Thunderbolt
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Intel's Thunderbolt 5 could be the cable upgrade we've been waiting for
Intel's Thunderbolt 5 is shaping up to be a far bigger upgrade than Thunderbolt 4.
Microsoft's Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock is a high-speed laptop and tablet hub
Microsoft now has a Thunderbolt 4 dock for Surface PCs — or any other computer.
The next version of Thunderbolt is built for multi-monitor setups
Intel has unveiled the next version of Thunderbolt, and the new standard is aimed at multi-display users.
USB-C devices will have to ask for permission to send data in macOS Ventura
When macOS Ventura arrives, USB-C and Thunderbolt devices will have to ask your permission to transfer data.
Bloomberg: New iPad Pros will include Thunderbolt and Mini LED tech
A 2021 iPad Pro refresh could bring M1-class CPUs and Thunderbolt connectivity.
What Intel’s Thunderbolt 4 means for your next PC
We break down what Thunderbolt 4 will bring to your next PC.
Intel details its USB4-compliant Thunderbolt 4 standard
Intel's Thunderbolt 4 standard has higher minimum requirements than before, and it's finally mandating stronger security.
Thunderbolt flaw lets hackers steal your data in 'five minutes'
Attackers can steal data from Thunderbolt-equipped PCs or Linux computers, even if the computer is locked and the data encrypted, according to security researcher Björn Ruytenberg.
USB4 devices are clear to roll out next year
The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) announced today that the organization has finalized the technical specifications for USB4. These specs will be making their way to designers, engineers and manufacturers shortly, meaning we can expect the first USB4 products to hit shelves some time in 2020. The highlight of the new standard is its dual-lane 40Gbps speed, matching Thunderbolt 3's transfer rate and doubling that of USB 3.2's.
LG's updated UltraFine 5K display works with your iPad Pro
LG's UltraFine 5K Display has returned after a months-long hiatus, although you might not scramble to get one depending on what device you're using. The updated version of the 27-inch monitor is compatible with the USB-C output from recent iPad Pros, making it a viable option if you need a large secondary screen for media previews or screen mirroring. The earlier model only played nicely with Thunderbolt.
Razer's new eGPU box packs more power and Chroma RGB support
Razer's back with another external GPU case, and this time it's beefier than ever. Like other eGPUs, the Razer Core X Chroma is designed to bring desktop-level graphics to ultraportable laptops, and this iteration features a 700W power supply, USB and Ethernet connections and space for three slot-wide desktop graphics cards. It also comes with a unique Thunderbolt dual-chip design, which helps distribute load and will prevent losing keyboard and mouse connectivity when you're plugging it into your computer.
USB4 will support Thunderbolt and double the speed of USB 3.2
It was just last week when we heard that the 20Gbps USB 3.2 connectivity may show up on new devices later this year, but today, Intel is already talking about an even speedier USB4. At a Taipei event earlier today, the company revealed that this next-gen spec will once again utilize dual channels to achieve 40Gbps speeds, even on existing 40Gbps-certified USB-C cables. Better yet, thanks to Intel finally offering Thunderbolt 3 to manufacturers with open licensing, USB4 will be integrating this tech and thus effectively becoming the "new" Thunderbolt 3. In other words, USB4 will pretty much be the mother of all wired connectivity options, and will be ready for more powerful PCIe plus DisplayPort devices.
MagSafe makes a full comeback for your USB-C MacBooks
One feature that seasoned MacBook users may miss is the good ol' MagSafe connector, because no one wants to accidentally drag a pricey laptop off the table. Alas, ever since Apple made the jump to USB-C, it decided to retire its handy magnetic invention -- it even stopped short at releasing a MagSafe-to-USB-C adapter. There have since been a few third-party alternatives, with the earlier ones handling just power delivery (like Griffin's BreakSafe cable), followed by the more advanced data transmitting types with mixed reviews -- they tend to be bulky, nor did they support Thunderbolt 3's full bandwidth, apparently. This is where ThunderMag comes in. Developed by Innerexile over the past three years, this little gadget is claimed to be the world's first truly Thunderbolt 3-compatible magnetic adapter. In other words, ThunderMag can pass through data at up to 40 Gbps (or video at up to 5K) while also delivering 100W of power, thanks to its 24 pins and delicate magnetic shaping -- the latter to protect the cable's high-frequency signal. And of course, the ThunderMag isn't exclusive to MacBooks; just plug it into any Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C port on a device and you're good to go.
Razer's Blade Stealth laptop now packs a quad-core processor
Like the thought of Razer's Blade Stealth ultraportable, but wish it had a bit more oomph for multitasking? You're getting your wish. Razer has released a version of its 13-inch ultraportable with a quad-core 8th-generation Core i7 processor (namely, the 1.8GHz i7-8550U) inside rather than the usual 7th-gen dual-core chip. This doesn't magically turn it into a gaming machine -- you'll still need a Core enclosure for that -- but it could make all the difference when editing a video or juggling numerous apps. The CPU update also gives you an extra hour of estimated battery life (10 hours total), so you're more likely to make it through a long day.
Intel takes two big steps to push Thunderbolt 3 on PCs
Do you have Thunderbolt 3 on your PC? No? It's not surprising. Your system needs a separate (read: expensive) chip to handle the ultra-fast connector, and Intel hasn't made the specification available to other companies. You're more likely to see the USB-C port that it's based on. You might just see a lot more of Thunderbolt 3 in the future, though. Intel has unveiled plans to not only build the technology into its processors, but to open the spec through a non-exclusive, royalty-free license. Yes, you could theoretically see future AMD-based PCs with Thunderbolt 3 ports, not to mention more (and more affordable) Intel systems, peripherals and cables.
Apple extends its discounts on USB-C gear through March 31st
Apple has tacitly acknowledged that prospective MacBook Pro buyers remain skittish about having to buy dongles just to keep using their favorite peripherals. The company is extending its sale on USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 peripherals through March 31st, giving you another three months to pick up adapters and cables at a discount. As before, some of the bargains are better than others -- the USB-C to USB-A adapter is down from $19 to $9, for instance, while SanDisk's USB-C SD card reader is down from $49 to $29. This still won't be completely satisfying if you absolutely need dongles to attach your devices (a USB-A adapter in MacBook boxes would be great, Apple), but there's a bit less pressure to buy them before you're ready.
Apple temporarily cuts USB-C dongle prices to appease MacBook Pro buyers
Last week Apple announced its new lineup of MacBook Pros and revealed they include only new USB-C-style connectors, dropping all legacy ports (other than, oddly enough, the headphone jack.) While the aggressive move means owners can charge their laptop through any of the jacks, and have the new capabilities offered, it also means that simple things like plugging in an iPhone to charge will require an adapter of some kind, which is not included. As my former podcast partner Ben Drawbaugh noted, stocking up on dongles to go with your new laptop gets pricey fast, and Mac buyers have responded angrily online in our comment sections and elsewhere, However, now Apple says it will help them make the switch by "reducing prices on all USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 peripherals we sell, as well as the prices on Apple's USB-C adapters and cables."
You'll need a new cable to connect the MacBook Pro and iPhone 7
Today, Apple unveiled brand new MacBook Pros with a dynamic Touch Bar and a quick (albeit forced) migration to USB-3 (AKA Thunderbolt). Of course, it's Apple's prerogative to continue to push its customers toward better standards. It did it with USB back in the '90s and removed the headphone jack on its phones because it wants everyone to go wireless. But while it's evolving its ports, it also just made every iPhone owner who wants one of these computers buy a new dongle.
Apple stops selling the Thunderbolt Display
We hope you weren't dead set on getting an Apple monitor to go with your Apple computer. The company has discontinued the Thunderbolt Display after keeping it on the market for nearly 5 years. Apple didn't say why it was dropping the 27-inch screen in a statement provided to us and our colleagues at TechCrunch. However, it does note that the Thunderbolt Display will only be available in stores "while supplies last," and that there are a "number of great third-party options" available if you need a stand-alone monitor.
Intel's 7th generation of Core CPUs are coming later this year
Besides its $1,723 10-core Core i7 Extreme Edition processor, Intel just teased some other chip news during its keynote presentation at Computex. There aren't many details available, but the company confirmed the the seventh generation of its Core CPU technology will go on sale later this year. They will be joined by its Apollo Lake chips, which are a cheaper version of the current sixth-gen Skylake family. Apollo Lake should bring 4K video capability and USB-C to cheaper, 2-in-1 laptop/tablet style devices with smaller batteries. As far as the seventh generation of Core CPUs, buyers can expect support for Thunderbolt 3, and IR cameras used for features like Windows Hello's facial recognition.
