gadget GYAN

Nivio Companion Virtual PC world first Online Windows Desktop

Written by Niraj Wednesday, 03 June 2009 05:46

The world's first online Windows desktop, Nivio, has unveiled nivioCompanion in India. A tiny $100 set-top box device,NivioCompanion works just like a normal Windows desktop except that it runs on internet instead of locally, on a computer.

 KeY features of nivioCompanion:

* Just like a traditional PC, Nivio is powered by Microsoft Windows. Users can also access programmes like iTunes, Skype, MSN Messenger or Microsoft Word, Excel or PowerPoint.

* All performance updates happen online so nothing ever goes out of date. Files are automatically backed-up daily and kept safe and private just like an online vault.

* New programmes can be added without installation, and users only pay for what they use on a monthly basis.

* A virtual Nivio computer is only as far away as the nearest internet-connected device. All files are stored online in the same way as photos are saved online with Flickr or emails are stored on Hotmail. Users simply go to the Nivio website and log in.

Nivio has partnered with Bharti Airtel for the virtual PC. In the first stage, nivioCompanion has been launched in Delhi and NCR region, this would be followed by a national rollout. nivioCompanion costs Rs 4,999 for a standalone device. It is also available with a 15" LCD screen, keyboard and mouse for Rs 7999.

Says Sachin Duggal, President & CEO, Nivio “There are two ways to make computing affordable – one is to give an inferior cut-down offering and the other is to make the whole ecosystem more efficient by offloading the work to the internet. The latter is what we do at Nivio. The launch of the nivioCompanion today marks the start of a new era in smart and low cost computing – powered by an online grid computer; a bit like how homes get electricity."