• Microsoft to Unveil 'Surface' Today!

    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.


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Discussion Board
(18) Comments
virender
,delhi, on Mar 23, 2011 02:04 PM
when its coming into India and what price in india
Dharmesh Patel
,Ahmedabad Gujrat India, on May 25, 2010 12:22 PM
plese give me a rate
Midhun
,kochin, on Mar 19, 2008 07:38 AM
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 .
Suman
,Kolkata, on Jun 11, 2007 12:33 PM
Can I server hot coffee on it ??
J T Rao
,Bangalore, on May 31, 2007 01:18 PM
'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)
Anonymous
,delhi, on May 31, 2007 10:13 AM
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
Dr. Coffee
,California, on May 30, 2007 02:17 PM
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.
Mari
,manila, on May 30, 2007 02:25 PM
two decades ago!? rip-off! Totally!
majums
,Kolkata, on May 30, 2007 05:48 PM
The difference is microsoft has the potential to make it popular and mainstream. Otherwise it will remain as a toy for geeks.
Janta
,Cal, on May 30, 2007 11:37 PM
Haha very true whn Microsoft does something its becomes news
majums
,Kolkata, on May 30, 2007 05:43 PM
link to MS site: "http://www.microsoft.com/surface/"
Sandeep
,Thrissur, on May 30, 2007 04:09 PM
find me something innovative...huh microsoft
Anonymous
,Delhi, on May 30, 2007 03:46 PM
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
joe11ee
,CHICAGO, on May 30, 2007 02:11 PM
im just dropping by,nice post! iPod Converter http://www.ipodconverter.com
rajesh babaria
,rajkot-india, on May 30, 2007 01:52 PM
its fantastic to know such a technology
Jenny
,California, on May 30, 2007 01:46 PM
sounds interesting. a photo or a video demo is much appreciated. Jenny http://www.spaml.com
tim weaver
,seoul, on May 30, 2007 01:43 PM
Microsoft Surface spelled g-i-m-m-i-c-k.
PhotoGuy
,Mumbai, on May 30, 2007 01:21 PM
Where is the Photo?

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