Phoenix Technologies Goes into HyperSpace

The company's new HyperSpace platform will allow custom-built applications to run directly from system start up, eliminating wasted time and improving energy efficiency.

Phoenix Technologies, maker of the humble system BIOS, may not be accustomed to buzz over its latest product introductions, but got it nonetheless on Monday, when it announced HyperSpace, a sort of operating system substitute.

Hoping to improve both boot speed and power efficiency in laptops, Phoenix developed HyperSpace to offer instantly available applications. Instead of booting into a on operating system like OS X or Windows, Hyperspace will allow PC vendors to embed certain software programs into their computers that can launch directly from system start-up, paring out the need for an operating system and the wasted time and energy inefficiency that go with it.

"For most of us, today’s computing experience is a lot like air travel – offering tremendous possibilities, but plagued with security issues, delays and system failures," said Woody Hobbs, president and CEO of Phoenix Technologies, in a statement. "HyperSpace introduces a new framework to transform the personal computing experience through purpose-driven appliances that work within the HyperSpace environment.”

Besides Phoenix’s own proof-of-concept prototypes, no computers have yet been built using the HyperSpace platform, but the company is working with industry partners and manufacturers to develop such systems for consumer use.