Hyperspace ported to ARM

Bios specialist Phoenix Technology has ported its Hyperspace instant-on software to the ARM Cortex A8 architecture, the basis of several systems-on-a-chip designed for mobile internet devices and netbooks.

It could also be used in so-called hybrid notebooks, such as Dell Latitude E4200 and E4300, which run an ARM as well as an Intel processor for telephony and rapid access to common tasks using a Linux kernel.

The company says Hyperspace boots up and down in seconds, providing near instant access to common tasks such browsing, and access to calendars and email.

It also logs you on to the best available wireless network and draws little power, reducing battery drain as users do not always need to boot into the full operating system.

The system will be unveiled at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next week.