FireWire’s new specifications have prompted the releases of two new standards. S1600(1.6GB/s) and S3200(3.2GB/s). These two new specs are claiming backwards compatibility with both FW400 and FW800. FireWire last saw a performance bump when FW800 was introduced in 2002 pushing speed up to 800MB/s. The standard plug however is still unknown. This is also seen as the answer to USB 3.0(4.8GB/s burst). You can expect the new technology to hit the market this October.

A brief background of FireWire-

FireWire (initially developed by Apple Computer) was introduced into the computer market in 1995. It was developed as a replacement of the high bandwidth scsi cable. FireWire, although sporting lower top speeds then USB, can sustain it’s high speed where as USB does its best with smaller files. The ability to sustain high speeds makes it a common connector for high bandwidth items such as DV Camcorders and professional audio and visual equipment.