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| CURRENT SECTION :: TechZone | UK's most visited IT Contractor Site - 250k unique visitors March 2008 |
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It has no mouse or keyboard but the absence of such peripherals is why Microsoft’s newest computer – a ‘hands-on’ device – is tipped to become as ubiquitous as ATMs. The software maker said Surface Computer, a 30-inch display in table-like form for groups or individuals, will be in restaurants, hotels, resorts and complexes before 2008. The device’s much trumpeted USP – the ability for users to literally grab content on the screen using their hands or fingertips – also makes it a viable application for the workplace. But even without corporations, the market for surface-type devices in high-end public establishments is estimated to be in the multi-billion dollars, Microsoft said yesterday. Steve Ballmer, chief executive, explained the primary aim of Surface is to revolutionise the way people live, shop, dine and entertain themselves in public spaces. Ease-of-use and speed were the buzzwords he trumpeted at Tuesday’s launch, referring to how users just need to move their finger across screen to select the content they want. The innovation comes on the back of Microsoft research showing “many features” of PCs are not being used because users find the technology “intimidating.” Cue the new line of one-touch systems, which fit neatly into Microsoft’s wider vision of adapting technology to humans, by letting them interact naturally using voice, touch or pen. “Surface computing breaks down those traditional barriers to technology so that people can interact with all kinds of digital content in a more intuitive, engaging and efficient manner, said Tom Gibbons, head of Microsoft’s Productivity and Extended Consumer Experiences Group. The surface computer, produced by the MS division that developed the Zune & Xbox systems, also features the ability to recognise physical objects that have identification tags similar to bar codes. This means that when a customer in a restaurant sets a wine glass on the surface, the system could provide details about the wine, pictures of the vineyard it came from and suggested food pairings tailored to the menu. Likewise, placing a mobile phone on the tabletop could arm the user with the handset’s specification or user reviews, while juxtaposing it with a second model could provide a detailed comparison. To complement ‘object recognition’, a mapping application allows users to manipulate a map and move it, shrink it and access personalised data for local sites or attractions. Similarly, a photo application lets users sort their pictures, choose which images are for sharing, and hit tabs that will zoom in or rotate the image. Despite the examples given, the first users of Surface computers will be commercial giants, like big-name hotels, casinos, slot-machine vendors and the telecoms giant T-Mobile. The multi-touch, multi-user systems are currently priced outside the consumer market, with systems expected to start at $5,000 and range up to $10,000. However the Redmond-based company appears to be keeping its options open about whether the systems will surface in the digital home – Microsoft’s foremost battleground. Gibbons said: “Over time, we envision a wide range of surfaces with surface computing technology and believe that this will become pervasive both inside and outside of the home. “As our world continues to be permeated by digital content from music and photos to games, surface computers will put users back in control by making it easy and natural to interact with the digital world.” Microsoft said it is the first major technology company to bring surface computing to market in a commercially ready product. In a statement, it said: “Although there are some companies working on similar technology projects, nobody is doing exactly what we are with Surface” It added that Redmond sees the launch as significant as the move from DOS to GUI. Gibbons predicted: “Surface computing is going to revolutionize everyday lives, much like the way ATMs changed how we get money from the bank. Surface lets us manipulate a tremendous amount of information with our hands so that the content works with you rather than for you.” May 31, 2007 Email this article Printer friendly page Previous Page
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