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The new standard will deliver ten times the performance of USB 2.0, with an estimated 4.8 Gb/sec transfer rate. Although the standard will be released next year, it is unlikely that any compatible devices will be on the market before 2009.

Intel says the new standard will be optimised for low-power consumption, and will be fully backward-compatible with previous versions of USB. Optical cable support

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will be included from the start.

Intel has also announced the formation of the USB 3 Promoter Group, composed of industry leaders such as HP, Microsoft and NEC, which aim to standardise and advocate the standard.

"USB 3 is the next logical step for the PC's most popular wired connectivity," says Jeff Ravencraft, technology strategist with Intel, "The digital era requires high-speed performance and reliable connectivity to move the enormous amounts of digital content now present in everyday life."

HP says the new standard will provide a boost for consumer devices. "HP's commitment to providing customers with a reliable method for connecting peripherals is evident through our support of both USB 2 and Wireless USB technologies," says Phil Schultz, vice president of consumer inkjet solutions at HP. "Now, with USB 3, we're creating an even better experience for customers when connecting their printers, digital cameras or other peripheral devices to their PCs."