14 DAY TRIAL // Those who own a new-generation MacBook Pro or iMac can now download a Thunderbolt Firmware Update from Apple which provides more performance and stability when transferring data through Intel’s interface for connecting peripheral devices to a computer via expansion bus.
According to the company headquartered at 1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, California, the Thunderbolt Firmware Update “provides Thunderbolt performance and stability fixes.”
A cable accessory is reportedly being readied for users of Thunderbolt-enabled Macs.
Apple asks users to note that when their computer restarts, “a gray screen will appear with a status bar to indicate the progress of the update.”
“Do not disturb or shut off the power on your computer during this update,” goes Apple’s advice.
Posted with a download ID ‘DL1407’ on June 27, and weighing in at a meagre 486 KB, Thunderbolt Firmware Update 1.0 requires Mac OS X 10.6.8, the latest version of Apple’s Snow Leopard operating system.
Supported languages include Deutsch, English, Français, Español, Italiano, Nederlands, Dansk, Norsk Bokmål, Polski, Português, Português Brasileiro, Pусский, Suomi, Svensk, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.
Download Thunderbolt Firmware Update (Free)
Apple released Mac OS X 10.6.8 last week with the main focus of adding the necessary enhancements for a smooth upgrade to Lion, Apple’s latest revision to the Mac OS.
In addition to enhancing the Mac App Store to get machines ready for the Lion upgrade, Mac OS X 10.6.8 also resolves an issue that may cause Preview to unexpectedly quit, improves support for IPv6 and VPN reliability, and identifies (and removes) all known variants of Mac Defender.
Apple is known to be preparing new Macintosh computers equipped not only with Sandy Bridge processors, but also Thunderbolt I/O.
The first in line to get this treatment is said to be the MacBook Air, Apple’s ultra-portable notebook, followed by the Mac Pro and the Mac mini.
The MacBook Air systems have been waiting on the launch pad for a while now, people familiar with Apple’s plans have said.
The Mac maker is reportedly waiting to image them with a Gold Master of OS X Lion, so that early adopters are not forced to upgrade to Lion themselves.