Intel and Apple Developed Thunderbolt Technology

Apple has updated its MacBook Pro line, upgrading processors and graphics and adding a high-speed Thunderbolt I/O port and a new FaceTime-enabled HD camera.

The biggest news is the inclusion of Thunderbolt (Light Peak) technology, which Intel developed with Apple. In practice, it’s a dual Thunderbolt/DisplayPort I/O port (marked by a lightning icon) that provides two bi-directional channels with data transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps.

Thunderbolt technology

  • Dual-channel offering a whopping 10Gbps per port (to put that into perspective you can push a full-length HD movie through the connection in less than 30 seconds).
  • The port is bi-directional, so it offers 10Gbps in both directions simultaneously.
  • Dual-protocol support for PCI Express and DisplayPort.
  • Fully compatible with existing DisplayPort devices.
  • Daisy-chain up to six peripherals.
  • Supplies 10W of power over bus  to peripherals.
  • Supports electrical (copper) or optical (fibre optic) cabling.
  • Low latency.
  • Supports HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)/HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection)
  • Apple is the first to offer Thunderbolt to its customers.

iPad 2 Launch Date

Apple is planning a launch iPad 2 in the same seasonal schedule as the first iPad, which went on sale in April 2010. Apple will host an event on March 2, where the company is expected to take the wraps off the newest iPad model, an individual with knowledge of the situation said. Apple declined to comment.

Shares of Apple fell 3 percent after a Taiwanese brokerage firm said the next version of the iPad tablet computer will be delayed as maker Hon Hai faces production bottlenecks due to the device’s new design.

But analysts quickly downplayed the report, noting that Apple has been reliable when it comes to its release schedule.

“Apple has a very consistent track record,” said Hudson Square Research analyst Daniel Ernst.

Manufacturing sources have previously said the new iPad 2 would have cameras on the front and back of the device and would be slimmer, lighter and have a better resolution display than the first iPad.

Cheaper and Smaller iPhones – iPhone Light

Apple Inc. is working on new versions of the iPhone that are aimed at slowing the advance of competing handsets based on Google Inc.’s Android software, according to people who have been briefed on the plans.

One version would be cheaper and smaller than the most recent iPhone, said a person who has seen a prototype and asked not to be identified because the plans haven’t been made public. Apple also is developing technology that makes it easier to use the iPhone on multiple wireless networks.

Apple has considered selling the new iPhone for about $200, without obligating users to sign a two-year service contract, said the person who has seen it. Android phones sell for a range of prices at AT&T Inc., Verizon Wireless and other carriers, and typically come with agreements that include a fee for broken contracts. The iPhone 4, sold in the U.S. by AT&T and Verizon Wireless, costs $200 to $300 when subsidized by a contract.

iPhone apps for Valentine’s Day

There are many romantic and love-themed iPhone apps to help you get through the sweetest day of the year. Here are some lovely games and apps to profess your admiration for this year’s day of love.

Lovely games for Valentine’s Day

Are you a sucker for an old black-and-white romance film or do you totally swoon for a Jennifer Aniston romantic comedy?

Then check out the Scene It? Romance app ($1.99) for hours of dreamy trivia to keep you busy long past Valentine’s Day. Play against your friend or significant other in the funny “Lover’s Quarrel” multiplayer mode.

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