“Since its ballyhooed 2007 unveiling of the Surface computer, Microsoft has continued to work quietly on a next generation of interfaces in which tabletops and walls become powerful interactive computers,” J. Bonasia reports for Investor’s Business Daily.
“Microsoft calls this emerging technology surface computing,” Bonasia reports. “Surface computing is distinct from the GUI, the single-touch screens at bank ATMs or even newer multi-touch devices such as the Apple iPhone. Surface computing goes much further by turning an entire object into an interactive computer.”
MacDailyNews Take: Sorry, that just triggered our bullshit detector. The entire object called “iPhone” is an interactive computer – that actually fits in your pocket, not just on a forklift.
Bonasia continues, “‘We have the idea that eventually every surface becomes a rich, interactive surface,’ Steven Bathiche, director of research for the Microsoft applied sciences group, said in an interview. ‘We want to make the computer easy to use for everyone.'”
MacDailyNews Take: Well, then you’re working for the wrong company, Steven.
Bonasia continues, “The Microsoft Surface business group was formally launched last summer with 12 full-time researchers, a year after Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer unveiled that first Surface computer, a 30-inch-screen coffee table. A number of companies have since worked with Microsoft to develop prototype products based on the coffee table. These first Surface computers are aimed at businesses that deal with customers face-to-face, such as banks, stores, hotels, car dealerships and financial planners.”
Bonasia continues, “The Touch Wall is another Microsoft concept, in which the surface senses when it is being touched. Users can gesture to exert commands, such as closing or spreading their hands and arms. Images on the wall will zoom in or out as a result, like a wizard commanding magic or like Tom Cruise in the movie ‘Minority Report.'”
MacDailyNews Take: Gorilla Arm.
Full article here.
Microsoft’s Big Ass Table:
Direct link via YouTube here.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “James W.” for the heads up.]
