Microsoft to Unveil 'Surface' Today!

Techtree News Staff, May 30, 2007 1300 hrs IST

With 'Surface' the day is not far when a customer who simply sets a wine glass on the table, will be fed with details like which vineyard the wine came from...

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In a technological break-through, Microsoft is reportedly today introducing a first-of-its-kind coffee-table shaped surface computer, called 'Microsoft Surface' at a technology conference in California.

The company says that 'Microsoft Surface' turns an ordinary tabletop into a vibrant, dynamic surface that provides effortless interaction with all forms of digital content, through natural gestures, touch, and physical objects.

'Microsoft Surface' has an intuitive user interface that works without a traditional mouse or keyboard, allowing people to interact with content and information on their own, or collaboratively with their friends and families, just like in the real world. It also has a 30-inch display in a table-like form factor that small groups can use at the same time.

In a statement, Steve Ballmer, Chief Executive Officer, Microsoft, said, "With 'Surface' we are creating more intuitive ways for people to interact with technology. 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."

"Consumers now have an entirely new way to get the information they need, turning their everyday tasks into enjoyable and engaging experiences. There are hundreds of thousands of restaurants, hotels, and retail locations that are looking to give their customers unique and memorable experiences that 'Surface' will provide," added Pete Thompson, General Manager of Microsoft Surface Computing.

'Microsoft Surface' has the ability to recognize physical objects that have identification tags similar to bar codes. This means that when a customer simply sets a wine glass on the surface of a table, a restaurant could provide them with information about the wine they are ordering, pictures of the vineyard it came from, and suggested food pairings tailored to that evening's menu.

In addition, its horizontal form factor makes it easy for several people to gather around surface computers together, providing a collaborative, face-to-face computing experience. It also has object recognition feature, wherein users can place physical objects on the surface to trigger different types of digital responses, including the transfer of digital content.

According to Microsoft, it will manufacture the machine itself, and sell it initially to corporate customers, deploying the first units in November this year in Sheraton Hotels, Harrah's casinos, T-Mobile stores, and restaurants in the US.

The company will sell the 'Microsoft Surface' for each $5,000 (Rs 2,03,162 approx) to $10,000 (Rs 4,06,305 approx), but says it will bring prices down to consumer levels in three to five years, and introduce various shapes and forms too.

USER COMMENTS

it seems when u put stuff on it it says all the background details of the thing ,stuff like wine ect works im not sure of coffee .

by Midhun, kochin, on Mar 19, 2008 07:38 AM, Report abuse Reply

Can I server hot coffee on it ??

by Suman, Kolkata, on Jun 11, 2007 12:33 PM, Report abuse Reply

'Microsoft Surface' can be used as information kiosk or can we run business application. what about OS it is vista or surfista (sur {face} + vista)

by J T Rao, Bangalore, on May 31, 2007 01:18 PM, Report abuse Reply

Video of 'Surface' - demo by gates http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/sticker-shock/video-of-bill-gates-showing-off-his-expensive-table-264453.php?autoplay=true

by Anonymous, delhi, on May 31, 2007 10:13 AM, Report abuse Reply

and why is this a first-of-a-kind breakthrough? Prototypes similar to this have been developed for almost two decades, including one I worked on while at a Cupertino company... I suppose that if you repeat something a thousand times, it becomes true.

by Dr. Coffee, California, on May 30, 2007 02:17 PM, Report abuse Reply

two decades ago!? rip-off! Totally!

by Mari, manila, on May 30, 2007 02:25 PM, Report abuse

The difference is microsoft has the potential to make it popular and mainstream. Otherwise it will remain as a toy for geeks.

by majums, Kolkata, on May 30, 2007 05:48 PM, Report abuse

Haha very true whn Microsoft does something its becomes news

by Janta, Cal, on May 30, 2007 11:37 PM, Report abuse

link to MS site: "http://www.microsoft.com/surface/"

by majums, Kolkata, on May 30, 2007 05:43 PM, Report abuse Reply

find me something innovative...huh microsoft

by Sandeep, Thrissur, on May 30, 2007 04:09 PM, Report abuse Reply

well euraka towers in melbourne, australia have similar type of table installed. Its a touch screen table with all information abt melbourne available and is bigger then a billards table

by Anonymous, Delhi, on May 30, 2007 03:46 PM, Report abuse Reply

im just dropping by,nice post! iPod Converter http://www.ipodconverter.com

by joe11ee, CHICAGO, on May 30, 2007 02:11 PM, Report abuse Reply

its fantastic to know such a technology

by rajesh babaria, rajkot-india, on May 30, 2007 01:52 PM, Report abuse Reply

sounds interesting. a photo or a video demo is much appreciated. Jenny http://www.spaml.com

by Jenny, California, on May 30, 2007 01:46 PM, Report abuse Reply

Microsoft Surface spelled g-i-m-m-i-c-k.

by tim weaver, seoul, on May 30, 2007 01:43 PM, Report abuse Reply

Where is the Photo?

by PhotoGuy, Mumbai, on May 30, 2007 01:21 PM, Report abuse Reply