The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) announced the next version of ubiquitous connector, the USB 4, which is expected to have a maximum speed of 40Gbps, two times faster than the USB 3.2 with 20 Gbp.
In a report by theverge.com, the USB 4 will be supported by Intel’s Thunderbolt 3 specification which was first shipped in 2015.
Intel previously announced that it will be making the standard available to other other chipmakers for manufacturing, royalty free.
With the Thunderbolt 3, USB 4 will deliver up to 100W of power, has enough data for external graphics cards, and to power two 4K displays, or a single 5K display.
Cables that are capable of 40 Gbps speeds will be needed to maximize the full benefits of the standard but existing Thunderbolt 3 cables should work with the port.
Amid the integration of Thunderbolt 3’s features to USB 4, Intel says that the two standards will coexist as the USB 4 is open while Thunderbolt 3 is not, and that Intel requires manufacturers to be certified for them to use it.
(Photo source: onmsft.com/ intel.com)
