Back before Apple started using Intel processors, the chip giant ran ads that positioned the Macintosh maker as heading down an unknown path while Intel offered a clearer technology roadmap. Forget that ancient history, now both companies are working together to blaze new technological trails.
Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) today unveiled a new data transfer technology called Thunderbolt that it originally developed under the name Light Peak. In making the announcement, Intel said it collaborated with Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) on bringing some aspects of the technology to market. Thunderbolt debuts on new MacBook Pro notebooks released today.
“With ultra-fast transfer speeds, support for high-resolution displays and compatibility with existing I/O technologies, Thunderbolt is a breakthrough for the entire industry and we think developers are going to have a blast with it,” Bob Mansfield, Apple’s senior vice president of Mac Hardware Engineering, said in a statement.
Thunderbolt combines high-speed data and HD video connections together onto a single cable via two communications methods, or protocols, PCI Express for data transfer and DisplayPort for displays. Intel noted that the widely-used PCI Express has the flexibility to connect to almost any type of device, while DisplayPort can drive greater than 1080p resolution displays and up to eight channels of audio simultaneously.
Datamation has a full report on the Thunderbolt release including its suitability for other mobile computers and devices.
