USB has been around for quite some time now in what is now three separate guises, 1, 2 and most recently 3. USB 3 has been pushed in recent years as the future standard for data transfer, the only problem with this is that not many companies, never mind consumers have been quick on the uptake. Sure, it’s a lot faster than USB 2, and who wouldn’t want their peripherals to operate with a little more haste, the real issue however is that for a number of years now there has been a shady figure hiding in the darkened corners of the halls of Intel biding its time before leaping out to devour the competition. It seems that time may be now, or at least soon (ish).

Enter Light Peak.

It’s probably worth getting the figure out of the way to begin with. For the sake of ease, lets presume that the figures correspond with the rate of data transfer between a computer and a connected device. USB 3 has a theoretical (and that’s important) throughput of 4.3 gigabits per second compared against Light Peak’s 10 gigabits per second, and that’s right out of the gates. Intel (who have developed the technology) likes to point out that the first generation of Light Peak cables will be capable of transferring a full Blu-Ray in under 30 seconds. Think about that for a minute. It’s fast.

Remember USB 3′s theoretical 4.3 Gbps throughput? Well, Intel believes that LIght Peak’s theoretical limit is more like 100 Gbps and even then its more likely to be a limited by hardware developments than by the technology itself. But the attraction doesn’t end there, the idea is that Light Peak cables could be used for everything, not simply to replace USB cables, but every cable you currently need whether that be for power or data transfer, the technology really is impressive.

So, how does it work? Quite simply it’s based on fiber optic technology, but instead of using light-based technology, it would use copper lines. Fast and relatively cheap.

Many people have considered the slow adoption of USB 3 to be as a result of Light Peak’s imminent arrival. Intel stated in 2009 that it expected that the first Light Peak devices would reach the market in the first part of 2011. Whilst there are certainly no guarantees, who better a partner than Apple, a company consistently at the forefront of connective media? Let us not forget that the industry laughed when Apple ditched the floppy disk in favour of the CD. We’re about due a MacBook refresh and those who like to whisper without offering their name have suggested that Apple may be ready to unleash Light Peak upon the masses.

Personally, I don’t think the majority of uses are quite ready to let go of their beloved USB cables but it has to change at some point and now, before USB 3 has a chance to become ubiquitous, is probably as good a time as ever.