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Dell Precision R5500 lets four graphics pros work on one PC, we wish it did gaming

Jon Fingas — Thu, 17 May 2012 22:02:00 EST

Workstations aren't normally our focus, but when Dell shows off a new Precision system that lets four media pros share its graphics hardware at once, you can be sure the company has our attention. If your IT chief springs for a Precision R5500 with four Quadro 2000 cards, each of those cards can take advantage of a graphics pass-through in Citrix's virtualization to render 3D models at speeds much more like what you'd get if the Quadro were sitting in your own PC. Before you have visions of four-player Modern Warfare parties after-hours at work, the inherent barriers of distance and the virtual machine itself will likely rule out any game sessions. We'd add that the Quadro, Xeon processor and the $2,742 minimum price make it an expensive proposition. That engineering simulation will finish a lot faster, though, giving you a bit more time to play back home.

Continue reading Dell Precision R5500 lets four graphics pros work on one PC, we wish it did gaming

Dell Precision R5500 lets four graphics pros work on one PC, we wish it did gaming originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 22:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP t410 AIO Smart Zero Client does single-wire Power over Ethernet, no power cord required

Richard Lai — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:41:00 EST

Now, we don't normally cover this sort of networking equipment, but we were quite impressed by HP's new t410 All-in-One Smart Zero Client after we spoke to its proud product manager Walt Jurek. First of all, this isn't an AIO desktop PC, nor is it an LCD monitor -- well, if you're unfamiliar with thin clients, just think of this as an 18.5-inch, 1,366 x 768 LED-backlit monitor (featuring a 3M technology for the 200 nit brightness -- our money's on the Uniformity Tape) that uses just one Ethernet cable to get both its 13W power from a PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch, as well as data connection over Citrix, Microsoft or VMWare protocol. The t410 can automatically detect the virtualization environment and then reprogram its digital signal processor when needed, meaning less manual work for the admin (in theory, anyway). More after the break.

Gallery: HP t410 All-in-One Smart Zero Client

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HP t410 AIO Smart Zero Client does single-wire Power over Ethernet, no power cord required originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OnLive Desktop migrates to Windows Server 2008, sidesteps licensing concerns?

Zachary Lutz — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:43:00 EST

Just this time last month, we reported that OnLive was in hot water with Microsoft over the company's ostensible lack of proper licenses for its remote virtualization software -- you know, the app that gave Android and iOS users free access to Windows 7 and Office 2010. Just recently, OnLive Desktop transitioned to Windows Server 2008 R2, and while neither company has confirmed suspicions, the move may be sufficient to satisfy the licensing requirements for both the operating system and Microsoft Office. Due to their similar foundation, most consumers are unlikely to notice the difference with the Aero theme active, and while the Windows 7 virtual keyboard is no longer available, OnLive has already replaced it with a mobile-inspired alternative. Let this be a lesson, kids: it helps to play by the rules -- especially when there are plenty of loopholes.

OnLive Desktop migrates to Windows Server 2008, sidesteps licensing concerns? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BlueStacks App Player hits beta, supports ARM-written Android apps on x86-based Windows (video)

Joe Pollicino — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST

We've been eagerly anticipating the full-on release of BlueStacks' App Player, so imagine our excitement now that the software has officially made the leap from its brief alpha stage to "beta-1" status. If you'll recall, the App Player can virtually run over 450k Android apps on Windows XP, Vista and 7, all without developers needing to tweak their respective coding. Notably, this latest build has a host of updates including LayerCake, allowing x86-based machines to run apps written for ARM -- and with hardware graphics acceleration, no less. Other notable goodies from the beta build include official localization in 10 countries, mock accelerometer support (arrow keys), an updated UI and Direct AppStore Access. If the mere thought of running Android Angry Birds on Windows has your interests piqued, you'll find further details about BlueStacks in the full press release and video overview past the break.

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BlueStacks App Player hits beta, supports ARM-written Android apps on x86-based Windows (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VMware's WSX promises to bring virtualized desktops to the web browser with HTML5

Donald Melanson — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 09:50:00 EST

It's not quite ready for widespread use just yet, but it looks like we could soon have yet another way to virtualize one computer desktop on another device. Tentatively dubbed WSX, VMware's latest option relies on HTML5 to do away with plug-ins or dedicated applications altogether (a "lightweight Web server" acts as an intermediary), which means that you'll need nothing more than a web browser to run Windows or other operating systems on any capable device. As of now that includes laptops and desktops running Firefox, Chrome, and Safari, as well as iPads, but not Android devices (though that is apparently in the works). What's more, while it's still described as experimental, it apparently offers "near-native quality and framerates" when viewing 720p YouTube videos, and VMware is already toying around with optimizing it for the new iPad's Retina display. Those interested in a sneak peak can try it out with VMware's Workstation Tech Preview for Linux, although there's no word yet on a wider release.

VMware's WSX promises to bring virtualized desktops to the web browser with HTML5 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Galaxy S II does work and personal phone duties at once with Telefonica's Dual Persona service

Michael Gorman — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 04:46:00 EST

It wasn't so long ago that the corporate world was ruled by RIM, but with the rise of Android and iOS, more folks are wanting to use their personal handsets both for work and play. Enter Telefonica's Dual Persona service that's making its debut on the Galaxy S II. It's powered by VMWare's Horizon Mobile technology that lets you jump between home and work profiles with the tap of an app, and provides notifications for both profiles no matter which one you're currently using. Basically, the work profile is an instance of virtualized Android based in the cloud, meaning your company's IT folks can manage corporate information on your phone without compromising your personal privacy. Samsung plans to give more of its mobile phones Dual Persona in the coming months, so if you don't own a GSII, there's still a chance your phone could get a split-personality, too. PR's after the break.

Continue reading Galaxy S II does work and personal phone duties at once with Telefonica's Dual Persona service

Galaxy S II does work and personal phone duties at once with Telefonica's Dual Persona service originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 04:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BlueStacks brings App Player, 400,000 Android apps to Windows 8 (video)

Amar Toor — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Back in October, BlueStacks unveiled an alpha version of its App Player, bringing a slew of Android apps to Windows PCs, tablets and desktops. Today, the company expanded its reach with a new, Windows 8-compatible version of its software, integrating more than 400,000 Android apps into Microsoft's latest OS. The latest App Player, which will support both standard desktop and Metro UI modes, effectively allows Windows 8 users to run "most every app" from the Android catalog, without having to conduct any porting magic. BlueStacks demonstrated its new virtualization tool on a Windows 8 Ultrabook at CES today, and plans to bring the App Player to a brand new device this March, when Taiwanese manufacturer InHon releases its first Ultrabook, with the software pre-loaded. Head past the break for the full PR, along with a demo video.

Continue reading BlueStacks brings App Player, 400,000 Android apps to Windows 8 (video)

BlueStacks brings App Player, 400,000 Android apps to Windows 8 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG to out VMWare phone on Verizon, split home and work better than you ever did

Sharif Sakr — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:22:00 EST

VMWare is on a mission to stop you having to carry separate home and work phones, by letting you flick between totally separate and secure OS environments with the tap of a button. We already tried out its slick virtualized Android OS on an LG phone back at MWC last year, but now The Verge has learned that a finished product is coming to Verizon and Telefonica in a matter of "months." More details soon as we get them.

LG to out VMWare phone on Verizon, split home and work better than you ever did originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BlueStacks App Player lets you run Android apps on Windows PCs or tablets (video)

Amar Toor — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:15:00 EST

If you've been dreaming of a world where Android apps are free to roam across your Windows desktop, you're in luck, because BlueStacks has just turned your reverie into reality. Today, the startup unveiled an alpha version of its App Player -- software that allows users to run a host of Android apps on Windows PCs, tablets or desktops, without requiring them to make modifications to their original OS. Available as a free download, this early test version comes pre-loaded with ten apps, and can support an extra 26, on top of that. BlueStacks' free Cloud Connect app, meanwhile, allows you to port third-party apps directly from your handset to your computer, though some games, including Angry Birds and Fruit Ninja, are prohibited. Those, it turns out, will be included under a paid version of the App Player, which BlueStacks hopes to launch at a later date. You can take the free software for a spin at the source link below, or meander past the break for a demo video, along with a pair of press releases.

Continue reading BlueStacks App Player lets you run Android apps on Windows PCs or tablets (video)

BlueStacks App Player lets you run Android apps on Windows PCs or tablets (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citrix Receiver comes to PlayBook, RIM maintains enterprise credentials

James Trew — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:32:00 EST

RIM has always been a business thoroughbred, and this lineage continues with the release of Citrix Receiver for its PlayBook slab. Currently in beta, the remote access / virtualization tool is available via the BlackBerry App World, and boasts a smorgasbord of features sure to keep even the most tortured of Sys-Admins happy. Like? The ability to control which of your company's applications are available, multitasking, single sign-on access, and of course secure access to your enterprise systems. This ain't the first slate to offer up the service -- HP's now-defunct TouchPad had it months ago -- but at least it's keeping the enterprise happy while dodging that consumer-focused firestorm.

Citrix Receiver comes to PlayBook, RIM maintains enterprise credentials originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VMware Fusion 4 brings full Lion support, wants to make Windows act less like Windows

Dana Wollman — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Leave it to VMware to put the spotlight back on Lion when this is, without a doubt, Windows 8's week. The company just announced Fusion 4, the latest version of its virtualization software, and, as you'd expect, it pledges to play nice with Apple's newly minted OS. In addition to fully supporting Lion features like Spotlight, though, it makes Windows look more like, well, a Mac. The software includes improved support for Expose and Spaces on the Windows side, and adds the ability to use Mission Control and launch Windows apps from Launchpad. Additionally, you can run Lion as a virtual machine within Snow Leopard and VMware makes vague claims about improved performance, 3D graphics and resource-hogging. It'll cost $50 through the end of the year, with the price jumping up to $80 in January. Fittingly enough, VMware picked up on the fact that Apple's moving away from optical drives, and instead chose to ship the software with a USB drive (you can also download it and do the whole drag-and-drop installation thing). Oh, and if you bought the last-gen version of the software on July 20th or later, you'll get the new version gratis. Lots of screen shots below, and full PR after the break.

Gallery: VMWare Fusion 4

Continue reading VMware Fusion 4 brings full Lion support, wants to make Windows act less like Windows

VMware Fusion 4 brings full Lion support, wants to make Windows act less like Windows originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Windows 8 will deliver Hyper-V virtualization tech to all, power users rejoice

Terrence O'Brien — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 20:03:00 EST

Hear this nerds? Windows 8 will ship with Hyper-V virtualization software integrated into the OS. Until now Hyper-V was limited to Microsoft's server products, but now consumers (whether they care or not) will be able to fire up virtual machines without the need to download VirtualBox or some other VM software suite. Now, the average person probably won't care too much, but power users will be thrilled. And, if virtualization can be integrated seamlessly to enhance security (through sandboxing) and compatibility with legacy apps (say, via an included XP license), it could be a huge boon to casual users -- even if they don't realize it's there. For more details about Hyper-V from the Windows 8 devs, including a nice demo video, check out the source link.

Windows 8 will deliver Hyper-V virtualization tech to all, power users rejoice originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Parallels Desktop 7 plays nice with Lions and cameras and developers, oh my!

Daniel Cooper — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:38:00 EST

Today sees the release of Parallels 7, the newest version of its popular, competition beating virtualization software. This edition plays nicely with Lion, runs multiple virtual machines and has received several performance tweaks -- for the number obsessed, you'll enjoy knowing that it resumes Windows 60 percent faster than Parallels 6. Gamers will notice a 40 percent bump in 3D graphics rendering and video-chatters will find that Windows can now access your Mac while it's being dictated by OS X. Low end users who don't have Windows 7, fear not -- you can use the "Windows on Demand" service to buy a license via an "easy-to-use wizard" like, erm -- Clippy. Mobile fans will also see Parallels' iOS app give you remote access to your home machine, but be quick -- the price is leaping skyward from $4.99 to $19.99 soon. You can grab the standalone edition for $80, but folks already using versions 5 or 6 can level-up for $50.

Continue reading Parallels Desktop 7 plays nice with Lions and cameras and developers, oh my!

Parallels Desktop 7 plays nice with Lions and cameras and developers, oh my! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple to allow license-free virtualization with OS X Lion, developers roar with delight

Amar Toor — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 13:04:00 EST

Developers and IT managers have reason to smile today, because it looks like Apple is changing its approach to virtualization. According to Mac Rumors, users who download the client version of OS X Lion will be able to run one or two virtualized copies on a single Mac, using tools like VMware or Parallels. This functionality first surfaced with Leopard, but was only available to users who obtained a pricey OS X Server license. The EULA for 10.7, however, suggests that Lion owners won't need any extra licenses to tinker away in an alternate OS universe. It's news that the enterprise community will certainly welcome, but we'll have to wait a little longer before riding the Lion into a virtual realm, later this month.

Apple to allow license-free virtualization with OS X Lion, developers roar with delight originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Jul 2011 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LucidLogix brings GPU virtualization to AMD notebooks, all-in-ones, keeps sharing the graphics love

Christopher Trout — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 21:38:00 EST

Late last year, LucidLogix introduced us to Virtu, the GPU virtualization software that makes disparate GPUs play nice on Sandy Bridge PCs, and now its extending the love to AMD Bulldozer and Brazos machines. The latest version of the software, dubbed Virtu Universal, also extends GPU virtualization to all-in-ones and notebooks (on both AMD and Intel), enabling simple switching between discrete graphics and the integrated ilk. What's more, the program ushers in the debut of Virtual Vsync, which claims to bring "maximum gaming frame rates and responsiveness, while eliminating distracting and image-distorting visual tearing." Of course, we'll believe it when we see it, which, if LucidLogix has its way, should be before the ball drops in Time Square. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading LucidLogix brings GPU virtualization to AMD notebooks, all-in-ones, keeps sharing the graphics love

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ViewSonic ViewPad 10Pro and ViewPad 7x hands-on redux (video)

Richard Lai — Tue, 31 May 2011 14:21:00 EST

We've already fiddled with ViewSonic's two new tablets at Computex's pre-show event, but we decided to hit the booth earlier today to get a closer look at the ViewPad 10Pro's BlueStacks Android virtualization on Windows 7, as well as the ViewPad 7x's funky UI. Starting off with the bigger slate, you'll see in the above video that the Android implementation isn't as good as it sounds -- ViewSonic says it wants to offer an Android experience "similar" to that of actual Android devices, but alas, we beg to differ with the virtual Android's laggy performance plus its odd bugs. The reps assured us that the final product will be much smoother, but then we were further let down by the fact that Android Market is absent. The reason? It's simply because from ViewSonic's point of view the 10Pro's focus is on Windows 7, so the company decided that it wasn't worth all the hassle to obtain a Google Mobile Services license. To sum it up, this whole Android "feature" is very much just a gimmick, and it doesn't look like running native Android on Oak Trail soon will do much good, either.

On a brighter note, the dual-core ViewPad 7x fared way better than its bloated brother. This world's first 7-inch Honeycomb tablet ran surprisingly smooth, and we were glad to see SPB's contribution here with its Shell 3D Android launcher (which we reviewed with much praise a little while back). We managed to get ViewSonic director Max Liu to give us a brief demo of the 7x after the break, and to be frank, the more we look at it, the more we want it. Here's hoping that this tablet will be priced right.

Oh, and did we mention that ViewSonic had a few real Gouldian finches on the show floor? Check out them birds after the break.

Continue reading ViewSonic ViewPad 10Pro and ViewPad 7x hands-on redux (video)

ViewSonic ViewPad 10Pro and ViewPad 7x hands-on redux (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 May 2011 14:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BlueStacks offering Android virtualization within Windows, harmony for one and all

Darren Murph — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 08:21:00 EST

It'd be too easy to simply describe BlueStack's suddenly titillating software as Android's Parallels for Windows, but really -- why try to complicate things? Currently available only in test form, the program is designed to run a virtualized copy of Android atop a not-at-all-virtualized copy of Windows, and the implications could be far-reaching. According to a hands-on demonstration given to the folks at Slashgear, BlueStack's software enables Android and Windows to share utilities and drivers; in other words, you can print something within Android via your Windows print driver, or make a call in Android's Skype application via Microsoft's VoIP drivers. We're told that multitasking was smooth and succinct, and while there's no access to the Android Market, test builds are including Amazon's Appstore as an alternative. If all goes well, the company should let the code loose "later this year," but it's hard to say what kind of price tag (or stipulations) will be attached. Can't think of a good reason to have Android and Windows living harmoniously? Here's one. (Oh, and you're welcome).

BlueStacks offering Android virtualization within Windows, harmony for one and all originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 08:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LucidLogix Virtu in action, discrete graphics and Sandy Bridge together at last

Michael Gorman — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 21:53:00 EST

At CES, LucidLogix's Virtu software solution promised to get discrete and Sandy Bridge GPUs together in graphical harmony -- giving you both Sandy Bridge's greased-lightning video transcoding and the horsepower of an NVIDIA or ATI rig. The code also lets you watch content from Intel's forthcoming Insider movie service while running a discrete GPU. Now that Chipzilla's 2nd-gen Core i5 and i7 CPUs are getting to market en masse, the gang at Hot Hardware put an RC of Virtu through its paces to see what it can do. As expected, the software waxes chumps and smokes fools when encoding HD video, but gaming performance suffered slightly (in FPS and 3DMark 11 tests) with the technology enabled. The other nit to pick was that Virtu renders the control panel of your discrete card unavailable, so any graphics adjustments must be made in-game whenever the software is running. Time will tell if the final release has similar shortcomings. Hit up the source link for the full rundown.

LucidLogix Virtu in action, discrete graphics and Sandy Bridge together at last originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 21:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VMware View brings virtual desktops to iPad with touchscreen-friendly controls (video)

Sean Hollister — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Remote controlling your personal desktop from an iPad is one thing, but today VMware is offering something a little heftier -- a streamlined app to connect to enterprise-class virtual desktops. Like Citrix Receiver, the idea is that you'll get the iPad client for free, and hopefully pay to have the cloud computers served up, but instead of streamlining applications for tablet use, VMware's app hands you customizable PC-like controls. There's a handy-looking virtual touchpad you can use for fine control over the mouse cursor if your fingers prove too pointy, a set of Windows shortcut keys at the top of the virtual keyboard, multi-finger gestures and more -- but why not just watch the video after the break to see what's in store?

Continue reading VMware View brings virtual desktops to iPad with touchscreen-friendly controls (video)

VMware View brings virtual desktops to iPad with touchscreen-friendly controls (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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webOS on PCs will be an 'integrated experience'

Thomas Ricker — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 05:57:00 EST

HP closed its recent "Think Beyond" event with a remarkable announcement that webOS would be coming to PCs. How, exactly, the company planned on doing that has been a mystery. The Seattle Times just interviewed HP's CTO, Phil McKinney, who helped put to rest some premature speculation that HP would be dumping Microsoft Windows in favor of webOS while adding some clarity (though not much) to its webOS on everything strategy. According to Phil, people still want an OS appropriate to PCs, tablets, and smartphones with webOS pulling it all together by "taking the existing operating systems and bringing WebOS onto those platforms and making it universal across all of our footprint." That doesn't mean that webOS will run as a virtualized instance within Windows. Phil says, "it's not virtualization. It's an integrated WebOS experience we're looking to bring." He then adds, "We're working with Microsoft on the future of Windows and we're very optimistic on what that future is, but what we think is we can bring an enhancement to that." The goal is to create a large device footprint that makes webOS a very attractive platform to developers -- "you can develop your WebOS app that'll run on your phone, your slate and your PC," according to McKinney. Hmm, apparently HP didn't get the Elopcalypse memo about the "three-horse race" that considers HP's and RIM's ecosystems irrelevant.

webOS on PCs will be an 'integrated experience' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 05:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Super Bowl XLV Media Day: Packers split on iOS / Android, Cowboys CIO talks mobility

Darren Murph — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 19:55:00 EST

We woke up this morning in Dallas to 20 degree temperatures and a parking lot covered in ice. Not exactly the kind of weather the NFL was hoping for when it selected the new Cowboys Stadium to host Super Bowl XLV, but it didn't stop both teams and media from making their way -- however slowly -- to Arlington for Super Bowl Media Day. Naturally, the likes of ESPN were there in full force, but rather than picking apart defensive schemes and seeing who could outgun Troy Polamalu for the longest mane in North Texas, we spent our time asking about mobile OS preferences and soaking up knowledge from Cowboys CIO Pete Walsh. With a price tag well north of $1 billion on the new Cowboys Stadium, the home to the world's largest HD display is certainly one of the most technologically advanced in the world. It's packing 884 wireless access points throughout (not to mention an internal network operations center that constantly monitors activity on each one), 260 miles of fiber optic cabling, capacity to handle over 100,000 simultaneous wireless connections, over 3,100 IPTVs and micro cell towers for each major carrier within -- you know, so that kickoff video that just can't wait actually sees its way onto YouTube prior to the start of the second half.

Head on past the break to catch of a video of us talking smartphone platforms with Green Bay Packers center Scott Wells, as well as a lengthy (and insightful) interview with the Chief Information Officer of the Dallas Cowboys. Everything from the Cowboys' rejection of FanVision to their hopes to blanket the stadium with gratis WiFi is covered, and we're even given a hint that contactless payments and mobile food ordering systems could be just a season or so away.

Gallery: Super Bowl XLV Media Day 2011: on the field with the Packers and Steelers

Continue reading Super Bowl XLV Media Day: Packers split on iOS / Android, Cowboys CIO talks mobility

Super Bowl XLV Media Day: Packers split on iOS / Android, Cowboys CIO talks mobility originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Neverware's Juicebox 100 squeezes new life into aging school computers (video)

Sean Hollister — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 08:16:00 EST

Your typical school computer is probably not a machine you'd like to use on a daily basis -- perennially behind the curve in terms of technology, since educators can't afford smokin' hot video cards and primo processors year after year. Budgets and the resulting reluctance inevitably lead to stale hardware which then goes obsolete... but a tiny startup called Neverware thinks it can end the cycle of woe with virtualization technology. Its single product, the Juicebox a100, can serve up one hundred Windows 7 virtual desktops to existing hardware, pretty much regardless of its age -- all computers need is a working LAN jack, a 500MHz processor and 128MB of memory, so schools could keep their beige boxes and just upgrade the Juicebox instead. Founder Jonathan Hefter doesn't have pricing worked out yet -- and his tiny company only has three of the boxes working at present -- but he's piloted the technology in a pair of schools and is planning a beta soon -- all the while dreaming about how our mountains of e-waste could be transformed into useful computers for the poorer nations of the world. Good luck, dude! Video after the break.

Continue reading Neverware's Juicebox 100 squeezes new life into aging school computers (video)

Neverware's Juicebox 100 squeezes new life into aging school computers (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 08:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LucidLogix virtualization tech enables AMD and NVIDIA GPUs to play together with Sandy Bridge

Darren Murph — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 08:59:00 EST

It's baaack. We've gone well over half a year without hearing a peep from black magic makers LucidLogix, but here on the doorstep of CES 2011, the company has resurfaced just in time to ride on the coattails of Intel's forthcoming Sandy Bridge platform. Sandy is expected to take over CES when companies start to introduce new PCs in just a few days, and thanks to Lucid's virtualization software, we wouldn't be surprised if a few are served with NVIDIA and AMD GPUs. This here technology enables the two to play nice, making the outlandish fantasy of using a multi-GPU, multi-vendor setup a reality. DirectX 11 is also supported, with the only real requirement being to "connect the display screen directly to the motherboard's Sandy Bridge display output." We'll be taking a closer look at the peacemaker once we land in Vegas, but for now, go ahead and prepare yourself for a beta version of 'Virtu' -- it'll hit at some point next month.

Continue reading LucidLogix virtualization tech enables AMD and NVIDIA GPUs to play together with Sandy Bridge

LucidLogix virtualization tech enables AMD and NVIDIA GPUs to play together with Sandy Bridge originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OnLive demos Windows 7 on an iPad and Galaxy Tab, launches cloud computing tablet app

Sean Hollister — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 19:20:00 EST

Flash on an iPad? No problem, and neither is QuickTime on a Samsung Galaxy Tab -- assuming you're running both from a virtualized Windows 7 PC using OnLive's new app. OnLive may have originally pitched itself as a streaming games service, but founder Steve Perlman revised his ambitions at the D: Dive into Mobile conference today, showing off a host of Windows 7 programs (including 3D modeling software Maya, above) running on the pair of ARM-based tablets. Like always, OnLive requires a nearby server and fast internet connection to function adequately, and the apps themselves would need touch controls, but Perlman said it's actually easier to deliver apps than games since they're less sensitive to lag. OnLive didn't provide a date when we can expect full cloud functionality, but you can get a sneak peek at a pared-down version right now -- the brand-new OnLive Viewer app, which lets you spectate games in progress (and will eventually let you play them) is now available for iPad.

Continue reading OnLive demos Windows 7 on an iPad and Galaxy Tab, launches cloud computing tablet app

OnLive demos Windows 7 on an iPad and Galaxy Tab, launches cloud computing tablet app originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Work, play on a single phone: LG teams up with VMware to deploy Android handsets with virtualization

Chris Ziegler — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

VMware has been chatting up seamless, sexy virtualization among multiple operating systems on a single smartphone for some time -- and it's finally getting the opportunity to deliver en masse thanks to a new partnership with LG. Targeted at the enterprise, Korea's number two phone maker -- which is going into 2011 with a big Android push -- will be integrating VMware's virtualization technology into some of its models next year, starting with Android but potentially moving to other platforms (Windows Phone 7 comes immediately to mind) if the market demands it.

You might think that being able to virtualize a second operating system on your phone doesn't have much consumer relevance, but VMware's got a point: with smartphones becoming more of an end-user phenomenon than ever before, it's getting tougher for IT departments to sell employees on giving up their personal phones in favor of a secure, managed, corporate-provided alternative. With the virtualized setup, the work phone lives as an app within the personal phone -- two phone numbers, two complete environments, and only the work environment can be controlled by the IT nerds. Long term, the concept would be that employees could use whatever phone their little hearts desire -- companies would merely need to dump their VMware setup on top and you've suddenly got your work phone integrated. Follow the break for the press release and a video demo of VMware's virtualization software (on a Nexus One, not an LG) in action.

Continue reading Work, play on a single phone: LG teams up with VMware to deploy Android handsets with virtualization

Work, play on a single phone: LG teams up with VMware to deploy Android handsets with virtualization originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Parallels' Windows virtualization goes mobile with iOS app

Donald Melanson — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 18:29:00 EST

There's already a number of options available to virtually run Windows applications on your iPhone or iPad (even ESPN is doing it), but users of the recently released Parallels Desktop 6 for Mac now have what looks to be a particularly seamless option at their disposal. That comes in the form of Parallels Mobile, which will work on the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, and will let you access any virtual Windows machine running on a Mac that's using Parallels Desktop 6. Head on past the break to check it out in action, and go grab the app in the App Store right now -- it's free, but you'll have to shell out $80 for its desktop counterpart.

[Thanks, Xon]

Continue reading Parallels' Windows virtualization goes mobile with iOS app

Parallels' Windows virtualization goes mobile with iOS app originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New ARM architecture (likely Eagle) better suited for OS virtualization

Chris Ziegler — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:17:00 EST

Looks like that fake Pre with the iOS / BlackBerry OS split personality is a little ahead of its time, but ARM -- supplier of the architecture that underpins most of the world's smartphones -- likes the idea. In a recent talk at Stanford, ARM program manager David Brash talked up some of the highlights of new "extensions" to the existing ARMv7-A platform, and though he apparently never mentioned Eagle by name, it seems safe to assume that he was referring to the capabilities that Eagle would bring to the table when it launches in the next couple years. Notably, the extensions will break through ARM's current 4GB RAM limit by mapping 4GB windows of memory to each virtualized operating system, which dovetails nicely -- suspiciously nicely, in fact -- with VMware's recent talk of wanting virtualized phones capable of seamlessly switching between multiple platforms without any hacky bootloader solutions. We're definitely game for that, but considering that Eagle is still years away from retail reality, we're not bothering to clear space on our credit limit just yet.

New ARM architecture (likely Eagle) better suited for OS virtualization originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citrix enlists iPhone 4 in its quest for 'Nirvana phone' portable desktop client (video)

Ross Miller — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 08:41:00 EST

Critix has been touting its "Nirvana phone" concept -- a handheld device that can be paired with a monitor / keyboard for remote desktop use -- for quite some time now. Back in February, the minimum hardware specs were nothing to challenging, and as it turns out, Apple's iPhone 4 pretty much exceeds 'em by a long shot. And it has VGA out capabilities and Bluetooth keyboard support. So, you can imagine where this is going. The company is back in what looks like the same depressing cubicle space to show off what looks to be a mature demo of the Receiver 4.0 virtual desktop client on an iDevice, pushing 1024 x 768 resolution and some gesture integration as a mouse replacement. There's definitely some noticeable lag, but hey, you gotta start somewhere. Video after the break.

Continue reading Citrix enlists iPhone 4 in its quest for 'Nirvana phone' portable desktop client (video)

Citrix enlists iPhone 4 in its quest for 'Nirvana phone' portable desktop client (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 10 Jul 2010 08:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP picks up Phoenix's HyperSpace, HyperCore and Flip instant-on assets for $12m

Darren Murph — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 06:52:00 EST

Phoenix Technologies, remember those guys? Yeah, us either. Not that we really minded its instant-on OS or anything, but considering that full-fledged operating systems can boot up in under a minute on most machines, they're kind of a hard sell. Unless you're selling to HP, of course, which is on somewhat of an acquisition rampage. In fact, Hewlett-Packard hasn't even filled out the appropriate paperwork to close that Palm deal it entered into last month, and already the company's dropping another $12 million in order to pick up Phoenix's HyperSpace, HyperCore and Flip instant-on and client virtualization products. There's no mention from either company on what exactly HP plans to do with the new code, but considering that this deal is expected to go final by the month's end, we're guessing we'll be finding out sooner rather than later. On the edge of our seats? Oh, you bet.

Continue reading HP picks up Phoenix's HyperSpace, HyperCore and Flip instant-on assets for $12m

HP picks up Phoenix's HyperSpace, HyperCore and Flip instant-on assets for $12m originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 13 Jun 2010 06:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIA Nano E-Series CPUs offer native 64-bit support, guaranteed longevity, and extreme energy efficiency

Vlad Savov — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 07:49:00 EST

Oh, look who it is. The company that was supposed to give the Atom a good run for its money is back at it today with the announcement of a new E-Series of processors, operating at speeds between 800MHz and 1.8GHz. Bringing native 64-bit software and virtualization support, as well as a 7-year guarantee, these will certainly appeal to business types, while their minimal idle power consumption (as low as 100mW) and multimedia-accelerating promises should garner some interest from consumers as well. VIA is promising "exceptional hardware acceleration of the most demanding HD video codecs and industry leading 3D graphics capabilities" when these CPUs get dropped into integrated chipsets like the VN1000. Them's fighting words indeed, and we should be able to gauge their veracity in due course with samples available for interested parties right now and mass production sure to swiftly follow. Go past the break for the full PR.

Continue reading VIA Nano E-Series CPUs offer native 64-bit support, guaranteed longevity, and extreme energy efficiency

VIA Nano E-Series CPUs offer native 64-bit support, guaranteed longevity, and extreme energy efficiency originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 07:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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StyleTap finally brings Palm OS to your iPhone

Joshua Topolsky — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 20:11:00 EST

Well it's been a long time coming, but now you can finally run your favorite Palm OS apps on your (jailbroken) iPhone. The good folks at StyleTap have taken that exciting demo we saw way back in May of 2008 and turned it into a Cydia-downloadable reality. As we said, you'll need to violate Apple's rules (and break Steve's heart) to get the emulator on your device, but once you do you'll be able to run Palm OS applications (compatible up to version 5.2), with support for native ARM apps, Audio recording and playback, virtual memory cards, and TCP/IP connectivity, amongst other features. If you've been hanging on to a Treo or other discontinued Palm product due to your sick dependency on a single program (or set of programs), here's your chance to break free. You'll also be breaking free of $49.99, which is what the folks at StyleTap are requesting for this pleasure, and keep in mind that if you upgrade using one of Apple's official number bumps, you're out of luck with your jailbroken software. Still, we find the existence of this to be totally badical, so hit the read link and bone up on your next purchase.

StyleTap finally brings Palm OS to your iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 20:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft dishes out Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 R2 details

Donald Melanson — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:27:00 EST

Both still seem to be a quite a ways from a release, but Microsoft has now announced a few details for its forthcoming Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 updates. The latter of the two actually seems to be the more significant, as it adds a so-called RemoteFX feature that Microsoft describes as the "special sauce" in its Remote Desktop Services. The short of it is that RemoteFX uses virtualized graphics resources and is able to function independently of any graphics stack, which Microsoft says will allow "any screen content" (including Silverlight and Flash) to be delivered to everything from full-fledged PCs to low-cost, thin client devices. Windows 7 SP1, on the other hand, is described as having "only minor updates," the biggest of which is -- you guessed it -- an updated Remote Desktop client that takes advantage of RemoteFX. Dive into the links below for the complete details.

Microsoft dishes out Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 R2 details originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mac virtualization face-off: VMware Fusion 3 vs. Parallels Desktop 5 (video)

Tim Stevens — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:11:00 EST

With Steam officially hitting Mac in just a few weeks many Apple gamers have suddenly lost their need to emulate. But, for those who are hoping to get busy in a little Command & Conquer 4 under Snow Leopard this week -- or any of the other myriad of PC-only gaming options -- virtualization is the only way to go -- short of rebooting into Boot Camp, of course. Parallels is the most commonly used solution, but how does VMware's Fusion 3 stack up for gaming? Not too well, as it turns out. MacTech sat the two down together on matching Mac hardware and ran them through a number of benchmarks, including 3DMark. The results of that test fall heavily in the favor of Parallels, offering better framerates and far more consistent visuals, which you can see for yourself in a video below. Most of the many, many other tests run favor that option as well, but we won't spoil all eight pages worth of results just waiting for you on the other end of that source link.

Continue reading Mac virtualization face-off: VMware Fusion 3 vs. Parallels Desktop 5 (video)

Mac virtualization face-off: VMware Fusion 3 vs. Parallels Desktop 5 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citrix Nirvana phone provides the full desktop experience -- BYO keyboard and monitor (video)

Tim Stevens — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 07:47:00 EST

Citrix is something of a storied name in the IT industry, once the leader in remote desktop apps, now looking to make a big return with the Nirvana phone concept. The idea has been around for awhile, but partnership with mobile virtualization gurus Open Kernel Labs gives it new legs. Nirvana phone is just a minimum set of fairly achievable hardware specs (528MHz ARM processor, 256MB ROM, 192MB RAM) required to facilitate remote access to a full desktop. The idea is you simply plug the phone into a monitor, then connect to a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse (or use the phone as a touchpad), and, hey presto, you have a full desktop experience without having a full desktop. In theory you could pocket your smartphone and leave that clunky Targus bag in your cubicle, but should duty call while you're away we're not entirely sure where you're going to find a disused monitor and keyboard ripe for the plugging. Still, it's interesting tech, demonstrated remotely for you below.

Continue reading Citrix Nirvana phone provides the full desktop experience -- BYO keyboard and monitor (video)

Citrix Nirvana phone provides the full desktop experience -- BYO keyboard and monitor (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 07:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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QNAP gets serious with Turbo NAS line, packing Pineview, iSCSI, and VMWare certification

Tim Stevens — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 07:49:00 EST

QNAP is generally known around these parts for its ever shrinking line of NAS devices that pack plenty of goods in a small space. The company's latest series sets a new bar for functionality, but does so in a device you probably won't be wedging in on a bookshelf between your well-worn (but never finished) copy of Ulysses and your leaning tower of software boxes. The latest Turbo NAS series is intended for small businesses, available in sizes ranging from one to the eight bay monster you see above, each packing an Intel D510 processor with enough oomph to fuel virtualized environments, so VMware vSphere4 certification and Windows Server 2008's Hyper-V are on-tap. iSCSI is also supported, as is IPv6 and, in one small nod toward consumers, Apple Time Machine backups have been enabled. We're expecting to see the full suite of devices at CES just a few days hence, while they're all slated for retail release in the coming weeks at prices ranging from $599 for the two-bay TS-259 Pro all the way up to $1,499 for that eight-bay TS-859 Pro flavor. You didn't think all this professionalism would come cheap, did you?

QNAP gets serious with Turbo NAS line, packing Pineview, iSCSI, and VMWare certification originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Jan 2010 07:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VMware wants dual-OS virtualized smartphones, no ugly boot-loaders

Tim Stevens — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 06:43:00 EST

It's getting harder and harder to pick a smartphone, with options like iPhone OS, WebOS, Android, and Windows Mobile making the choosing difficult. Life would be easier if you could pick two, and that's what virtualization giant VMware is working on, the ability to run dual OSes in one smartphone. The company already has Android/WinMo and other prototypes running, but phones featuring the tech now aren't expected to hit market until 2012 -- a big delay from the earlier indications of a release this year. Those prototypes rely on ugly boot menus, whereas the vision for this tech would see users switching between environments on the fly, taking and making calls in either whilst juggling chainsaws and dazzling their friends. The company pledges it'll be a seamless experience, but we're doubtful given how even stepping out of HTC's SenseUI into the OS below can occasionally result in mild nausea. The bigger question is who would want this, and it's easy to think the answer is "basically nobody," but picture the poor corporate souls who must carry one phone for work and another for play. This tech could finally let them ditch that holster, and wouldn't the world be a better place then?

VMware wants dual-OS virtualized smartphones, no ugly boot-loaders originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 06:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sophos decries XP Mode vulnerability, Microsoft offers chill pill

Vlad Savov — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 06:14:00 EST

If you're keeping score at home, Microsoft needs to bring two heavies to a fight with Google, but it can lay the smack down on an AV software firm like Sophos all by itself. Richard Jacobs, chief technology officer and master of inflammatory rhetoric at Sophos, points out that Windows 7's XP Mode makes computers vulnerable to attack due to it operating independently from the underlying OS and therefore not having the same firewall and anti-virus protection. For those who actually go to the trouble of buying and updating security software -- like say, most businesses -- this essentially doubles costs for each new Windows 7 machine. Microsoft has countered with the fact that big businesses will be using its MEDV management software, while smaller shops will be able to update the virtualized XP in the same fashion as they would a physical PC. Storm in a teacup, then? Absolutely, but you'll want to give these a read if only for the passive aggressive silliness that ensues.

[Via The Register]

Read - Richard Jacobs on XP Mode
Read - MS chief security adviser for EMEA Roger Haibheer retorts
Read - Jacobs retorts to the retort
Read - MS developer James O'Neill threetorts

Filed under: Software

Sophos decries XP Mode vulnerability, Microsoft offers chill pill originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 06:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony laptops can't use Windows 7's XP mode due to disabled hardware virtualization

Nilay Patel — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 01:15:00 EST

Bad news for VAIO owners out there hoping to use Windows 7's XP mode or run any other hardcore virtual machine applications -- Sony disables the required hardware virtualization features of its laptops for "security reasons." That means XP Mode won't work on any VAIOs, but there's hope yet: Sony's Xavier Lauwaert says that the company will re-enable VT on "select models." We'll see what that means going forward -- XP Mode is a niche feature, but it's still pretty lame for Sony to be intentionally disabling hardware features.

Read - The Register
Read - Xavier's post on the Windows Partner Blog (scroll down to his comment)

[Via Sony Insider]

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

Sony laptops can't use Windows 7's XP mode due to disabled hardware virtualization originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 01:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Windows 7's virtual XP has intangible system requirements

Tim Stevens — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 08:11:00 EST

Microsoft tickled our meta-OS fancies last week by talking up the virtualized version of Windows XP included with Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate Edition. However, the company has now revealed that ponying up for one of the top tiers of the OS will not be the only requirement. 2GB of RAM will be needed, which isn't such a big deal, but more troubling is the requirement of a CPU that sports chip-level virtualization support. Both AMD and Intel have been quick to add features to support enterprises turning to virtualized hosting environments, but rather annoyingly neither of those companies make it particularly easy to tell which of their chips provide such support. On the AMD side it looks like the tech was introduced with the Athlon 64 and has continued in most newer chips, while Intel's waters are a little muddier, with all Core i7 processors being suitably endowed, but only some of its Pentium, Core 2, and Atom chips made the grade. How to know if you're included? We'd expect an upgrade advisor from Microsoft to hit the internets any time now.

Update: Christopher commented to let us know of a little app that'll tell you right now whether you're in our out of the faux-OS party. That's great, because we hate hasty last-minute upgrades.

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

Windows 7's virtual XP has intangible system requirements originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 08:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VMware MVP weds Windows CE and Android in unholy matrimony on dual-boot N800

Paul Miller — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 11:15:00 EST

This is just too good. We knew VMware was working on this sort of thing, but watching it in action is almost too much magic for our fragile hearts to comprehend. VMware MVP lets you run multiple mobile operating systems on a mobile device as virtual machines. It works exactly as you might hope something like this to work -- you can switch between operating systems on the fly, with full graphics acceleration and touchscreen interaction. You can even view both operating systems running simultaneously (in this case Windows CE 6 and Android), with info on just how much power each OS is swiping from your poor little mobile CPU. Performance isn't perfect, of course, but as mobile hardware gets better and the desire for multiple mobile operating systems on the same device becomes unbearable, we see good things happening here. VMware expects to release the software in 2009, video is after the break.

Continue reading VMware MVP weds Windows CE and Android in unholy matrimony on dual-boot N800

Filed under: Software, Windows Mobile, Android

VMware MVP weds Windows CE and Android in unholy matrimony on dual-boot N800 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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