ASUS today announced ExpertCenter PN53, a mini PC that harnesses the power of the latest AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors and AMD Radeon 600M series graphics. ExpertCenter PN53 features a triple-storage design that can accommodate a variety of storage combinations. Two PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSDs and DDR5 memory ensure fast boot-up and app loading times. In addition, ExpertCenter PN53 includes cleverly designed cooling features, AI-powered noise-cancelation technology for improved voice communications, and can support a single 8K monitor or up to four 4K monitors.

ExpertCenter PN53 offers up to 34% better single-thread performance and up to a 29% boost in multithread performance, compared to the previous PN51 model. In PCMark 10 Essentials group tests, ExpertCenter PN53 showed a 10% improvement in web browsing, videoconferencing, and app start-up times. It also performed 10% better than ExpertCenter PN51 in the Productivity test group that measures system performance with everyday office applications, including spreadsheets and writing workloads.

It appears that the microATX form factor is the way to go when it comes to AMD A620 chipset based motherboards and ASUS has no less than three new models, although one is technically with or without WiFi. The new models are the TUF Gaming A620M-Plus, the TUF Gaming A620M-Plus WiFi and the Prime A620M-A. All three boards sport six layer PCBs with what appears to be fairly basic power regulation, although ASUS doesn't mention how many phases either model has on its product pages. All boards feature a single PCIe 4.0 x16 slot and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots, as well as two M.2 NVMe slots that support PCIe 4.0 x4 based drives. All models also have four DDR5 DIMM slots, four SATA 6 Gbps ports and front panel connectors for a 5 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port and two 5 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports.

Around the back is where things differ a bit, as the TUF boards have two DisplayPort 1.4 and one HDMI port, as well as two 5 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, four USB 2.0 ports, a PS/2 port and a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port courtesy of a Realtek chip, as well a BIOS FlashBack button. The Prime board on the other hand replaces one DisplayPort output with a VGA connector for some reason and gets to make do with Gigabit Ethernet. The connectivity options aren't what we'd call impressive, but appears to be par for course compared to ASUS' competitors' products. Pricing appear to be in the range of €139-169.

ASUS today announced the April availability of ProArt Display PA329CRV, PA279CRV, and PA248CRV. The 31.5-inch PA329CRV and the 27-inch PA249CRV feature a 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) panel, while the PA248CRV has a 24.1-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) panel. Each monitor is factory-calibrated and Calman Verified, offering Delta E < 2 color accuracy and covering at least 97% of the DCI-P3 color space. Connectivity features come in the form of DisplayPort over USB-C with 96-watt Power Delivery, a standard DisplayPort, HDMI, and a USB hub. In keeping with the ASUS commitment to sustainability, these displays deliver energy-efficient performance that meets global environmental standards including EPEAT Gold, ENERGY STAR, and TCO. Plus, each is packed in recyclable paper packaging.

The Philips 45B1U6900C combines a dual-monitor setup in a single display. The Philips 45B1U6900C is equipped with a large, 44.5" (113 cm diagonal) screen with Double QHD (5120 x 1440) resolution and several other features that are designed to aid professionals' multitasking, such as: USB-C docking with an RJ45 (Gigabit Ethernet) input, a 32:9 SuperWide aspect ratio, and a curvature of 1500R with viewing angles of 178/178 degrees.

Instead of having two separate monitors, the Philips 45B1U6900C's 44.5" screen and 32:9 SuperWide aspect ratio allow professionals to easily open multiple windows side-by-side, without a bezel in the middle dividing the content abruptly. The 32:9 aspect ratio also helps to have an extra-wide perspective for working with timeline-based software such as video or audio editors. In addition, the monitor's curved VA panel produces wide, 178°/178° viewing angles and crisp, high-contrast imagery, while the 1500R curvature creates an overall more immersive experience.

CORSAIR, a world leader in enthusiast components for gamers, creators, and PC builders, today announced an exciting new addition to its lineup of high-performance gaming monitors, the XENEON 27QHD240 OLED. Combining the latest in LG OLED display technology with trademark CORSAIR style and performance, the XENEON 27 OLED offers superb black levels, self-lit OLED pixels, and blistering 240 Hz refresh rate, all in a 2560x1440 27-inch package ready to display everything your PC has to offer at its best.

Continuing the close partnership between CORSAIR and LG Display, the XENEON 27 OLED boasts a cutting edge 3rd generation OLED panel with META Technology featuring Micro Lens Array (MLA). This innovative new technology places a focal lens to enhance brightness in front of every pixel, boosting brightness far beyond previous generation OLED panels and delivering breathtaking color vibrancy. HDR10, 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio, a peak brightness of up to 1,000 nits and 98.5% DCI-P3 color gamut ensure that the brightest highlights, darkest details, and most nuanced colors are presented beautifully, whatever you're playing, watching or creating.

Today, Lenovo announced the latest 8th generation of Lenovo Legion Slim laptops, allowing gamers to harness the freedom that the newest series has to offer. The Lenovo Legion Slim series is all about empowering players to crush their gaming goals while also pursuing their creative passions, and there are more options than ever among the new Lenovo Legion Slim 7i and 7 (16", 8), Lenovo Legion Slim 5i and 5 (16", 8), and—an all-new size for this year—the Lenovo Legion Slim 5 (14", 8), which elevates laptop power and portability to a whole new level. This newest generation of the series is also the first to sport the Lenovo Artificial Intelligence (LA) family of chips. These are onboard physical AI chips that power Lenovo AI Engine+, which dynamically adjusts the Lenovo Legion ColdFront 5.0 thermals to optimize cooling on the fly and maintain maximum output with minimal noise.

Lenovo Legion Slim series laptops are designed to meet the multi-faceted needs of gamers, with an SD slot, rapid charging battery technology Windows 11, three months of free Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, as well as access to Nahimic by SteelSeries 3D immersive audio, and Lenovo Vantage helping users get the most out of their machines. Offering peace of mind, Lenovo's Legion Ultimate Support service is available with round-the-clock tech support, guidance and assistance so gamers don't have to miss a beat, and with Legion Arena, users can create their ultimate gaming hub with all their titles accessible in one place rather than having to switch between apps. Additionally, gamers looking to expand their horizons—literally—can look forward to the new Lenovo Legion R45w-30 44.5" 32:9 ultrawide curved display and the new Lenovo Legion Y34wz-30 Gaming Monitor that delivers extreme clarity and vivid color with its 34-inch mini-LED backlit panel.

The new portable monitor Philips 16B1P3302D makes for the perfect travel buddy. The Philips 16B1P3302D will be released as part of the Philips monitors' portable series. The series' design identity of the monitor has won a title from the 2021 iF Product Design Award and was also a winner of the 2021 Red Dot Award. Thanks to its lightweight and portable design, the Philips 16B1P3302D is suitable to fit in a briefcase or a backpack with its 15.6-inch (39.6 cm diagonal) display size. In addition, the portable monitor features two USB-C ports on the side of the monitor and two USB-C cables can be plugged in and used simultaneously. These ports have several functions, such as delivering power to and from the device (USB Power Delivery), mirroring or extending the display for presentations and more (USB-C DisplayPort Alt mode), thus creating a dual-screen setup on the go for increased productivity.

The Philips 16B1P3302D makes the mobile workspace ergonomic and comfortable to use with its multi-angle stand that can tilt from 0 to 90 degrees, while the monitor's 170°/170° viewing angles thanks to the IPS panel technology allows clear viewing from almost any angle. In addition to a more personalised experience offered by its flexible stand, the Philips 16B1P3302D display also aims for high picture quality with its Full HD resolution, 75 Hz refresh rate and SmartImage technology to optimise the viewing experience according to the on-screen imagery by adjusting contrast, saturation, and sharpness.

In response to the increasing demand for powerful computing that can be relied on in a wide range of even the most challenging installation environments, leading industrial computing manufacturer and solution provider, OnLogic (www.onlogic.com), has unveiled their Helix 401 fanless industrial computer. The compact device is designed for use in edge computing, industry 4.0, Internet of Things (IoT), and many other emerging applications and will make its public debut at Embedded World 2023.

"You may never see them, but industrial computers are everywhere, working diligently to power technology solutions of every shape and size. These systems need to be small and reliable while still being just as powerful as high-end desktop machines," says Mike Walsh, Senior Product Manager at OnLogic. "The Helix 401 balances size and performance while providing a wide range of configuration possibilities to help users tailor it to their specific application. It's small enough to fit in your hand, similar in size to Intel's popular NUC, but capable enough to drive advanced automation solutions and power the next great smart agriculture, building automation or energy management innovation."

Kontron, a leading global provider of IoT/Embedded Computer Technology (ECT), will present an Mini-ITX motherboard based on Intel Core i3 processors as well as Intel N-series processors with latest UHD Gen12 graphics at embedded world 2023, thus expanding its product family of compact, power-saving motherboards "Designed and Made in Germany." The K3931-N Mini-ITX is available in four variants with different CPUs and is particularly suitable for use in the areas of casino gaming, digital signage, kiosk, POS/POI, ticketing as well as for applications in industrial and medical technology.

The Intel Core i3 and Intel N series processors set new standards for x86 processors in the power range from 6 W to 15 W. They use the same Efficient-cores and Intel UHD graphics as the 12th Gen Intel Core processors based on the Xe architecture. This makes it easier to port applications and solutions across Intel CPU performance and power ranges. Support for Intel AVX2 and Intel Deep Learning Boost - combined with up to 32 execution units - provides accelerated deep learning inference and media processing for diverse edge applications.

To date, there's something of a shortage of actual USB4 devices on the market and to date it appears that VLI with its VL830 endpoint device controller is leading the market. Although we can't be certain that Anker's new 568 USB4 Type-C hub uses the VL830, the VLI chip has appeared in almost all similar devices on the market and the specs suggest it's built around the VL830. The Anker 568 supports a single USB4 input, fortunately it doesn't rely on a captive cable as it has a standard USB-C port as the input. Thanks to a 180 W power input via a 20 V 9 A power brick, it can charge laptops up to 100 W via the USB-C port.

Outputs consist of one HDMI port capable of 4K 60p output and a pair of DisplayPort outputs, both capable of 8K 30p individually or 4K 60p when both are used. There's also a Gigabit Ethernet port, four 5 Gbps USB-A ports and two USB 2.0 ports around the rear of the dock. The front houses a pair of 10 Gbps capable USB-C ports that can also deliver up to 30 W of power for charging various portable electronics. The MSRP for the Anker 568 is US$299.99.

Today at MWC 2023, Lenovo unveiled its latest PC and Chromebook solutions to help embrace dispersed hybrid working styles and provide advanced features that empower users across a broad selection of requirements and needs. Encompassing a progressive and contemporary design philosophy, the latest PC solutions, including a comprehensive refresh across the ThinkPad portfolio, focus on improvements in system performance, increased use of more sustainable materials, and continued enhancements to user experience. ThinkPad Z13 and Z16 second generation Windows 11 laptops enhance key areas of hardware and software functionality to help users maintain a creative edge. ThinkPad Z13 also presents a new Flax Fiber top cover, using bio-based materials, for a unique individual look and feel. Lenovo also introduced a redesigned fourth generation ThinkPad X13 and X13 Yoga with narrower bezels, new colors, materials and features to facilitate hybrid work and mobility. The ThinkPad portfolio for 2023 is completed with fourth generation ThinkPad T14s, T14 and second generation T16 workhorse laptops along with the fourth generation ThinkPad L13, L13 Yoga, L14 and L15, designed for businesses with a wide range of mobile computing needs.

Value-conscious businesses seeking focused productivity features can select a fifth generation ThinkPad E14 with new 16:10 displays or a new 16-inch form factor in the ThinkPad E16. Frequent travellers will like the additional protection provided by the new ThinkPad Professional Sleeve, available in 13-inch and 14-inch sizes to support a broad selection of laptops. The highly versatile ThinkCentre Tiny-in-One Gen 5 Monitor offers improved audio-visual capabilities and redesigned features capable of supporting multiple work scenarios. Finally, consumers can enjoy the flexibility offered by the latest IdeaPad Duet 3i, a Windows 11 detachable laptop that seamlessly transitions between clamshell and tablet modes; or relish the ChromeOS eco-system with the latest IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook featuring a range of audio, visual, and connectivity upgrades.

Kontron, a leading global provider of IoT/Embedded Computer Technology (ECT), announces that all ATX, µATX and Mini-ITX motherboards supporting the 12th generation Intel Core i processor series will soon receive a comprehensive BIOS update to 13th generation. Equipped with Intel's Performance Hybrid Architecture, they offer a significant increase in performance with lower energy consumption. All boards belong to a product family with synergetic BIOS, uniform drivers and comprehensive tool set for customer-specific settings (default settings, thermal management, boot logo, etc.) and are "designed and made in Germany". They are suitable for IoT applications in the fields of industry, medicine, kiosk, digital signage, POS/POI, video surveillance and casino gaming. They will be available from Q2/2023.

The compact Mini-ITX motherboards K3833-Q and K3832-Q are equipped with the powerful Intel Q670E chipset, which offers extensive features such as vPro Manageability, Stable Image (SIPP) or RAID. They have Dual Intel LAN interfaces incl. teaming as well as TSN and real-time support (TCC), a PCIe x16 Gen 5 expansion slot, USB 3.2 Gen 2 interfaces, an M.2 Key-M and Key-E slot as well as two DIMM sockets for DDR5 memory.

With the new PRO and the FOCUS (E23), XMG introduces two laptop series on a similar hardware basis: Both feature Intel's Core i9-13900HX and NVIDIA graphics cards up to the GeForce RTX 4070. While the PRO 15 and PRO 17 are slightly thinner as gaming workstations and boast more extensive connectivity, the FOCUS scores at a more affordable price and is not only available in 15.6 and 17.3-inch versions, but also in a 16-inch format. For the laptops originally designed as an entry-level series, the hardware upgrades mean a significant upgrade: the FOCUS series moves closer to the PRO laptops.

The key components found in the new XMG PRO 15 and PRO 17 as well as the XMG FOCUS 15, FOCUS 16 and FOCUS 17 are almost identical. All laptops employ Intel's Core i9-13900HX with 24 cores (8 P-cores, 16 E-cores) and 32 threads. The freely configurable graphics card options each include NVIDIA's new, DLSS-3-capable GeForce RTX 4050 (FOCUS only) as well as 4060 and 4070 (FOCUS and PRO) with a maximum graphics power rating of up to 140 watts (115 watts TGP plus 25 watts Dynamic Boost 2.0). However, since the clock behaviour and the actual power consumption of the GPUs in the new generation are subject to much more restrictive, application-specific specifications from NVIDIA, the maximum values are only achieved in synthetic stress tests such as Furmark - according to the official requirements of the graphics chip manufacturer.

Last month, Philips introduced a pair of 40-inch ultrawide monitors targeting office work, both with a resolution of 3440 x 1440 pixels. Now the company has introduced a pair of larger 45-inch displays for the same target market, but with a wider 5120 x 1440 pixel resolution and a 32:9 aspect ratio. The 45B1U6900C and 45B1U6900CH are largely identical as with the 40-inch models, with the differentiator being that the latter has a built-in 5 Megapixel webcam with support for Windows Hello. The other difference being that the 45B1U6900C sports one USB-C and one USB-B port for the KVM functionality, whereas the 45B1U6900CH is equipped with a pair of USB-C ports.

The display panel is of VA type with a refresh rate of up to 75 Hz and a typical response time of 4 ms. It has a brightness of 450 cd/m² and a typical contrast ratio of 3000:1. It's also DisplayHDR 400 certified. Outside of the USB inputs, these displays have two HDMI 2.0 inputs, a DisplayPort 1.4, with the USB-C ports on both models offering DP Alt mode, 10 Gbps data speeds and USB PD support up to 100 W. Both models have four downstream USB-A ports, one which supports fast charging and an additional USB-C downstream port that delivers up to 15 W of power. There's also Gigabit Ethernet and an audio jack, as well as a pair of built in 5 W speakers, making these displays decent docking stations at work. The stand is height adjustable and the display can be tilted and swivelled, but not rotated, for obvious reasons. No pricing is available at the moment, but both models should be available shortly.

Getac has today announced the expansion of its flagship X600 rugged mobile workstation range with the launch of the X600 Server and X600 Pro-PCI. The new models will sit alongside the recently launched X600 and X600 Pro, creating a comprehensive lineup of rugged mobile workstations that are purpose-built to meet the demands of professionals working in challenging industries, such as defence, manufacturing and oil & gas.

X600 Server: The fully rugged mobile server
The all-new Getac X600 Server delivers a powerful commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) rugged mobile server that can be folded to a slim profile for easy transportation.

Samsung Electronics today announced the global launch of Odyssey Neo G7 (Model name: G70NC), the company's first flat Mini-LED model, adding a new form factor to the industry-leading Odyssey lineup. The new monitor delivers a large screen designed to give gamers a more comprehensive range of vision and details—inviting them to the worlds of their games with lifelike picture quality.

"The gaming monitor market is only going to get bigger, and gamers are now seeking more out of their monitors," said Hoon Chung, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. "We are not just delivering better gaming experience—we are rebuilding new smart capabilities into our screens that give gamers an all-in-one place for technology and entertainment. Our innovations are enabling gamers everywhere to stay absorbed in their games with visual performance that enhances the intense emotional experiences."

ViewSonic Corp, a leading global provider of visual solutions, announces the launch of the VG56V Series, a collection of premium webcam-docking monitors that elevates the video conferencing experience. Crafted to be versatile and functional for the home and office, the VG2456V and VG2756V-2K displays deliver next-level video conferencing capabilities with a pop-up webcam that features built-in LED fill lights and a two-way AI noise reduction function for both input and output audios.

"As more of us move towards a hybrid mode of working and collaborating across different regions, online video conferences will increasingly become more universal for working professionals. That's why we focused on designing our latest VG56V series with cutting-edge video conferencing features," said Oscar Lin, General Manager of the Monitor Business Unit at ViewSonic. "With an intuitive design and simple set-up, these user-centric monitors are the perfect tool to escalate the video conferencing experience."

Professionals around the world are undoubtedly setting ambitious goals for the coming twelve months. Seeking to provide users with solutions designed to meet their evolving needs, the Philips monitors portfolio welcomes two all-new models equipped with a rich variety of features that are sure to please: the Philips 40B1U5600 and the Philips 40B1U5601H. Both models offer the easy connectivity of USB-C technology, the superb picture quality of an UltraWide QHD resolution with HDR, the convenience of MultiClient Integrated KVM, and even a headset hook, making them the ideal choice for dynamic professionals who want to make 2023 their most productive year ever.

For those of you that find a 4K monitor to lack in resolution, but 8K being a bit too pricey, Dell announced a 6K option at CES in the shape of the 32-inch U3224KB monitor. The IPS Black panel features a 6144 x 3456 pixel resolution with 178 degree viewing angles, a contrast ratio of 2000:1 and it's also VESA DisplayHDR 600 certified. As this is a professional monitor, it offers a colour gamut that meets 99 percent of the DCI-P3 colour space, as well as 100 percent of the sRGB and Rec. 709 standards.

On the connectivity side, it supports Thunderbolt 4, with one input and one throughput, which includes 140 W power delivery, the highest we've seen to date from a monitor. It also has a pair of additional pop-out front facing USB-C ports, which can deliver 15 W of power, as well as a USB-A port, all of which are able to deliver data speeds of up to 10 Gbps and four rear mounted USB-A ports. Display inputs consist of one HDMI 2.1, one mini DP 2.1, one USB-C with unknown DisplayPort standard support, as well as one of the Thunderbolt 4 ports. Finally the U3224KB also features an RJ45 jack for Ethernet connectivity.

Samsung Electronics today announced the company will introduce new models in its monitor lineup, expanding its visual display leadership for the users. New offerings in the Odyssey, ViewFinity and Smart Monitor lineups at CES 2023 will deliver unmatched image quality and a range of innovative features for people looking to work, play and live through their monitor display. Samsung is revolutionizing the ultra-wide display category by launching the Odyssey Neo G9, the world's first single monitor with dual ultra-high definition resolution. This innovation is a testament to Samsung's industry-leading position in delivering the most immersive and lifelike gaming experience available on the market.

"We are introducing the future of gaming monitors with our Odyssey Neo G9, making each game more lifelike with innovative features and picture quality on a new scale," said Hoon Chung, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. "CES is the perfect place to showcase our innovations that can take not only gamers but also graphic designers or TV fans to the next level while providing personalized experiences across a range of integrated smart apps."

With Christmas fast approaching, a guide to holiday gift-giving is here. Shop the latest gift to get the greatest reaction. The Mini IT11 Mini PC is the newest member of the GEEKOM Mini series. Premium product. Premium gift. Prepare to buy the premium GEEKOM Mini IT11, which will be available on December 12, 2022. The GEEKOM Mini IT11 is ready to run Windows 11 Pro OS, delivering improved productivity and a personalized, intuitive user experience.

With a revolutionary microarchitecture with 4 Cores, 8 Threads, up to 12M Cache, and 5.00 GHz, the 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor delivers incredible power and responsiveness. Applications such as document creation, web surfing, rendering, video and image editing can take advantage of its high efficiency and superfast response speed. In combination with fast memory and massive storage, the GEEKOM Mini IT11 is powerful enough to handle even users' most demanding tasks and entertainment needs.

The first flat OLED gaming monitor is here and it's unsurprisingly from LG and part of its UltraGear range of gaming products and goes under the model name 27GR95QE-B. Although it's being touted as a 27-inch display, the screen size is only 26.5-inches, which is a bit unusual. The resolution is 2560 x 1440, with a pixel pitch of 110.8 PPI and the refresh rate goes up to 240 Hz. The OLED panel is capable of delivering 1.07 billion colours and delivers a colour gamut of 98.5 percent of the DCI-P3 standard. LG claims the display has a GtG response time of 0.03 ms which is so far unheard of on a consumer display. LG doesn't supply a brightness rating, nor does the UltraGear OLED appear to have any kind of HDR certification, but supports HDR10, although considering it's an OLED panel, this shouldn't be much of a concern.

There's support for FreeSync Premium and VRR, with the display being G-Sync compatible as well. Other gaming related features include the typical things you'd find on most gaming displays today, such as an FPS counter, a built in crosshair and of course some RGB lighting features. Connectivity wise the UltraGear OLED comes with two unspecified HDMI ports and one unspecified DisplayPort input, as well as one upstreams USB 3.0 port (Type-B) and two downstreams USB 3.0 ports (Type-A). The monitor also has an S/PDIF out and a headset jack, which suggests that it does audio over USB. Finally there's a barrel plug for the 19 V power brick. The display also has support for DTS HP:X where HP stands for headphones, but there are no built in speakers. The stand supports tilt, height, swivel and pivot adjustments and can be adjusted up to 11 cm in height. LG is asking US$999.99 for the UltraGear OLED, which might be a bit more than what most people would be willing to pay for it, but it's at least a first step towards a range of new OLED gaming monitors.

CORSAIR, a world leader in enthusiast components for gamers, creators, and PC builders, today announced the launch of the CORSAIR TBT200 Thunderbolt 4 dock, unlocking a huge array of connectivity options to user's compatible laptops, Macs, PCs and Chromebooks over a single cable. The TBT200 boasts no less than four Thunderbolt 4 ports (including one host connection), and a multitude of additional connections, including HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, 2.5 Gbps Ethernet, 3.5 mm audio, USB Type- C as well as Type-A and more. All this is encased in a stylish, aluminium-clad package that looks at home alongside any setup. Whether it's maximizing a workstation's connectivity, or creating an ambitious power-user setup that connects with just a single cable, the TBT200 puts even the most demanding setup just a single cable away.

With Thunderbolt 4, the TBT200 unlocks even more connection options for today's most advanced laptops and PCs over a single cable. While Thunderbolt 4 shares the same bandwidth as its predecessor at 40 Gbps, it unlocks an array of new connection options, including up to 3 simultaneously connected Thunderbolt devices. Users can choose to connect their displays via any combination HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort, or via the included USB Type-C to DisplayPort and USB Type-C to HDMI adapters, supporting a huge range of hardware from 4K TVs to professional production-level displays.

Intel has demonstrated an early prototype of next-generation Thunderbolt in action, aligned to the USB Implementers Forum's (USB-IF) release of the USB4 v2 specification this week. Next-generation Thunderbolt will deliver 80 gigabits per second (Gbps) of bi-directional bandwidth and enable up to 120 Gbps for the best display experience, providing up to three times the capability of today's technologies to meet the growing needs of content creators and gamers, all while maintaining compatibility with previous versions of Thunderbolt and USB.

"Intel has always been the industry pioneer and leader for wired connectivity solutions, and Thunderbolt is now the mainstream port on mobile PCs and integrated into three generations of Intel mobile CPUs. We're very excited to lead the industry forward with the next generation of Thunderbolt built on the USB4 v2 specification, advanced to this next generation by Intel and other USB Promoter Group members," said Jason Ziller, general manager of the Client Connectivity Division at Intel.

The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) announced today that it has released DisplayPort 2.1, the latest version of the DisplayPort specification, which is backward compatible with and supersedes the previous version of DisplayPort (DisplayPort 2.0). VESA has been working closely with member companies to ensure that products supporting DisplayPort 2.0 would actually meet the newer, more demanding DisplayPort 2.1 spec. Due to this effort, all previously certified DisplayPort 2.0 products including UHBR (Ultra-high Bit Rate) capable products - whether GPUs, docking station chips, monitor scalar chips, PHY repeater chips such as re-timers, or DP40/DP80 cables (including both passive and active, and using full-size DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort or USB Type-C connectors) - have already been certified to the stricter DisplayPort 2.1 spec.

Achieving a robust, end-to-end user visual experience remains the utmost priority for VESA's DisplayPort specification, whether across a native DisplayPort cable, via DisplayPort Alt Mode (DisplayPort over the USB Type-C connector), or tunneled through the USB4 link. As such, DisplayPort 2.1 has tightened its alignment with the USB Type-C specification as well as the USB4 PHY specification to facilitate a common PHY servicing both DisplayPort and USB4. In addition, DisplayPort 2.1 has added a new DisplayPort bandwidth management feature to enable DisplayPort tunneling to coexist with other I/O data traffic more efficiently over the USB4 link. This increased efficiency is on top of mandated support for VESA's visually lossless Display Stream Compression (DSC) codec and VESA's Panel Replay capability. DSC bitstream support can reduce DisplayPort transport bandwidth in excess of 67 percent without visual artifacts, while VESA's Panel Replay capability can reduce DisplayPort tunneling packet transport bandwidth in excess of 99 percent when Panel Replay operation is taking place.