Intel announces next–gen Thunderbolt tech, doubles speeds

Intel's super–fast connection tech will now have 20Gbps thoughput and support for 4K video as well as backwards compatibility with older cables and connectors

Apple and Intel’s FireWire–replacement, Thunderbolt, might’ve got off to a slow start, but it’s about to get a bit of a boost.

At this year’s NAM, Intel announced the next version of the Thunderbolt interface, promising 20Gbps of throughput in both directions – double the speed of the current–generation technology.

According to Engadget, production won’t to start on the new cables and connectors until 2014, but you needn’t worry about holding out for that new Mac or hard drive, the new Thunderbolt technology is expected to be fully compatible with previous hardware.

In the meantime, Intel also promised new, Thunderbolt–compatible devices, along with smaller and thinner cables, would make their way into the wild over the coming months.