Microsoft Windows 8 to Support USB 3 | TechnoEnclave

Microsoft is planning to fully integrate support for the faster USB 3.0 standard into its upcoming flagship operating system Windows 8. Nowadays, many motherboard manufacturers have designed their boards to be compatible with USB 3. However, existing operating systems such as Windows Vista, Windows 7 are not compatible with USB 3.

Microsoft’s Director of Program Management for the Devices and Networking group, Dennis Flanagan, wrote that at up to 5GB per second, USB 3.0′s data rate was ten times faster than that of USB 2.0. He also notes that the newer standard’s improved power management features have positive implications for battery life on laptops and tablets.

Microsoft is writing a new software stack and controller for Windows 8 based on the “design principles” of USB 3.0, which will bring plug-and-play support for new devices such as external storage, webcams and keyboards, Flanagan quote in a press release. The company will however retain the existing software stack to support older USB devices.

Citing data from research firm In-Stat, Flanagan noted that by 2015, all new PCs will come with USB 3.0 ports, while more than 2 billion USB 3.0 devices specifically Portable Hard Drives will be sold in that year.