Intel and Apple see the Light Peak

Posted on 28 Sep 2009 at 13:24

Apple was behind the development of a new high-speed optical interface that could replace USB, according to documents seen by Engadget.

Intel unveiled the Light Peak technology at its Developer Forum last week. The fibre optic interface offers speeds of up to 10Gbits/sec and could be used to replace various computer interfaces, such asUSB, FireWire and video—with a single port.

Light Peak also offers incredible range. At IDF, Intel demonstrated a Hackintosh—a PC running a hacked version of OS X—connected to a monitor 40 feet away.

And it appears that the Hackintosh may have been a clue to the technology’s origins. Although Intel took the plaudits, Engadget says that the documents it has seen indicate that Apple took the concept to Intel and asked the chip company to produce it.

Apple is said to be planning to incorporate Light Peak in a number of future products, allowing it to use only a single port on products such as the Mac mini, iPhone and the much-rumoured tablet device.

Documents seen by Engadget claim that “the short-term plans seem to involve a one-size-fits-all solution, which would enable users to connect a variety of devices into a single Light Peak port.

“Slightly longer-term plans will mean Light Peak obviates the need for almost every type of connector you use today,” the report adds.

Author: Barry Collins / Simon Aughton

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