Microsoft Unveils Surface Computing

Microsoft has unveiled its latest innovation, a coffee-table shaped computer that responds to touch and everyday objects like cups and plates through the special bar codes, called ‘Surface‘ is essentially Microsoft computer tucked inside a black table base, topped with a 30 inch touchscreen.

Surface is the first commercially available surface computer from Microsoft Corp. It turns an ordinary tabletop into a vibrant, interactive surface. The product provides effortless interaction with digital content through natural gestures, touch and physical objects. 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.

Five cameras sense nearby objects so users can interact with the machine by touching or dragging their fingertips across the screen, or by placing objects such as plates and cutlery tagged with special bar codes labels.

microsoft surface computing technology Microsoft Unveils Surface Computing
Unlike most touchscreens, Surface can respond to more than one touch a time. The intuitive user interface works without a mouse or keyboard, giving people direct interaction with digital content.

Some of the first Surface models are planned to help customers pick out new mobile phones. When customers place a phone down on the table, Surface will read its bar code and display information about the handset. Customer can also select calling plans and ring tones by dragging icons toward the phone. Guest sitting in some hotel lobbies will be able to cluster around the surface to play music, then buy songs using a credit card or rewards card tagged with a bar code.

In some hotel restaurants, customers will be able to order food and drinks, then split the bill by setting down a card or a room key and dragging their menu items onto the card. Visit Microsoft Surface (Site takes some time to load, so have patience)

microsoft table computing Microsoft Unveils Surface Computing