Thunderbolt HOOOOO! Patent insinuates tech may be headed to iPad and iPhone
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Thunderbolt is a collaboration between Apple and Intel that brings the ability to connect high-resolution displays and high-performance data devices through a single port. It was originally introduced on the MacBook Pro and is now featured on the iMac and Mac Mini. If this technology comes to iPhones and iPads, it would allow for much faster data transfers as well as a faster charging.
The clause that has started the speculation is in the second patent application where Apple states, "the present invention, connection may also be a new type of connection." For example, "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."
Patently Apple points out the rest of the filings indicate Apple may be attempting to create its own cabling to handle Thunderbolt connections. A new connecter would be required if Apple wanted to add a Thunderbolt port to a device that is as thin as an iPad or iPhone because the current standard that matches the mini DisplayPort is too thick for mobile devices.
While this isn’t something we expect to see announced in the near future, it does make sense as a long term strategy considering Apple’s investment into Thunderbolt in the rest of its Mac lineup.
source: Patently Apple via Mobile Beat
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8 Comments
1. superguy posted on 05 Jan 2012, 16:14 2 0
HTC should sue them for trademark infringement. :D
3. MagicTaco posted on 05 Jan 2012, 18:28 0 0
I read something about Apple transferring the trademark to Intel back in May though?
4. kg4icg posted on 05 Jan 2012, 19:00 0 0
There should be a correction on that report. Intel developed Thunderbolt to be used with the X79 chipset, and allowed Apple to use it for Apples use in which Apple called it Thunderbolt. So the question of the day is how is Apple going to patent something they didn't invent or produce?
5. stealthd posted on 05 Jan 2012, 20:01 0 0
Well, first off Apple has PRODUCED Thunderbolt products. But this isn't a patent for Thunderbolt itself, just a method of using it with a mobile device, which they're fully entitled to patent.
7. taz89 posted on 06 Jan 2012, 08:43 0 0
this is like someone patenting the method of how to use micro usb with mobile devices...ridiculous.
8. kg4icg posted on 15 Jan 2012, 07:22 0 0
Here is the reason why Apple can't file a patent on anything Thunderbolt. Because it all belongs to Intel.
http://www.anandtech.com/show/5425/why-thunderbolt-wont-come-to-the-iphone-anytime-soon
