Intel has unveiled the latest version of the Thunderbolt cable standard. Thunderbolt will soon support 4K video and 20 Gbps transfer. Is Intel looking to compete with HDMI?

Thunderbolt soon to support 4K
HDMI is the preferred video connection in pretty much any consumer electronics device today but Intel is making its play with the second-generation of the Thunderbolt cable standard.


Thunderbolt will soon support 4K video

Thunderbolt will soon support 4K video and data transfer up to 20 Gbps (on each of the two channels). The first-generation of Thunderbolt support 10 Gbps, similar to what the current HDMI standard supports.

Intel did put a lot of emphasis on the video capabilities, which could mean that they are planning to take on HDMI in TVs and boxes. When the industry moves to Ultra HD / 4K we need a new cable standard and Intel knows that. A new HDMI version is also in development.

Apple was one of the first companies to implement Thunderbolt in its Macs but Intel says that more than 200 licensees are current approved.