serve as a gateway for multimedia and networking outputs."

3 of 332 comments (clear)

  1. Translation... by Kral_Blbec · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    LightPeak = Firewire 2

    I've never ever ever seen anyone use a firewire port. Amongst my family and friends, the only ones I've seen are one of my old sound card (Audigy) that was always disabled, and on my sister-in-laws mac (which they never had any firewire devices to connect to).

  2. Re:Not miniature enough by maugle · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    Well, of course. You can't expect suave, intelligent, and wealthy Mac users to use the same cables as the common rabble, can you? The connector must be smaller, sleeker, and made of shiny white plastic or solid gold, depending on taste.

  3. Re:Replace? by ascendant · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    The connectors on the case, or the I/O plate, you helpless faggot. Literally nothing will stop manufacturers from making their own randomly shaped shit.

    If you are one of the eight people in the world that is truly bothered by this, you can go buy a pack of adapters on eBay for $0.49 USD.

    --
    Do not attribute to malice that which can be easily explained by incompetence.