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CES 2009: Boot your computer in hyperspeed

Torrey Meeks — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:33:53 +0000

The notorious Windows boot time can be an onerous necessity when all you want to do is check e-mail or hit up your favorite magazine (like Blast) for a quick hit of news.

Phoenix Technologies latest product, debuting at this year’s CES in Las Vegas, is called HyperSpace. It’s a slick, compact Linux based platform that circumvents the Windows load time by booting straight from BIOS. It installs alongside Windows, and allows the user to switch between the stripped down but aesthetically pleasing HyperSpace interface — which boasts instant web connectivity — and the hard drive based Windows platform at will.

Think of it as a 3G phone version of your laptop.

The boot time for HyperSpace from total shutdown is comparable to bringing a Windows machine out of sleep mode, which is a few seconds. Because the program boots from BIOS, it doesn’t require a spinning hard drive, which saves on battery power by up to 30 percent, according to Phoenix.

HyperSpace boasts a robust security system administered by Phoenix Technologies, disallowing any downloads not cleared by the Phoenix Technology auditing system. For more advanced users, such electronic handholding might not be ideal, but it comes with the package. Time will tell if it’s a winner, but from early glimpses of the system it appears to be a nice solution for those wanting to save on battery power and circumvent hard drive based apps by living online.

The HyperSpace platform starts at $39 for the basic system which runs on single core processors and $59 for the hybrid option which runs on dual core processors.

CES Exclusive: Anthony Gallo Strada Speakers

Blast Magazine Newsroom — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:36:38 +0000

We’ve done some listening to Anthony Gallo’s speakers in the past (Blast, Globe). So we’re happy to take a look at the first photos and specs on his new Strada main and center speakers.

The Strada will feature a new impulse correction system as well as the latest version of the company’s patented tweeter: the CDT 3.

“Current market research indicates that size and price are the two most important criteria when buying a loudspeaker,” Gallo said. “So, the challenge was to make a small, visually attractive speaker that would sound great just about anywhere, in multiple applications, and still be affordable. We have tested them in a multitude of environments with a variety of mounting options and the Stradas have always exceeded our expectations. We can’t wait to audition them for the industry professionals at CES. Personally, I have a Strada surround configuration in my own family room and could live with that forever.”

The Stradas measure 6.5â€D x 12.5â€ H x 5.5â€W. Each can handle 150 watts RMS of unclipped music power. $1,000 each, so save your pennies.

Bill Gates’ hilarious, fitting CES video

Blast Magazine Newsroom — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 15:18:49 +0000

You can watch the whole CES keynote address here. Also Gizmodo has a better quality video than most.

Bill Gates put together a funny, fitting farewell video starring Matthew McConaughey, Brian Williams, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Jay-Z, Bono, George Clooney, Al Gore and more.

In one scene, Gates cell phones Bono during a show and tries to get in the band. Bono says to Gates,”Yeah, I know, I know, but I can’t just replace The Edge because you got a high score in Guitar Hero.

The video and keynote were given in front of 4,000 people Sunday night at the Venetian Hotel’s Palazzo Ballroom in Las Vegas.

Not a bad start to CES this year.