Intel has officially named its next-generation Thunderbolt protocol Thunderbolt 2. The original Thunderbolt protocol is already blazing fast, offering connectivity speeds of 10 Gbps, and Thunderbolt 2 doubles that throughput. Thunderbolt 2 will launch later this year and offer connectivity speeds of up to 20 Gbps.
Enhanced Speed and Performance
Thunderbolt 2 was previously known as Falcon Ridge, and Intel says that the protocol has enough speed for the simultaneous transfer and display of 4K Ultra HD resolution video. The significantly increased speed comes thanks to a new controller chip combining the original Thunderbolt protocol’s 10 Gbps uni-directional channels into a single 20 Gbps bi-directional channel. This means that users can expect a seamless experience when handling large files, such as high-definition videos and complex data sets, making it ideal for professionals in video editing, graphic design, and other data-intensive fields.
Thunderbolt 2 will also support DisplayPort 1.2, enabling video streaming to a single 4K monitor or dual QHD resolution displays. This is a significant upgrade for users who require high-resolution displays for their work or entertainment. For instance, video editors can now edit 4K footage in real-time without experiencing lag, while gamers can enjoy a more immersive experience with higher resolution and faster refresh rates.
Backward Compatibility and Adoption
Perhaps the best news is that since the only thing that has changed with Thunderbolt 2 was the controller chip, existing cables and accessory hardware will work with the new protocol, making it completely backwards compatible. This ensures that users who have already invested in Thunderbolt technology will not need to purchase new cables or accessories, thereby protecting their investment. This backward compatibility is a significant advantage, as it reduces the overall cost of upgrading to the new protocol.
So far, only Apple has adopted the original Thunderbolt technology. However, with twice the performance and Ultra HD hardware and content on the horizon, more manufacturers are likely to adopt Thunderbolt 2. The increased speed and performance make it an attractive option for a wide range of applications, from consumer electronics to professional workstations. For example, photographers can transfer large RAW image files in seconds, while scientists can quickly move large data sets for analysis.
There is no exact launch date for Thunderbolt 2 at this time, with Intel only promising availability by the end of 2013 and a ramp-up in 2014. This timeline suggests that we can expect to see Thunderbolt 2-enabled devices hitting the market soon, potentially revolutionizing the way we connect and interact with our digital devices.
In conclusion, Thunderbolt 2 represents a significant leap forward in connectivity technology. With its doubled speed, support for 4K video, and backward compatibility, it is poised to become the new standard for high-speed data transfer and display connectivity. As more manufacturers adopt this technology, we can look forward to a future where high-definition content and large data transfers are handled with ease and efficiency.
via Apple Insider
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