Apple has for some time now deferred adding data transfer ports, portability to its devices, especially the iPad, since these new features would defeat its original and unique design
A latest news byte confirms that, all this is likely to change. Apple has applied for new patents to introduce Thunderbolt connectors in iPad and other devices in its stable.
The United State Patent and Trademark Office published three new Apple patents for Thunderbolt. While the immediate concerns about the availability of the technology for other tablet and device makers do arise, Apple confirms that the patent application was a routine process it follows for all of its portable media players.
Thunderbolt technology, technically popular as Light Peak, was developed by Intel know-how and Apple Inc’s collaboration. It is commercially available on Apple’s MacBook Pro since Feb of 2011. It combines PCI express and Display Port in serial data interface; it allows multiple technologies to be deployed from a single port.
This essentially means that iPad and other iDevices will now have faster data exchange rates and a faster recharging option, given that most of them require a full-night recharge so its able to function without a recharge for a full day.
However, Apple looks to introduce Thunderbolt technology as “a connection may be provided between a portable media player and a display, a computer and a portable media player, or between other types of devices.”
This is a major indicator of Apple increasing attention and investment in technology along with its core emphasis on design concepts. Though, the technology is not likely to make it in the immediate releases, it will definitely arrive bundled on iOS devices that are built for Thunderbolt compatibility. As serial ports, parallel ports, USB 2.0 or FireWire 800 are already on their way out and USB 3.0 are now widely-deployed, Apple is likely to rely extensively on its Thunderbolt technology emphasizing it growing inclination towards engineering optimization.
