Apple plans to continue using Thunderbolt, despite moving away from Intel to their own custom processors.
At WWDC 2020, Apple unveiled its plans to replace Intel with its own ARM-based silicon that it has been using in the iPhone and iPad for years. The iPad Pro, in particular, is a good example of the promise a Mac based on those chips would offer. Even though it is faster than the majority of PC laptops on the market, the iPad delivers that performance without a single fan and still provides a full day of battery life.
One big question has been whether Apple would continue supporting Thunderbolt on the new machines, which are slated to begin rolling out by the end of the year. The interface was originally developed by Intel, with the help of Apple. In fact, Intel just announced new details about the upcoming Thunderbolt 4.
It appears there is no cause for concern among Mac users heavily invested in Thunderbolt peripherals. In a statement to TechCrunch, Apple doubled down on its commitment to the interface:
“Over a decade ago, Apple partnered with Intel to design and develop Thunderbolt, and today our customers enjoy the speed and flexibility it brings to every Mac. We remain committed to the future of Thunderbolt and will support it in Macs with Apple silicon.”
This is good news for Mac users, as well as Intel. Ongoing support by Apple will help drive adoption, while Mac users will be able to continue using the devices they already own.
A researcher has discovered seven critical security vulnerabilities with Thunderbolt that impact Windows, Linux and, to a lesser extent, macOS.
In late April it was reported that one of Microsoft’s reasons for not including Thunderbolt on its Surface devices was concerns over security. Specifically, Microsoft had concerns that, because Thunderbolt acts as a direct memory access port, a hacker could use a memory stick or other peripheral to gain direct access to the device’s memory.
It seems Microsoft’s concerns may not have been so far-fetched after all. Björn Ruytenberg, researcher at Eindhoven University of Technology, has published a report detailing seven Thunderbolt vulnerabilities that could allow a hacker to theoretically steal all data on a computer, regardless of what security measures are in place, such as password protection or encryption. In a video demonstrating the vulnerabilities, Ruytenberg gains access in roughly five minutes.
Of the vulnerabilities, all seven impact both Windows and Linux, while only two impact macOS. Even then, macOS is only partially affected, as Apple’s computers use two security measures not used by Windows or Linux. The vulnerability compromises the first measure, but not the second. If running Windows or Linux in Boot Camp, however, a Mac becomes “trivially affected.”
In a follow-up blog, Ruytenberg says Intel was notified in mid-February, but has no intention of taking any further action, citing action they have already taken. In a blog post on the company’s site, Intel’s Jerry Bryant explained the mitigation efforts already in place:
“In 2019, major operating systems implemented Kernel Direct Memory Access (DMA) protection to mitigate against attacks such as these. This includes Windows (Windows 10 1803 RS4 and later), Linux (kernel 5.x and later), and MacOS (MacOS 10.12.4 and later). The researchers did not demonstrate successful DMA attacks against systems with these mitigations enabled. Please check with your system manufacturer to determine if your system has these mitigations incorporated. For all systems, we recommend following standard security practices, including the use of only trusted peripherals and preventing unauthorized physical access to computers.”
While a vulnerability of this kind is disconcerting, it’s important to keep it in perspective. The vulnerability requires physical access to a machine. As we wrote in the article describing Microsoft’s decision not to include Thunderbolt, “a long-standing rule of computer security is that once physical access has been achieved, all bets are off.“ That rule still holds true.
In the meantime, if Intel’s response is accurate, it seems modern computers with the latest OS updates are largely safe. In the meantime, common sense measures, such as controlling computer access and not plugging in unknown Thunderbolt devices, should go a long way toward protecting all users.
Microsoft has blamed an unlikely target for Surface devices not having Thunderbolt ports or removable RAM: security.
According to WalkingCat on Twitter, a Surface engineering webinar says that security is the main reason for both features being missing from Surface tablets and laptops.
The engineer says that removable RAM poses a threat since an individual could freeze it with liquid nitrogen, remove it and then put it in a memory reader and access all the contents that were stored in memory. Similarly, because Thunderbolt is “a direct memory access port,” Microsoft does not include it over concerns someone could use a memory stick plugged into the port to gain direct access to the device’s memory, bypassing the OS and security.
The Verge was able to verify the authenticity of the leaked presentation, as well as the fact that the person narrating it is a 10+ year Microsoft veteran. Even so, as The Verge point out, it’s still surprising to hear Microsoft blaming security as the reason for not including Thunderbolt, especially since virtually every other major manufacturer deems it safe enough to include in their business-oriented machines.
A long-standing rule of computer security is that once physical access has been achieved, all bets are off. Most computer security focuses on keeping bad actors from gaining remote access. In contrast, once a device physically falls into a bad actor’s hands, aside from full-disk encryption, there’s virtually nothing to prevent them from eventually gaining access to what’s on the disk. As a result, Microsoft’s reason seems like a pointless, and possibly self-serving, justification.
The most recent news in the realm of laptops/ultra books has been the new line-up of Macs. Right now anyone is going to have a hard time competing with Apple’s Monday release. But Acer is attempting to just that with the Acer’s Aspire S5. The product, which was announced at CES, now has a release date of June 25. This may or may not be enough time for the MacBook to run out of steam; we shall see.
The ultrabook weights merely 2.65 pounds and is only .44 inches at its thinest spot. .59 at the thickest. Ultabooks are entering the market in high numbers this year, each of them claiming to be the thinest, lightest, smallest, et cetera. Toshiba now has the medal for the lightest. You can give Acer the award for the thinnest.
The Aspire S5 will have a price tag of $1,399. Pricey for an Acer, but it does come with some top of the line features, including Ivy bridge i7 processors and plenty of RAM.
Here’s the specs:
13.3-inch LED-backlit display (1366 x 768)
3rd Generation Intel Core i7-3517U Processor (4MB L3 cache, up to 3.0GHz) with Turbo Boost Technology
4GB DDR3 dual channel RAM
256GB SSD
2 USB 3.0 ports
1 Thunderbolt port
2.65 pounds
12.77 inches x 8.95 inches by 0.59 inches (tapers to 0.44 inches in the front)
The casing is designed black with magnesium alloy and a brushed metal chassis, so it is very easy on the eyes. Something that cannot be said for all Acers. It also comes with some cool extras that make it even more worthwhile. It features a ‘MagicFlip I/O Port’, which pops out to reveal USB 3.0, HDMI and a Thunderbolt (only a handfull of ultrabooks come with Thunderbolt). The MagicFlip conceals all of the ports, adding to the ultrabook’s sleek appeal.
It will be the first Acer product in the U.S. to include AcerCloud, which is exactly what it sounds like. AcerCloud allows remote access to Cloud storage on the ultrabook, as well as their Android tablet and smartphone.
Apple announced two Thunderbolt accessories for the new Macbook Air and Macbook Pro at the companies annual World Wide Developer Conference: The FireWire 800 and Gigabit Ethernet adapter. The MacBook Pro will have an SD Card, HDMI, USB2/3, MagSafe 2, and two Thunderbolt ports. Those Thunderbolt connections will need these adapters if you plan on using FireWire or Ethernet connections.
Apple is notorious for leaving behind what they consider to be outdated ports, so at least they are making an effort. The ethernet cable could be particularly useful when hunting for a faster connection speed.
Other interface points featured alongside the MagSafe on the left side of the machine include a headphone jack, Thunderbolt, and a USB 3.0 port. On the right you’ll find a place for an SD card, an HDMI port, and another USB 3.0 port.
There’s more developments coming out of the conference as I write this. Several details about what we can expect from the new MacBook’s on top of the MagSafe 2 were leaked just before the start of today’s events. Follow this link to learn more. Keep checking back for breaking developments from our coverage of today’s happenings during WWDC 2012.
Belkin, a company that specializes in connectivity accessories, unveiled the new Thunderbolt Express dock at CES today. The dock is designed to allow users to take fuller advantage of the new Thunderbolt technology found on an increasing number of computers, most notably those made by Apple.
The dock sports a remarkable array of connector ports: 3 USB 2.0, HDMI, ethernet, firewire, and a 3.5 mm audio port. It also has two Thunderbolt ports – one upstream, one down. It allows simultaneous use of multiple devices, meaning that users can plug one Thunderbolt cable into their computers, and gain instant access to anything plugged into the dock.
The Thunderbolt Express Dock retails for $299 and will be available in September.
Apple announced an update to the Mac mini, which includes next-generation Intel Core processors, new graphics, high-speed Thunderbolt I/O technology, and Mac OS X Lion. Apple says it has twice the processor and graphics performance of the previous version.
The outer design is pretty much the same.
“Mac mini delivers the speed and expandability that makes it perfect for the desktop, living room or office,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “With faster processors, more powerful graphics and Thunderbolt in an incredibly compact, aluminum design, the new Mac mini is more versatile than ever.”
The new Mac mini will be available in Apple’s retail stores on July 21. It’s now available through apple.com. It costs $599.
Apple also announced the Thunderbolt Display, which lets you move data between devices and your computer with what Apple calls “unprecedented speed”. It’s 27 inches and has a FaceTime camera. All the features can be found here.
The Thunderbolt Display will be available within the next 60 days through Apple.com, Apple’s Retail Stores, and through authorized resellers. It’s $999.
As previously mentioned, Apple has also updated its Macbook Air line with Thunderbolt.
Earlier today the Apple Store was down for a bit. Upon its return some new iMacs had surfaced, which confirmed the rumors that a iMac refresh may be in the works.
The new iMacs boast quad-core processors, up to 3x faster graphics, HD FaceTime camera and a new Thunderbolt port, which makes it the first desktop computer to feature it.
Like other iOS devices, the new FaceTime HD camera will allow users to video call between all capable Apple products. This includes the iPad, iPhone 4, and the latest generation of the iPod Touch.
As for the other specifications: AMD Radeon HD 6750M (which can be upgraded), 4GB of RAM comes standard, 1 or 2 Thunderbolt ports (dependent upon model purchased), LED-backlit high-res display, up to 1TB of storage, and of course either a Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad.
“With next generation quad-core processors, powerful new graphics, Thunderbolt technology and a FaceTime HD camera, we’ve made the world’s best desktop even better”, saidPhilip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.
The prices of the new iMacs are comparable to the old, prices range from $1,199 to $1,999.
