Microsoft Surface technology coming to public and retail life

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By Stevie Smith May 30, 2007, 15:42 GMT

The advances of technology wait for no man, and while touch-control computers may still seem like a Star Trek special effects pipedream, the swollen brains at American software company Microsoft are striving to make such easy day-to-day integration a facet of today, not tomorrow.This week at the Wall Street Journal’s ‘D: All Things Digital’ conference in California, Microsoft is set to introduce the world to its new Microsoft Surface technology, which, according to the Redmond-based giant, is “the first in a new category of surface computing products” designed to pull down “traditional barriers between people and technology.”Microsoft claims that its technology, while perhaps still a far cry from controlling warp engines and phaser banks, will render seemingly ordinary surfaces into “vibrant, dynamic” surfaces that grant the user access to “effortless interaction with all forms of digital content” through natural human gestures, physical touch, and real-world objects.In terms of its introduction period, Microsoft Surface is expected to begin appearing by the close of 2007, with consumers able to interact with its virtual features via locations such as hotels, retail stores, restaurants, and public entertainment establishments such as cinemas and concert venues.“With Surface, we are creating more intuitive ways for people to interact with technology,” commented Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer. “We see this as a multibillion dollar category, and we envision a time when surface computing technologies will be pervasive, from tabletops and counters to the hallway mirror. Surface is the first step in realizing that vision.”Microsoft Surface works by delivering an intuitive user interface that functions without requiring the inclusion of a traditional mouse and/or keyboard control method in order to deliver instruction, thus “allowing people to interact with content and information on their own or collaboratively with their friends and families, just like in the real world.” Realised via a 30-inch table-form display that small groups of users can utilise simultaneously, it’s Microsoft’s hope to bring natural computing interaction to the digital world in a new and exciting way.In order to better visualise Surface, Microsoft points out that users will be able to carry out every day tasks with an element of ingrained entertainment accompanying enhanced levels of efficiency. For example, users will be able to order a glass of wine during a meal with a simple tap of their finger on the table’s Surface interface. Or, users will be able to browse, select, and drop their favourite songs into an on-screen personal playlist by simple touch-screen dragging. Or, perhaps vacationing users may want to create a personal holiday postcard to be instantly dispatched to their loved ones. All of the above will be available via the introduction of Surface technology.Other features would also see Surface processing identification tags (much like bar codes) located on physical objects that are placed down upon it, instantly delivering relevant information pertaining to, for example, the wine ordered at dinner, food suggestions to complement it, the vineyard it came from, etc. Essentially, Microsoft Surface would open everyday details to a massive level of in-depth immersion, even to the point where users thrilled by their wine choice at dinner can peruse its home region, look through recommended hotels, and even plan a visit without ever having to leave the table.“Consumers now have an entirely new way to get the information they need, turning their everyday tasks into enjoyable and engaging experiences,” said Pete Thompson, general manager of Microsoft Surface Computing. “There are hundreds of thousands of restaurants, hotels and retail locations that are looking to give their customers the unique and memorable experiences that Surface will provide. In turn, companies have a new opportunity for generating additional revenue streams and increasing retail traffic.”Microsoft Surface will be shipped to partners with a portfolio of basic applications, including photos, music and virtual concierge applications that can be customised to deliver unique experiences to customers. The likes of Harrah’s Entertainment Inc., Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., and T-Mobile USA Inc. will be some of the first companies to provide unique Surface experiences to their customer bases.

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GonzoMay 30th, 2007 - 16:48:34

Apple announces iPhone which introduces new interesting ways to interact using its touch screen. Four months later Microsoft introduces it's 'visionary' new 'Surface' technology. How transparent! What would Microsoft's geniuses do without other companies (Apple in particular) doing the R&D and market development for them.

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mocaxMay 30th, 2007 - 17:05:01

The technology was created by Jeff Han. Way before iPhone was introduced.
Apple didn't create their tech either.
Apple and Microsoft are simply implementers of others' inventions.

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Flash74May 30th, 2007 - 17:13:44

Apple introducing the iPhone 4 months ago didn't make Microsoft jump on the bandwagon. I can guarantee you that it took Microsoft much more than 4 months to work on this technology. I think Apple makes great products, but they don't invent everything that's new in technology. I know it's 'in style' to bash Microsoft, but they still come out with innovative products, like it or not. This technology definitely has potential if they (or a similar product by another company) can be mass produced at a lower cost.

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reasonMay 30th, 2007 - 17:16:26

Touch screen technology was out and about long before Apple's iPhone (not to be confused with the product that already had that name) hit the scene. My Garmin GPS already has a snazzy touch/drag interface that plays MP3s and has bluetooth so I can make phone calls through it. Wip dee doo. Nothing new.

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RhamanMay 30th, 2007 - 17:32:39

I find it quite funny that people would bash this new technology, and yet, not knowing the extent of that technology. There could be several applications that people are not thinking about. Don't you think it would be interesting to have a thin layer on your steering wheel to control all controls: ac, sterio, rear view mirrors and even rear cameras that are in the higher end models. All of this displayed on a thin layer of touch screen to make driving more safe. I suggest waiting a while before bashing anything that is unknown.

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Joe WMay 30th, 2007 - 17:47:01

Very nice. great news!

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DevMay 30th, 2007 - 17:54:24

I have been part of a development team partnership working on this tech for at least a year, it has been in internal development at Microsoft for a few more than that.

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ManuMay 30th, 2007 - 18:27:40

Imagine we could use our iPhones in this Surface!! It would be great. I just can't imagine how many possibilities this Surface can offer... I just love it!

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watcherMay 30th, 2007 - 18:44:09

i'm happy to see the next step in computing evolution. 'just worried if the table-legs will collapse after an 'Abort, Retry or Fail' message...

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MitchMay 30th, 2007 - 18:48:18

The multitouch interface on the iphone was not added untill last june when they purchased a small company that developed technology with that. Earlier last year I went to Eon Reality to view technology similar to this... eonreality dot com - They had been working with Mircosoft for some time developing touch interfaces. If you remember in the movie 'The Island' there are a few scenes in the CEO/head guy's office where he is interacting with a table using his hands and small figures. This technology was Microsoft's as they were credited at the end for doing so

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