According to a recent report by Digitimes, Intel’s Thunderbolt technology, which is only available on Apple devices at the moment, is headed to PCs in April of next year.
Intel teamed up with Apple to develop the technology, and it launched with the new iMacs this year. Now it looks like it is headed to PCs and will be available to a range of PC manufacturers.
Some of the manufacturers expected to use the Thunderbolt technology in their devices include Sony, Asus, Gigabyte, and others. We should see the first devices launch around April of 2012.
What is Thunderbolt Technology?
Thunderbolt technology, initially codenamed “Light Peak,” is a hardware interface that allows the connection of external peripherals to a computer. It was developed by Intel in collaboration with Apple and first introduced in Apple’s MacBook Pro in 2011. Thunderbolt combines PCI Express (PCIe) and DisplayPort (DP) into one serial signal alongside a DC connection for electric power, transmitted over one cable. This technology supports various protocols, making it highly versatile and capable of delivering high-speed data transfer rates.
The primary advantage of Thunderbolt is its speed. The first generation of Thunderbolt can transfer data at speeds up to 10 Gbps per channel, and the latest versions, Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4, can achieve speeds up to 40 Gbps. This makes it ideal for tasks that require high bandwidth, such as video editing, 3D rendering, and large data transfers.
Impact on the PC Market
The introduction of Thunderbolt technology to PCs is expected to have a significant impact on the market. For one, it will level the playing field between Mac and PC users, allowing PC users to take advantage of the high-speed data transfer and versatile connectivity options that Thunderbolt offers. This could be particularly beneficial for professionals in fields such as video production, graphic design, and data analysis, who require fast and reliable data transfer.
Manufacturers like Sony, Asus, and Gigabyte are expected to be among the first to integrate Thunderbolt technology into their devices. This move could lead to a new wave of high-performance PCs that cater to both consumer and professional markets. For instance, Sony’s VAIO series, known for its sleek design and robust performance, could become even more appealing with the addition of Thunderbolt ports.
Moreover, the adoption of Thunderbolt technology by PC manufacturers could drive innovation in peripheral devices. We might see a surge in the development of Thunderbolt-compatible external hard drives, monitors, and docking stations, offering users more options and better performance.
In addition to speed, Thunderbolt technology also supports daisy-chaining, which allows multiple devices to be connected in a series to a single Thunderbolt port. This feature can simplify cable management and expand the functionality of PCs, making them more versatile and user-friendly.
Source Mac Rumors, DigiTimes
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