Intel rolls out high speed cable 'Thunderbolt'

Intel has rolled out a high-speed PC connection technology named Thunderbolt, in collaboration with Apple.

The connector runs at 10Gbps and enables high-speed data transfer and high-definition (HD) display on a single cable.

Apple collaborated on the technology and the company's new line of MacBook Pro laptop computers will be the first devices to use it.

"Working with HD media is one of the most demanding things people do with their PCs," said Mooly Eden, general manager, PC Client Group, Intel.

"With Thunderbolt technology, Intel has delivered innovative technology to help professionals and consumers work faster and more easily with their growing collection of media content, from music to HD movies. We've taken the vision of simple, fast transfer of content between PCs and devices, and made it a reality."

Bob Mansfield, Apple's senior-vice president of Mac hardware engineering said, "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."

Thunderbolt is powered by an Intel controller chip, and uses a small connector suitable for mobile devices that will be included in products supporting the technology.

Development for the technology has been under way for several years under the codename 'Light Peak'.

Intel said several companies are developing Thunderbolt technology-based products, including Aja, Apogee, Avid, Blackmagic, LaCie, Promise, and Western Digital.

The chip maker said it is working with the industry on a range of Thunderbolt products including computers, displays, storage devices, audio/video devices, cameras, docking stations and more.