Extensible Firmware Interface, why?

[lifeblood]

I have heard Intel is pushing Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) to replace the BIOS and that Vista will support it. Why? According to the presentation I looked at on the Intel web site EFI will sit between the BIOS and the OS. Do we really need another layer to go through to get to the hardware? Whats the benefit?

 

[grooge]

I don't know but I'm all for a good update to BIOS. It is not normal to me that, it is still a risky business to flash a BIOS in 2006. It could be easy to have a minimal layer that never get updated and will allow for safe start with any hardware, or at least, minimal one to allow flash to the real control layer. This would ensure less RMA and better compatibility.

 

[Stoneburner]

if it will sit between bios and OS how can it replace bios? does it mean it will replace bios as the where users can actually interface with their settings? That sounds worthless, when i read about this originally it was supposed to make bootup more efficient.