Launch of Microsoft Surface

https://www.microsoft.com/surface
https://www.on10.net/Blogs/larry/first-look-microsoft-surfacing-computing/
https://zdnet.com.com/1606-2_2-6186146.html?tag=nl.e589

From the Microsoft site:

The launch of Microsoft Surface marks the beginning of a new technology category and a user-interface revolution. Surface, Microsoft’s first surface computer, provides effortless interaction with digital content through natural hand gestures, touch and physical objects. Surface computing breaks down traditional barriers between people and technology, changing the way people interact with all kinds of everyday information — from photos to maps to menus.

What is Microsoft Surface

Microsoft Surface, the first commercially available surface computer from Microsoft , turns an ordinary tabletop into a vibrant, interactive surface. It provides effortless interaction with digital content through natural gestures, touch and physical objects. Surface is a 30-inch display in a table-like form factor that’s easy for individuals or small groups to interact with in a way that feels familiar, just like in the real world. In essence, it’s a surface that comes to life for exploring, learning, sharing, creating, buying and much more. Soon to be available in restaurants, hotels, retail and public entertainment venues, this experience will transform the way people shop, dine, entertain and live.

How does surface work ?

At a high level, Surface uses cameras to sense objects, hand gestures and touch. This user input is then processed and the result is displayed on the surface using rear projection.

What is Surface Computing ?

Surface computing is a new way of working with computers that moves beyond the traditional mouse-and-keyboard experience. It is a natural user interface that allows people to interact with digital content the same way they have interacted with everyday items such as photos, paintbrushes and music their entire life: with their hands, with gestures and by putting real-world objects on the surface. Surface computing opens up a whole new category of products for users to interact with.

What are the key attributes of surface computing?

Surface computing has four key attributes:

• Direct interaction : Users can actually “grab” digital information with their hands    and interact with content by touch and gesture, without the use of a mouse or keyboard.
• Multi-touch contact :  Surface computing recognizes many points of contact simultaneously, not just from one finger, as with a typical touch screen, but up to dozens and dozens of items at once.
• Multi-user experience :  The horizontal form factor makes it easy for several people to gather around surface computers together, providing a collaborative, face-to-face computing experience.
• Object recognition :  Users can place physical objects on the surface to trigger different types of digital responses, including the transfer of digital content.

How does Surface benefit consumers ?

Microsoft Surface will break down the traditional barriers between people and technology, providing effortless interaction with digital content. Similar to the way ATMs changed how people got money from the bank, Microsoft is changing the way people will interact with all kinds of everyday content, including photos, music, a virtual concierge and games. Common, everyday tasks become entertaining, enjoyable and engaging, alone or face-to-face with family, friends or co-workers.

Beginning at the end of this year, consumers will be able to interact with Surface in hotels, restaurants, retail establishments and public entertainment venues.

Comments

• Anonymous
  June 04, 2007
  Just had to blog about this :) surface technology from Microsoft it's AWESOME!! The launch of Microsoft

• Anonymous
  June 07, 2007
  Thx