NEC's xHCI host controller officially made it to the market as the first USB 3.0 certified product, as was reported by engadget.

Certainly not the most exciting product, I agree, but nevertheless an interesting sign as this means others are likely to follow soon now. Maybe even before this year's holiday shopping season.

"Jeff Ravencraft, president and chairman of the USB-IF, noted that a smattering of companies would be showcasing USB 3.0 gear at upcoming trade shows, with a Buffalo external hard drive, an ExpressCard-to-USB 3.0 adapter and even a full-on laptop with a functioning USB 3.0 port making a stop at IDF later this week."

Interestingly enough, he also mentioned that "USB 3.0 cables will be physically different inside. In other words, a USB 2.0 cable cannot carry data at USB 3.0 speeds, end of story. To enjoy USB 3.0, you'll need a USB 3.0 receptor port, a USB 3.0 cable and a USB 3.0 product; if you swap any of those pieces with USB 2.0, everything slows to USB 2.0 rates."