MSI Showcases the Winki Instant OS for MSI Motherboards

[malware]

MSI formally announced at CeBIT the creation of a new interactive device dubbed simply Winki. Based on a Linux distribution, Winki allows instant internet access with no need of operating system. The device looks like a little USB flash and plugs directly into an MSI motherboard. From that moment on, Winki will allow you to instantly load its Linux program, before there's a request send to a hard drive or whetever else you are trying to load the main OS from. Once the Winki OS is loaded, a screen shows up and offers functions like built-in web browsing, immediate communication, VOIP calls, photo searching and other common PC functions. The OS also loads an instant messaging (IM) software called "Pidgin", which allows up to 15 different IM accounts to run at the same time. Some of them include MSN, ICQ, Yahoo, and even Skype. For now this thing will be available only on select MSI mainboards. Eventually the Winki might also show up in some of the high-end MSI laptops. Look at the screenshots or read the official press release for more information. More screenshots courtesy of Engadget are here.

Global motherboard and graphics card producer, MSI International, has always been dedicated to not simply producing great products, but also to developing anything which increase its customers convenience and easy of use. This time, MSI is pleased to formally announce the creation of a new internet interactive device without an operating system - the appropriately named Winki. It is a small device with a large array of functions: built in web browsing, immediate communication, VOIP calls, photo searching and more common PC functions. All one has to do is start Winki and in a flash the online world is at his/her fingertips.

Winki leverages a Linux base, but, through MSI's skilled research, this new internet device revolutionizes the way most people will think of Linux. All installations and settings have been simplified and made more straightforward - by simply connecting an onboard USB Pin-header and going through a brief set of system settings, one can begin to take advantage of this tiny, convenient tool. With support for 15 languages, adapting to this device was made easy for the global user. More importantly, Winki's greatest ability is how it compares to other OS supported devices: it starts up faster, uses less electricity, will not have problems caused by virus and, best of all, and does not cost customers a penny more.

By the way, Winki optimizes functionality by grouping together a powerful team of software solutions. This suite includes Mozilla's Firefox handles web browsing, while Skype takes care VOIP phone call and other common applications so users won't have to spend a lot of time learning whole new programs. One worth mentioning is instant messaging (IM) software called "Pidgin", which supports up to 15 different kinds of IM accounts at the same time. No matter what account your friends are on, you are sure to be in contact with them all. Go with a Winki Edition product, and enjoy the express and convenience by Winki.

Source: MSI, Engadget

[iStink]

Wow this is really cool. Now you'll be able to download all the drivers needed or any bios upgrades right away. Really a great idea.

[Bundy]

I like this. Maybe a full OS would be unneccessary for a HTPC, that I'd really like.

[crazy pyro]

Not much different to Splashtop from the sound of it (although it might just be a superior version of the same thing). You make it sound as though Pidgin's a completely unheard of bit of software Malware, it's running on 2 of my 3 machines and the other one's still being repaired so it doesn't count.

[ArmoredCavalry]

Neat idea. I have never bought anything MSI though. :\

[CarolinaKSU]

Sounds exactly like the ASUS Express Gate instant-on OS thing that comes on my P5Q. Its a good idea in theory, but is just too crippled to really do anything useful with.

Now if someone can come up with a motherboard that includes an imbedded SSD that had enough capacity to install your own OS that would be something worth getting excited about

[phanbuey]

awesome...

[mtosev]

lol they just copied Asus' idea. copycats
a bit late my P5E3 wifi has this that i bought in Nov 2007

[Binge]

2009, year of the gimmicks!

[Jakl]

Originally Posted by CarolinaKSU

Now if someone can come up with a motherboard that includes an imbedded SSD that had enough capacity to install your own OS that would be something worth getting excited about

THATS what the manufactures should start doing

[trt740]

Originally Posted by malware

MSI formally announced at CeBIT the creation of a new interactive device dubbed simply Winki. Based on a Linux distribution, Winki allows instant internet access with no need of operating system. The device looks like a little USB flash and plugs directly into an MSI motherboard. From that moment on, Winki will allow you to instantly load its Linux program, before there's a request send to a hard drive or whetever else you are trying to load the main OS from. Once the Winki OS is loaded, a screen shows up and offers functions like built-in web browsing, immediate communication, VOIP calls, photo searching and other common PC functions. The OS also loads an instant messaging (IM) software called "Pidgin", which allows up to 15 different IM accounts to run at the same time. Some of them include MSN, ICQ, Yahoo, and even Skype. For now this thing will be available only on select MSI mainboards. Eventually the Winki might also show up in some of the high-end MSI laptops. Look at the screenshots or read the official press release for more information. More screenshots courtesy of Engadget are here.






Source: MSI, Engadget

MSI is doing some very cool things

[DanishDevil]

Have any of you noticed that it's called a Winki? I want a winki!

[phanbuey]

Originally Posted by DanishDevil

Have any of you noticed that it's called a Winki? I want a winki!

I like my winki just fine...

[Haytch]

The Winki operating system clearly has way more functionality then the late Asus P5*series. I can only assume that with time operating system functionality will grow.
Bundyrum&coke infront of the bigscreen and a basic media centre, word processing and net capability is all one really should need out of a Winki and such, otherwise patience might be getting the better of you considering in take a meer 10 - 25 seconds to boot up into a fully bloated operating system utilizing current technology.

Still think they should have opted for the Asus method, and slap it on a chip, flashable. Is it safe to assume that they reason they made it USB style plug on because they Winki can be moddified/updated even formatted for another o.s ?

I doubt they will be producing motherboards with imbedded ssd's anytime soon, simply due to life expectancy of the ssd. If they did, with the current ssd lifespan and an operating system installed on it, every single motherboard sold would be returned prior to the end of the warrenty period. Dont get me wrong, great idea, just not yet.

[DaJMasta]

Originally Posted by crazy pyro

You make it sound as though Pidgin's a completely unheard of bit of software Malware, it's running on 2 of my 3 machines and the other one's still being repaired so it doesn't count.

I thought so too


If you used to run or have heard of Gaim at any point.... pidgin is what it became. Same development team, a lot of the same code, etc.

[Marineborn]

wow that is the sweetness, i have something similar from cybercommand but it comes in cd form

[AsRock]

I like the idea all though sounds like it leaves your computer completely unprotected.

I think it's a better thing just to use a large thumb drive.

[TreadR]

Originally Posted by CarolinaKSU

Now if someone can come up with a motherboard that includes an imbedded SSD that had enough capacity to install your own OS that would be something worth getting excited about

And what would happen if that SSD would degrade?

[Fitseries3]

Originally Posted by DanishDevil

Have any of you noticed that it's called a Winki? I want a winki!

winki, DONGle, stick,... perfect idea... now we have even more to sit around and make dick jokes about.

heh... "winky... add to your epenis coolness BRO"

[legends84]

wow.. thats really good...

[Yukikaze]

Go go UEFI abuse ? hehe.

[InnocentCriminal]

HEH HEH HEH! Winki.

[Wile E]

Wow! What a terrible choice for a name.

[InnocentCriminal]

At least people will remember it, even if it fails.

[TheMailMan78]

OH NOES! My Winki failed!

I wonder if you can buy this or if it comes with new mobos only. I would like to have one for my system.....just in case