Earlier this week, at the IDF conference, Intel unveiled their revolutionary Light Peak optical connector, which promised a 10Gbps data throughput. In comparison, the maximum speed of USB 3.0, the successor to what we know as the the standard for data transfer, is 4.8Gpbs.
Insanely fast? Yes. Practically useful? No. At least, not for the data transfer we usually think of. The additional speed of LightPeak, coupled with its ability to handle multiple I/O protocols, makes it a perfect standard to handle everything from storage to displays and networking, and handle them over long distances.
Now, Engadget’s sources are saying that not only did Apple propose the Light Peak initiative to Intel, but they pushed them to develop it so that Apple could use it in upcoming products. According to Engadget, this would be used in products, like the rumored tablet, as an all-in-one connector, and then be introduced to the rest of their product line.
This could be a good thing or a bad thing. On one hand, if hardware vendors don’t adopt the Light Peak standard, Apple would be stuck as the sole supporter, and consumers would suffer, but on the other hand, if Apple succeeded in making Light Peak the de facto standard, dreams of a one cable universe could finally be realized.
Check out the full scoop at Engadget.
