VMware, already known for its work in virtualizing desktop operating
systems, wants to make that a reality by delivering “mobile computing
devices” capable of running dual operating systems.
According to
Computerworld, VMware has plans to take the concept beyond the
dual-boot solution available, instead relying on the ability to easily
and rapidly switch between two systems loaded on one device. VMWare’s
vision for its “Mobile Virtualization Platform” is to be able to check
Facebook for personal use, load a call log or customer list for
business use, and switch between screens featuring apps from two OS’s
without having to power down and then boot up again.
It’s a concept
similar to HTC Sense’s “scenes” feature that separates work/home life
features, but VMware’s plans call for far more integration, security,
and “unlimited application flexibility.”
Getting two OS’s onto one device and making them integrate seamlessly is an ambitious project, but is it really necessary? I love
my Android phone and have a little jealousy when seeing iPhone apps not
available for the platform, but I wonder how well these two systems
would interact with each other.
So many Android apps have to deal with
fragmentation - what works on a Droid may not work on a Hero or myTouch
- so a virtualized smartphone would be quite impressive if VMware
manages to get different OS’s to play nice with each other.
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