Phoenix HyperSpace instant-on OS now available

Phoenix Technologies has finally released HyperSpace, an instant-on computing environment for notebooks that runs independently alongside your primary Windows operating system. There are two versions: HyperSpace Dual and HyperSpace Hybrid. The difference is that the latter one runs side by side with Windows, and HyperSpace Dual doesn't.

With HyperSpace Hybrid, your one computer system can run both the Windows Vista and HyperSpace environments side by side. You have the unique ability to switch between the two in real time with one simple click. HyperSpace Hybrid runs on PCs with Intel Virtual Technology (VT).

If your system is not outfitted with Intel VT, you can still get HyperSpace. Most platforms and systems will support HyperSpace Dual. However, the two environments – HyperSpace and Windows – do not operate side by side with HyperSpace Dual. You must shut down HyperSpace Dual to launch Windows, and vice versa.

HyperSpace uses a subscription model and unfortunately it's rather expensive. HyperSpace Dual costs $39.95 per year ($99.95 for 3 years) and HyperSpace Hybrid has a price tag of $59.95 per year ($149.95 for 3 years).

"Stop waiting for Windows to boot or worrying about finding the best wireless connection. Instant-on computing with HyperSpace transforms the mobile experience by providing cell phone-like connectivity, ease-of-use and efficiency for key applications," said Woody Hobbs, president and CEO of Phoenix Technologies. "In less than a few seconds, you're up and running - browsing the Internet, emailing, instant messaging, and using other important applications. By utilizing the power of virtualization technology, HyperSpace can run side-by-side with Windows Vista(R) on certain systems, making your computer far more power efficient, secure and frustration-free."

Phoenix has been working with the world's leading silicon and software vendors to create an ecosystem for HyperSpace. HyperSpace is optimized for web applications like Google Apps and will include shortcuts to those applications so that consumers can easily access their favorite Google sites. Phoenix Technologies is also working with Yahoo's Zimbra division to add Zimbra Desktop email functionality to HyperSpace.

"Laptop and Netbook users typically surf the Web 90% of the time: instant access to the Internet, current information and online applications makes their time online more fun and productive. For over a decade many companies have tried to make virtualization ready for mainstream consumption. Phoenix Technologies has succeeded, and the consumer is the ultimate beneficiary," added consumer PC guru, Tim Bajarin, of Creative Strategies.

Key HyperSpace Benefits include:

Instant-on/Instant-off - With HyperSpace, you're up and running in a few seconds.

Smart connectivity - HyperSpace automatically and seamlessly connects you to the best available wired, WiFi and WAN network. You can easily add and prioritize preferred networks to optimize performance and cost efficiency.

Longer battery life - Using the web in HyperSpace extends battery power by more than 25% in some systems when compared to computing in Windows. With the right hardware and usage patterns, consumers can experience all day battery-life on certain platforms. A constant and significant increase in the number of platforms supporting all day computing is a high priority for Phoenix development.

Security - HyperSpace is a personal computing environment that is far more difficult to infect with viruses, rootkits and spyware than operating systems like Windows. Applications are digitally signed and stored in a secure memory store that is locked after execution. Updates and additions to HyperSpace will only be made via a site approved and owned or audited by Phoenix.

Uptime - If Windows Vista(TM) system fails, HyperSpace is still available and running. Phoenix partners are expected to shortly deliver solutions to maintain and repair the consumer's system while the user is still working in HyperSpace.

The combination of all these benefits means more productivity and less frustration for the notebook and netbook user.