Microsoft Tests Waters for “Instant On” Function

By Greg McNevin

October 20, 2008: Microsoft appears to be contemplating taking a leaf out of Linux’s book for its next operating system, Windows 7, with news that it is considering an “instant on” function previously only seen in Linux-based consumer PCs.

Microsoft tested the idea last week with a survey sent out to a select group of users asking them for feedback on being able to use their PCs in a pared down state within a few seconds of it being turned on.

Called “Instant On” the technology is a pre-boot feature that has already been used by other manufacturers and OSs to enable users to watch DVDs or listen to music without waiting for the entire OS to load. However, of late this functionality has been extended to include web browsing, VoIP calls and more.

Word processing and other office productivity tasks also represent attractive instant on functions, particularly considering that the technology can mean significant savings in battery life.

Instant on has also traditionally been virtually a Linux-exclusive feature, so the fact that Microsoft is tabling the idea indicates just how far the company may be willing to go to ensure it doesn’t drop the ball with Windows 7 like it did with Vista.

Regardless, at the moment the feature represents just one of the possibilities for Windows 7 (now its official title) which, according to Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer at TechEd Brasil last week, is to be released by July 2009.

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