And now, something from the "It'll be cool when it finds its way to a notebook" category...

The 1394 Trade Association the S3200, a new specification for the Firewire data transfer interface that essentially quadruples the maximum speed to 3.2 gigabits per second.

According to Macworld News, the new standard, which is expected to be ratified in February, will be built on the existing IEEE 1394b (a.k.a "Firewire 800") standard and use the same kinds of cables and connectors as current Firewire 800 products as well as the same arbitration, data and service protocols. Representatives from the 1394 Trade Association have expressed hope that this will lead to a fast uptake to the new standard from various FireWire vendors since adoption expenses will be somewhat minimized.

The S3200 interface will allow FireWire peripherals to draw electrical power from the interface. S3200-based peripherals will also be backwards-compatible with FireWire 800 and FireWire 400 interface products.

Not surprisingly, the 1394 Trade Association is hoping to stall the adoption of the external Serial ATA (eSATA) standard, which is seeing increased acceptance among video professionals, those involved in enterprise RAID systems and markets where large data transfer bandwidth is necessary. According to the Trade Association, the S3200 standard pushes FireWire to speeds where "users will see no advantage from eSATA," as worded from a statement that also highlights the added benefits of bus power and the ability to connect more devices.

The 1394 Trade Association is composed of more than 130 member companies including Apple, Sony, Microsoft and Canon and exists to support the development and utilization of FireWire interfaces for computers, consumer peripherals and other electronic systems.

No word has been given as to when the new interface will be incorporated into Apple's products.

As always, let us know what you think in the comments or forums.