Intel has unveiled Thunderbolt Share, a new technology that allows direct connection between two Windows PCs: not only file transfer, but also desktop control
Thunderbolt Share is a new technology unveiled by Intel that aims to simplify the connection between two Windows PCs , ensuring the possibility of sharing accessories and peripherals as well as exchanging files at high speed.
It all revolves around the possibility of exploiting the Thunderbolt standard which, in version 5 unveiled last September, can guarantee a bandwidth of 120 Gbps (or 80 Gbps bidirectional). The system developed by Intel provides the possibility of creating a physical connection between the two machines, without resorting to cloud services and without having to exploit the Internet bandwidth available to users.
How Thunderbolt Share works
Thunderbolt Share is an application developed by Intel to exploit the potential of the Thunderbolt standard for data transfer. To use this technology you need to have two Windows 10 or 11 PCs equipped with Thunderbolt 4 or Thunderbolt 5 ports . The two computers will be connected to each other via a compatible cable.
It is also possible to use a Dock or a monitor with Thunderbolt support , to which both computers can be connected. The connection options will be different but the available features will remain the same. For the moment, operation is guaranteed exclusively between Windows PCs.
It will therefore not be possible to exploit the connection between a Windows PC and a Mac. Intel has not provided details regarding the possibility of making the new service accessible on other operating systems as well. Furthermore, the Windows computer must have Intel graphics drivers to manage the connection.
Thanks to the potential of this connection, Thunderbolt Share will be able to find different fields of application, speeding up the transfer of files from one PC to another , without having to use external storage or a cloud service. There will also be the possibility to manage the synchronization of folders and files .
The system can also be used for sharing the screen (with Full HD resolution, up to 60 frames per second and with reduced latency, according to Intel) and various accessories (such as a mouse and keyboard) which, once connected to a computer , they can also be used on the second PC, thanks to the Thunderbolt Share connection and without the need to start any configuration.
Thunderbolt Share: when it arrives
Intel has already clarified the launch timing of Thinderbolt Share . The new technology will be made available to manufacturers, under license. The company expects the arrival of the first compatible computers and accessories on the market as early as the second half of 2024 . For the moment, Intel has already published a first list of OEM partners (Lenovo, Acer, MSI, Razer, Kensington, Belkin, Promise, Plugable, OWC), confirming, however, that many other companies will be able to offer compatible devices in the future.