Microsoft has unveiled a coffee-table-shaped “surface computer” today in which the mouse and keyboard are replaced by more natural interaction using voice, pen and touch.
Microsoft Surface, has a 30-inch display under a hard-plastic tabletop which allows people to touch and move objects on screen for everything from digital finger painting and jigsaw puzzles to ordering off a virtual menu in a restaurant.
It also recognizes and interacts with devices placed on its surface. Cell phone users can easily buy ringtones or change payment plans by placing their handsets on in-store displays. A group of people gathered around the table can check out the photos on a digital camera placed on top.
Initially the Surface will be manufactured for corporate customers, deploying the first units in November in Sheraton hotels, T-Mobile stores, and restaurants.
The Surface will cost between $5,000 and $10,000 each at first. Microsoft is aiming to bring prices down to consumer levels in three to five years and introduce various shapes and forms.
To read more and see pictures of the Surface click here.
Cool
Cool! I wish I had one of those right now! (hmm… $5,000 to $10,000. Only about $6,000 to go!)
cool
i only need a few thousand more dollars Hee Hee 🙂
WOW