Offering the next generation in fast and simple connectivity, Thunderbolt 3 is a cable developed by Intel that can transfer data, video and audio – all via a single connection. Now, Samsung Electronics is responding to increasing consumer demand for the swift transmission of high-definition and high-specification content from device to device by creating innovative products that support Thunderbolt 3.

Heightened Connectivity

With support for up to 40Gbps of high-speed data transmission, Thunderbolt 3 transfers data eight times faster than USB 3.0. The connection also provides a video bandwidth that is four times greater than HDMI 1.4, when transmitting audio and video signals.

When the cable is connected to an accessory dock with additional ports, an individual Thunderbolt 3 cable can connect up to six devices all at once, including PCs, displays and storage devices. This means that the cable has the capacity to transfer large files and charge a device with a maximum 100 watt (W) output simultaneously, or transmit videos onto two UHD (4K) monitors.

The Thunderbolt 3 cable can also be used to connect a laptop to a high-performance graphics card, allowing users to enhance their gaming experience.

Enhanced Compatibility 

Side-by-side comparison of USB A-type (left, white) and USB-C type (right, black)

Thunderbolt 3 has the same shaped connector as a USB-C (USB type C), which is designed to connect to smaller mobile devices, with no distinction between the top and the bottom sides. The cable is embedded with a USB 3.1 host controller to facilitate all USB functions. However, it is important to note that you cannot use a Thunderbolt 3 connection on a PC that does not support the Thunderbolt 3 interface, even if the device has the same USB-C type port.

PCs that support Thunderbolt 3 can be connected to devices with either Thunderbolt interfaces or USB interfaces. However, a PC that does not support Thunderbolt 3 cannot be connected to Thunderbolt 3 devices.

You can confirm if your device supports Thunderbolt 3 by checking for the lightning bolt icon next to the USB-C port

Thunderbolt 3 on Samsung

Bringing the benefits of this next-generation connectivity to consumers, Samsung has introduced three products that support data transmission via Thunderbolt 3.

The 2018 Notebook 9 Always model is a sleek and powerful laptop with a high-capacity battery of 75 Watt-hours (Wh). The product is equipped with two USB 3.0 ports and one USB 2.0 port, as well as a USB-C port that supports Thunderbolt 3.0, making the device even more extensible.

Samsung’s CJ791 QLED Monitor was the first curved monitor to feature Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, with two ports. The display provides a high-definition environment for work and play, not only when connected to a PC, but also to a premium laptop equipped with the Thunderbolt 3 interface, such as the 2018 Notebook 9 Always. The Thunderbolt 3 interface also enables the CJ791 to provide up to 85W of charging power. With this one cable, users can enjoy excellent graphic output, while simultaneously charging a laptop and a smartphone at high speeds.

The Samsung Portable SSD X5 achieves new levels of performance for external storage solutions, synergizing Thunderbolt 3 and NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) technologies. The X5 can store a high-definition 4K UHD video file of 20GB in just 12 seconds, while also implementing heat-control technology to safeguard the device from overheating.

Thunderbolt 3 offers the fast, safe and convenient transmission of data, video and audio at high speed in a single cable. The cable also supports USB-C, the newest standard in USB connectivity, making it even more versatile. As consumer demand for heightened connectivity and utility grows, Samsung Electronics will continue to develop even more innovative products that support Thunderbolt 3 in the future.

At CES 2018, Samsung Electronics will expand the connectivity and performance capabilities of its signature curved display line-up with the debut of its new CJ791 monitor, the first curved monitor to feature Intel’s Thunderbolt 3 connectivity. Designed for entertainment and business audiences, the 34-inch CJ791 model aligns single-source power and processing speed with an exceptional picture quality for a comfortable and productive user experience.

Through a single Thunderbolt 3 cable, CJ791 users can link and dock their monitor and laptop without extensive wiring. The Thunderbolt 3 connection provides processing speed of up to 40 Gigabits per second (Gbps) – a rate nearly four times faster than USB alternatives – allowing users to enjoy connectivity across a full ecosystem of docks, displays and peripheral devices including Macs, USB type-C laptops, and other desktop accessories like storage drives or external graphics cards. The Thunderbolt 3 interface also enables the CJ791 to provide up to 85 watts (W) of laptop charging power.

“As the pioneer of the curved monitor industry, Samsung continues to seek new ways to refine our displays and exceed consumers’ expectations on heightened performance and presentation,” said Seog-gi Kim, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “The CJ791 aligns Thunderbolt 3 connectivity with our best-in-class curvature and QLED picture quality to captivate and engage users, while also promoting improved organization and productivity. We are thrilled to demonstrate the full capabilities of our innovative new display to CES 2018 attendees.”

Efficiency at Work

The CJ791’s clear, detail-rich design empowers business users to complete a range of tasks more efficiently. A 21:9 aspect ratio provides more screen real estate for multitasking, while a complementary 3440×1440 ultra-wide QHD resolution elevates content and imagery with nearly 2.5 times the pixel density of full HD alternatives. In turn, professionals can view large files, spreadsheets and data tables in a more readable format, and without extensive scrolling or zooming.

Professional users can also enjoy the flexibility to customize the CJ791 to their unique workspace. Along with the wire-reducing Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, the CJ791’s slim-depth and narrow-bezel design accommodates multi-display setups without sacrificing content consistency or visual appearance. The display’s height-adjustable stand and tilt functionality also empower users to customize positioning and work within their most comfortable viewing parameters.

Ahead of the Game

Samsung’s CJ791 showcases content with brilliant and realistic detail, guaranteed to entice gamers and entertainment enthusiasts. The display’s QLED presentation technology precisely reflects colors across a 125 percent sRGB spectrum, and creates visual intrigue through deeper blacks, brighter whites and pristine shades. This refinement, coupled with the industry’s sharpest 1,500R curvature and ultra-wide 178-degree viewing angle, gives users a complete view of their surroundings, and ensures full immersion in every scene.

A host of integrated gamer-friendly features also gives users an extra edge on their adversaries with Game Mode, which contains a dynamic gamma setting that intuitively adjusts color and contrast of each individual scene to produce a true-to-life environment. The CJ791’s four milliseconds (ms) response time also ensures smooth transitions between scenes, making it ideal for racing, flight simulation and first-person battle games.

For more information about Samsung’s CJ791 QLED monitor, please visit Samsung’s CES booth #15006, on Level 1 of the Central Hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center from January 9-12, 2018.