Digital data transfers just got a whole lot faster. Well, they will once you actually own a device with Intel’s new Thunderbolt protocol. Called Light Peak in its development stages, Thunderbolt is a transfer protocol that allows for 10 Gbps transfers in both directions. In other words, you’ll be transferring in seconds rather than minutes–Intel estimates less than 30 seconds for the transfer of an HD movie. Thunderbolt is capable of transferring data in both directions at the same time and it works with both PCIe and DisplayPort protocols.

Obviously, you know that’s good, but Intel describes what your future of computing will look like with Thunderbolt: “Thunderbolt technology enables using the thinnest and lightest laptops and connecting to the extra power and performance of other devices when needed, using a single cable. Adding new performance devices is simple and easy—just plug and play—making Thunderbolt technology powerful and flexible…Data transfers for backup, sharing, and editing are tremendously accelerated using Thunderbolt products, significantly reducing times to complete these tasks.”

Thunderbolt made its launch on the new generation of MacBook Pros introduced yesterday, and it should only be a matter of time before it starts fending off USB and appearing on all kinds of devices. [Intel via Fastcompany]

Watch it in action:

Digital data transfers just got a whole lot faster. Well, they will once you actually own a device with Intel’s new Thunderbolt protocol. Called Light Peak in its development stages, Thunderbolt is a transfer protocol that allows for 10 Gbps transfers in both directions. In other words, you’ll be transferring in seconds rather than minutes–Intel estimates less than 30 seconds for the transfer of an HD movie. Thunderbolt is capable of transferring data in both directions at the same time and it works with both PCIe and DisplayPort protocols.

Obviously, you know that’s good, but Intel describes what your future of computing will look like with Thunderbolt: “Thunderbolt technology enables using the thinnest and lightest laptops and connecting to the extra power and performance of other devices when needed, using a single cable. Adding new performance devices is simple and easy—just plug and play—making Thunderbolt technology powerful and flexible…Data transfers for backup, sharing, and editing are tremendously accelerated using Thunderbolt products, significantly reducing times to complete these tasks.”

Thunderbolt made its launch on the new generation of MacBook Pros introduced yesterday, and it should only be a matter of time before it starts fending off USB and appearing on all kinds of devices. [Intel via Fastcompany]

Watch it in action: