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...
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
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
by PhotoGuy, Mumbai, on May 30, 2007 01:21 PM, Report abuse Reply
VIEW ALL LATEST
Nokia's Developer Challenge
News > Software , November 20, 2008 0930 hrs IST
Innovative applications or widgets get rewarded ...
VoxOx Aims To Simplify Communication
News > Software , November 20, 2008 1205 hrs IST
Combines online and offline contacts under one roof ...
iCEphone: iPhone Killer
News > Consumer Electronics , November 20, 2008 1150 hrs IST
Next gen WinMo communicator? ...
Digital Cameras To Help Nab Criminals
News > Internet , November 20, 2008 1137 hrs IST
Forensic experts unveil new crime-fighting technique ...
OLPC India Target: 3 Million OLPCs A Year
News > Internet , November 20, 2008 1115 hrs IST
A country that can take 8 million cellular phones a month, can take 3 million laptops a year ...
MOST REQUESTED REVIEWS
Microsoft NEWS
|
Microsoft: Security Suite To Be FreeComprehensive protection against viruses, spyware, rootkits, and Trojans |
|
First Online Store from Microsoft LaunchedBuy as well as download programs online |
|
Live.com Now Social Networking Site'Coming soon' from Microsoft |
Microsoft REVIEWS
|
Microsoft Sidewinder X6 Gaming KeyboardReviews | Basics | Keyboards | 13 Nov 2008 The Sidewinder X6 is a gaming keyboard worthy of standing up against Logitech's... |
|
Too Human -- ReviewReviews | Games | Reviews | 16 Sep 2008 An experience Too Ordinary. Too Human offers little more than frustration -- at... |
|
Living with Office LiveReviews | Software | Office Suites | 20 Jul 2008 For those who love Microsoft Office and need a simple backup solution, you'll... |
Microsoft USER REVIEWS
|
Mice Wireless Optical Mouse 5000Microsoft | Mice | Thu, 14 Jun 2007 Very Good Mouse Microsoft have produced, |
|
Web Cameras LifeCam VX-3000Microsoft | Web Cameras | Wed, 06 Dec 2006 Package included *LifeCam VX3000 camera *Sofware CD (LifeCam ver... |
MOST POPULAR NEWS
|
Could A DVR Save Your Marriage?News | Consumer Electronics | 04 Sep 2008 ...Or should you stick to your shrink? |
|
Firefox Counters Chrome's Speed TestAccording to Mozilla's SunSpider test, Firefox 3.1 is 28% faster than Chrome on ... |
|
Nokia N96 for Rs. 40,000?False alarm everyone... We have learnt from Nokia that the N96 will be priced be... |
MOST POPULAR REVIEWS
MOST POPULAR GAMES
MOST POPULAR DOWNLOADS
|
Forbidden.exe |
|
md5deepDownloads | System Tools | 04 Sep 2008 |
|
RivaTunerDownloads | System Tools | 03 Sep 2008 |
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