It appears that DeviceVM won't be able to sit around and gloat over its "instant on" SplashTop Linux OS that's being integrated into ASUS motherboards, as they've got some competition on the horizon. A company called Phoenix Technologies is introducing a new mini-OS called HyperSpace (what's with all these compound names?) that features a four second boot time. Using a form of virtualization which sets aside memory and disk space for the small boot, the ROM-based environment lets you access Firefox, launch a DVD movie, or fire up other apps while your system loads Vista or XP in the background. Apparently, the BIOS-embedded platform will also allow manufacturers and developers to embed their own, customized applications, thus extending the range of uses for the system. Soon, you won't have to wait even a tenth of a minute to check your Facebook inbox.

[Via Good Morning Silicon Valley]

Today's "Adventure in Laziness" is brought to you by Whirlpool, which has just -- rather cleverly, we must admit -- announced an upcoming refrigerator with built-in espresso maker, saving you several precious steps during your rushed morning routine. No longer will you flutter between fridge and coffee machine like a caffeine-addicted idiot; instead, your milk, creamers, and sweeteners are just inches away from a freshly-brewed cup. Coming in January of next year for what will likely be significantly more than your standard icebox, the "20RI D4 Espresso" bodes well for future fridge-tech, and makes us yearn for the day when our Whirlpool sends us off to work with a warm cup of joe and welcomes us home at night with a frosty, self-brewed lager.

[Via The Appliancist]

Well, not completely invisible -- that'd be downright dangerous. The stylish dryer pictured above was just one of the appliances proudly displaying its innards at the National Electronics' Innovation Station exhibit in Japan recently, apparently making use of "natural dry air" to conserve energy (we're hoping that's not a roundabout way of saying it's a glorified plastic box). Also not shy to show off its contents was a transparent fridge (pictured after the break), which looks even more suspiciously non-functional but does provide plenty of space for your various beverages. No word on price or availability, naturally, although given the chances that they'll ever find their way over here, we wouldn't suggest that you hold off on any refrigerator / dryer purchases you've been planning.

[Via Engadget Chinese]