Engadget has the story today (and PC World has more details) on what may end up being the possible successor to USB for modern computing.

“…while Intel is still dragging its feet regarding USB 3.0, it’s planning to have Light Peak fiber optic devices in the market next year. Intel insists Light Peak isn’t meant to replace USB, in so much as it can use the same ports and protocols (photographic evidence above), but at the same time it’s not shying away from the possibility of obliterating its copper competition with beams of light.

“In some sense we’d… like to build the last cable you’ll ever need,” said Intel’s Kevin Kahn.

It sounds a lot like it’s trying to be a successor, at least from the circumstantial evidence. The standard can transfer data at 3 Gigabytes per second, and the technology could theoretically go as high as ten times that, according to Intel.

The speed alone is worth forgoing the hassle of the standardization process of USB 3.0, but only if universal adoption takes place. Intel will need to tread carefully with partners so as to encourage this spread.