Windows 8 will support USB 3.0, says Intel

Microsoft released Windows 7 to the public on October 22nd, 2009, at which time it had already kicked off the planning process for its successor. By all estimates, Windows 8 is expected to be released by the end of 2011, but more probably in 2012. Microsoft has yet to announce any specific details related to the timetable, the development process or what the OS will bring to the table. However, it’s clear, from what Peterson told Heise Online, that Intel is working with Microsoft to ensure that Windows 8 will fully support USB 3.0. Although products featuring the technology have already started rolling out after the 2010 CES, Peterson expects only high-end PCs to feature USB 3.0, as a general rule, at least for coming years. Intel expects Windows 8 and the evolution of computers to make USB 3.0 ubiquitous, but, obviously, Intel isn’t overoptimistic when it comes to the mainstream adoption of the technology. Speculation indicate that the Service Pack 1 for Windows 7 might include USB 3.0 support. Microsoft has yet to confirm or deny this piece of information.