The Instant On/Off Revolution

Phoenix Technologies creates an OS that can switch on and off instantly.

In 1983, Phoenix Technologies became a popular choice with PC manufacturing giants across the world when it developed the basic input/output system (BIOS). Headquartered in California, USA, the company focuses on developing innovative products and services. Recently, it opened a R&D facility

Intel motherboard with HyperSpace Credit: Phoenix Technologies

in Bangalore, India, to drive innovation and expand into major emerging markets in the Asia-Pacific region.

As its first product offering to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in India, Phoenix introduced HyperSpace, an operating system (OS) with instant on/off feature for mobile computers such as laptops, netbooks, nettops, and mobile Internet devices (MIDs).

HYPER TECHNOLOGY

Inspired by smartphone, HyperSpace allows users to turn on the computer and immediately access the Web or productivity applications, such as a word processor or spreadsheet, without waiting for Windows to boot up. With this feature, using a PC is most likely going to be as easy and fast as flipping open a phone and using it. Similarly, to turn off, one may just close the lid and go. HyperSpace takes only 5-10 seconds to switch on from cold boot, depending on the hardware.

Since instant Web access is allowed, it was imperative for HyperSpace to allow users to always stay connected. The HyperSpace network connection manager automatically connects to the best available network: from wired to wireless to 3G, so users do not have to reconfigure PC each time on roaming. For pre-configured networks, its WiFi connect time is likely to be 1 second or less.

HyperSpace can be used as the primary OS on a machine or it can also run alongside Windows just for its instant on/off function.

A user can work simultaneously on HyperSpace as well as on Windows. The OS allows users to instantly switch between Windows and HyperSpace at the push of a button. And since working on two operating systems on the same machine is possible, it also provides safe sharing of files from Windows to HyperSpace and vice versa.

According to Phoenix Technologies, the HyperSpace system is walled off and protected from viruses, malware, and other external threats like keyboard loggers and phishing sites. This means that system crashes are most likely not to occur with HyperSpace. It also means that users can continue to surf the Web even if a virus attacks and disables Windows.

When a user performs only Web-based activities in HyperSpace, the Windows automatically goes into sleep mode (until accessed) allowing the notebook battery to last up to 30 percent longer. To achieve longer battery life, HyperSpace uses power optimized application software, advanced OS scheduling, superior handling of CPU and device power, and heuristics that are designed to maximize power for Internet computing. All these together boost 30 percent battery life over Windows Vista, and about 50 percent over Linux flavours, without compromising performance.

Acknowledging such benefits of HyperSpace, Intel and Phoenix Technologies recently signed a deal wherein Intel’s Atom processor-based motherboards DG43GT and D945DCLF will come embedded with Phoenix’s HyperSpace. The first shipment of the new motherboards is likely to take place within this year. The deal marks Intel’s first step away from Microsoft, by integrating a non-Microsoft product into its own product.

Currently, HyperSpace is open to licensing in India.

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With Intel’s integration of HyperSpace, Phoenix seems optimistic about its future prospects in India. However, a lot will depend on the kind of affordable, innovative technology it offers in the country.

Vantika Dixit is Senior Assistant Editor of Technology Review India.