Microsoft’s ‘Surface’
Posted on May 30, 2007
Filed Under Culture & Lifestyle, Software & Technology |
While it’s a bold claim from our seat, we’ll go out on a limb and say it: The future of computing is going to change, dramatically. And believe it or not, it’s going to be Microsoft leading the way. Say hello to the Surface, the latest development from an otherwise stagnant and boring Redmond based company. The Surface is a coffee table shaped device that utilizes touch screen technology and allows users to interact with it by human touch. This allows people to experience computing and technology in ways never before possible.
By mimicking life like actions, the Surface bridges the gap so often left by conventional gadgetry. Inside the device are sensors actually smart enough to detect objects you place on top of it. For example, place your wireless enabled digital camera or cellular phone and the Surface will automatically connect with them allowing for data and content transfer. But why stop there? Simply place your Zune or digital music player on the surface, and transfer and listen to music in new and imaginative ways. The potential for uses is mind blowing and with the fact the display also functions as a table, the Surface technology will even find its way into everyday settings like airports, retail stores, bars, and restaurants. You really have to see it to believe it - be sure to check out the videos on the site, in particular “The Possibilities.”
So what does this really mean to creatives? I mean, we’re not here to sing Microsoft’s praises nor are we all of a sudden unabashed fans. But the future seems bright for the technology in general. Imagine showing clients concepts across a digital table where they can rotate, enlarge or manipulate. Imagine looking at images from a shoot as if it were a real light box. Or simply just imagine the 3rd party development opportunities in widgets, applications, and content. That alone is enough to make one excited. The relative high cost of the technology means the Surface will likely debut in businesses and retail stores… but it won’t be long before you’re changing the channel using the one remote you’ll never lose.
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Wow. Absolutely amazing development from Microsoft. I hear the people who did this also had a big hand in the XBOX 360. Perhaps all is not lost up there after all.
Wow, this is the first time I have heard about this. I just hope the surface is durable, I have kids!
That’s great, but it’s not the great new innovation Microsoft would like you to think it is. This technology has been in development for several years. In fact, I saw a prototype desktop interface about 4 or 5 years ago at SIGGRAPH’s emerging technologies, and it definitely wasn’t from Microsoft. That said, they seem to be putting a lot of thought into the interface design, which will make or break this technology.
While I think the concept is great, I feel the implementation of such a product is limited at best to up-scale restaurants, hotels, and the wealthy consumer that wants a conversation piece.
For the average consumer, who could afford something so massive? That screen alone will be quite pricey.
The ergonomics are horrible for any usage longer than, say, 15 minutes. Who wants to be hunched over a table looking at something; you, and anyone else with you, will be viewing a screen at a 32 to 58 degree angle - that will get a bit tiresome; in order to see the full screen, you’ll have to be standing. It would be more usable if the screen could actually tilt.
While I applaud the effort to developing a touch-screen computer, with some amazing interactive features, I just don’t see how relevant, aside from considering the future possibilities, this product is to average consumer. It’s like looking at a concept vehicle that will, a few years down the road, make it into production, albeit with far less flare.
Great points, Thomas. It will definitely be pricey - speculation ranges from $5K to $10K. That does lend itself to upscale establishments of course. Like anything though, price will likely fall rapidly once it proliferates into the market. When Plasma screens first came out they were priced in the stratosphere. Now for a paltry $1000 you can have 2002 technology at a fraction of the cost. That’s still not ‘cheap’ but the possibilities alone for family entertainment might justify the price.
Another cool video to check out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9j_tYP-kzc
This could possibly become the coolest (er…ONLY cool) thing MS has ever done. Can’t wait to see how it develops!
Wow! This is the first time i see this. I am realy excited about that.
The opportunities seem to be endless for that thing.
I can’t wait to try it out.
>Wow. Absolutely amazing development from Microsoft. I hear the people who did this also had a big hand in the XBOX 360. Perhaps all is not lost up there after all.
Well, about 30% of Xbox market is suffering from system failers so I wonder if this will translate into this product too.