Microsoft's top-secret touch screen
Even though so many people were left un-wowed by Vista, Microsoft's latest announcement is sure to elicit some excitement.
Five years in the (very secretive) making, the Surface Computer is a tabletop system that allows users to interact with digital media in some truly remarkable ways.
CNET News.com's Ina Fried has video of the system in action, viewable below.
Surface Computer users can fingerpaint digitally, resize and interact with photos and videos, and even "digitize" some real-life events, such as splitting up a restaurant bill and researching wines. The Surface Computer can recognize some real-world objects and creates onscreen versions to interact with.
The innovative system looks a lot like the interface demonstrated in the now-famous YouTube video of New York University researcher Jeff Han.
Alas, the Surface Computer isn't intended for home use--at least not yet. Instead, the tabletop system is expected to be used as an interactive kiosk for businesses, restaurants, and for entertainment in public spaces.
For CNET News.com's full take from Ina Fried, see the following:
Microsoft hopes 'Milan' table PC has magic touch
How the 'Milan' table PC was born
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Which brings me to my second point... why pay a ton of cash to install one of these in your restaurant when you could just use a Nintendo DS with a RFID reader wired to the table? (RFID adapter would have to be created but the technology is readily available).
Now all someone has to do is develop a true tactile holographic 3D interface.
i hope apple comes out with their new mutli touch displays incl. copyright
before M$ does... 10.5 will have multi touch built in... i bet my behind on it...
lets discuss this further reach me at:
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on tv or one of the online video services. The operator was an Asian man in his
late 20's or early 30's. One of his demos showed a desktop with a bunch of
files on it. He could 'reach' out to it, mess up all of the files as though they were
real physical paper files, and move them around on the desk. That was just one
of the demos I remember. He was a researcher from Stanford University I
believe.
The technology is come from here. It is very impressive.
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/65
HAHAHA!
9. "Virtual Freecell": You can play solitaire using real-word representations of the on screen cards (special barcoded playing cards required).
8. "Flip-off" - the wacky road rage game (not recommended for those with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - requires barcoding of a finger for all features to work correctly)
7. "Windows Cleaner Pro" - learn the most effective way to use a bottle of Windex and end up with a squeaky clean Milan computer when you're done! (requires special barcoded paper towels and barcoded Glass cleaner bottle)
6. "Stacker 2007" - place your paper documents on the Milan tabletop and it will accurately guess how much work you need to do by the end of the day.
5. "Virtual Office Party" - photocopiers are old school! Sit on your Milan instead and it will EMAIL the results to all you co-workers! (requires a Microsoft Certified tattoo artist with a steady hand...)
4. "Quarters 2008" - who needs drinking buddies when you have Milan! When it blue screens, you've won!
3. "MS Poker Champion 2009" - you're not cheating if only the COMPUTER can see everyone's cards, are you?
2. "Portrait Artist Pro" - Create special effects for your photographs with nothing but some dyes and a little bit of sandpaper.
1. "I'm Crushing Your Head - Pro Edition" - Use the sensors in your Milan to their fullest potential by exacting your own private and painfully neurotic revenge against the victims of your choosing. Downloading additional "Head Packs" requires the installation of special facial DRM extensions. Packs available for purchase immediately will include include US Presidents, Apple Computer Execs and Linus Torvalds.