Microsoft Instant On OS Suggested In Market Survey

It's all about the research from Microsoft today.  As well as their Oahu multitouch concept, the software giant is also exploring the possibility of an "Instant On" operating-system, which would give access to the browser, IM client, DVD and media player within eight seconds. 

However users would not have access to the full range of Windows options and applications, for instance files and data.  Part of the survey asks would-be users to judge how useful they would consider solely having use of web browsing media playback and instant messaging.

The concept is, of course, similar to that seen on many notebooks and motherboards, but they all use a custom Linux build created primarily for speed with a limited feature set.  Given Microsoft's less than positive attitude to Linux, it will be interesting to see by what method their own Instant On service would be delivered.