Intel announces the next version of Thunderbolt

At this week’s NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) Show in Las Vegas, Intel introduced the next-generation version of its Thunderbolt interface. As reported by Engadget, the technology offers data speeds of 20 Gbs in both directions, making it twice as fast as the current version, and supports the transfer of 4K video.

Intel says it plans to start initial production of the new Thunderbolt, which has been given the codename Falcon Ridge, later this year. Thankfully, it will be backwards-compatible with current generation cables and connectors.

The company also previewed an early prototype of its next-generation Thunderbolt controller, codenamed Redwood Ridge, which will be integrated into some of its fourth-generation Core processors due for launch later this year.

Developed in collaboration with Apple, and first introduced on the MacBook Pro in 2011, Thunderbolt is now available on all Mac models except for the Mac Pro.

Although third-party manufacturers have been a little slow to release Thunderbolt accessories, there are now a large number of Thunderbolt compatible docking stations and storage devices available from the likes of Belkin, Matrox, LacCie and Western Digital. PC makers such as Lenovo and Acer have also begun to adopt the technology.