Fast-boot environment moves to Moblin

By Eric Brown
2009-07-13

Article Rating:

/ 1

Rate This Article:

Add This Article To:

Phoenix Technologies announced that its fast-boot "HyperSpace" technology is now "aligned" with the Moblin project and that it will work with Intel to promote the technologies to netbook and nettop OEMs and ODMs. HyperSpace will improve the Linux-based Moblin stack's already considerable capabilities for fast-boot and power management, says Phoenix.

HyperSpace offers one-second "boot-to-web" times, claims Phoenix. Announced last November and released in January for x86 computers, HyperSpace was spun off the following month into an ARM version. Shortly after, Phoenix announced that HyperSpace was compatible with Freescale's netbook-oriented, ARM Cortex A8 i.MX515 system-on-chip (SoC).

HyperSpace comprises a minimalist, stripped down Linux environment with a Gecko- and Firefox-based browser, a WiFi connection manager, and a teensy kernel that leaves most peripherals (such as USB controllers) powered off to save power. With PCs it is marketed as a secondary OS option that boots much faster and offers much better battery life than Windows. On systems with virtualization hardware enabled, Hyperspace can also boot Windows in the background, after which the user can toggle between the two environments.

Intel preps for ARM invasion

Like other "instant on" environments, HyperSpace is primarily targeted at Windows computers, but it is also compatible with faster-booting desktop Linux. Meanwhile, netbook versions of Linux have whittled down boot times even more, with Moblin v2 already capable of remarkably fast boot times on its own. In fact, its core fast-boot technology formed the basis of HyperSpace competitor Presto, offered by Xandros.

Still, in the age of always-on smartphones and other responsive devices, even the relatively fast Moblin may seem slow, and netbook makers are looking for every advantage. Intel, meanwhile, is hoping to ward off competition from ARM Cortex-A8-based "smartbooks," which are likely to boast faster boot times than Atom-based models, as well as much longer battery life.

HyperSpace can also improve on Moblin's power management capabilities to give it a boost in battery life, says Phoenix. In addition, the technology provides Moblin with new security, wireless connectivity, and virtalization capabilities, claims the company.

HyperSpace applications

Phoenix is said to offer a Microsoft-compatible productivity suite for HyperSpace called HyperSpace Office, with word processor, spreadsheet and presentation applications. In addition, Phoenix also partnered with Yahoo for HyperSpace-optimized search directly from the user interface, says the company, and has partnerships with Google Picasa and Adobe Photoshop for fast access to photo editing, storing and sharing.

Stated Woody Hobbs, president and CEO of Phoenix Technologies, "Moblin provides OEMs with an optimized framework for Intel Atom processor-based systems. HyperSpace enhances this platform with a unique, easy-to-use and fun interface and the ability to bring any application to life instantly."

Stated Doug Fisher, VP of Intel Software and Services Group and GM, System Software Division, "The combination of Moblin and HyperSpace will deliver a more satisfying and rich experience for ultra-mobile consumers. Both improve instant access to the web and other applications, dramatically extend battery life, and optimize emerging new classes of ultra-sleek, ultra-mobile computing devices."

Availability

Phoenix did not say when the Moblin version of HyperSpace would be available to OEM/ODMs, nor when it might appear in netbooks. More information may be found here.

Related Stories:

	Discuss Fast-boot environment moves to Moblin

	>>> Be the FIRST to comment on this article!



	>>> More News Articles >>> More By Eric Brown

Email Article To Friend ♦ Print Version Of Article ♦ PDF Version Of Article

FUEL Database on MontaVista Linux
Whether building a mobile handset, a car navigation system, a package tracking device, or a home entertainment console, developers need capable software systems, including an operating system, development tools, and supporting libraries, to gain maximum benefit from their hardware platform and to meet aggressive time-to-market goals.

Breaking New Ground: The Evolution of Linux Clustering
With a platform comprising a complete Linux distribution, enhanced for clustering, and tailored for HPC, Penguin Computing¿s Scyld Software provides the building blocks for organizations from enterprises to workgroups to deploy, manage, and maintain Linux clusters, regardless of their size.

Data Monitoring with NightStar LX
Unlike ordinary debuggers, NightStar LX doesn¿t leave you stranded in the dark. It¿s more than just a debugger, it¿s a whole suite of integrated diagnostic tools designed for time-critical Linux applications to reduce test time, increase productivity and lower costs. You can debug, monitor, analyze and tune with minimal intrusion, so you see real execution behavior. And that¿s positively illuminating.

Virtualizing Service Provider Networks with Vyatta
This paper highlights Vyatta's unique ability to virtualize networking functions using Vyatta's secure routing software in service provider environments.

High Availability Messaging Solution Using AXIGEN, Heartbeat and DRBD
This white paper discusses a high-availability messaging solution relying on the AXIGEN Mail Server, Heartbeat and DRBD. Solution architecture and implementation, as well as benefits of using AXIGEN for this setup are all presented in detail.

Understanding the Financial Benefits of Open Source
Will open source pay off? Open source is becoming standard within enterprises, often because of cost savings. Find out how much of a financial impact it can have on your organization. Get this methodology and calculator now, compliments of JBoss.

Embedded Hardware and OS Technology Empower PC-Based Platforms
The modern embedded computer is the jack of all trades appearing in many forms.

Data Management for Real-Time Distributed Systems
This paper provides an overview of the network-centric computing model, data distribution services, and distributed data management. It then describes how the SkyBoard integration and synchronization service, coupled with an implementation of the OMG¿s Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard, can be used to create an efficient data distribution, storage, and retrieval system.

7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.