Microsoft brings computing to Tabletops.

On May29, 2007 - Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer unveiled the company’s first surface computing product, called Microsoft Surface – an innovation that will change the way people shop, dine, entertain and live and is expected to be released in November 2007. The launch of Microsoft Surface marks the beginning of a new technology category and a user-interface revolution. Surface, Microsoft’s first surface computer, provides effortless interaction with digital content through natural hand gestures, touch and physical objects.

Surface is a horizontal display on a table-like form which has the intuitive user interface 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. Surface is a 30-inch display in a table-like form factor that small groups can use at the same time. From digital finger painting to a virtual concierge, Surface brings natural interaction to the digital world in a new and exciting way.

“With Surface, we are creating more intuitive ways for people to interact with technology,” Ballmer said. “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.”

Surface computing, which Microsoft has been working on for a number of years, features four key attributes:

• Direct interaction. Users can actually “grab” digital information with their hands, interacting with content by touch and gesture, without the use of a mouse or keyboard.
• Multi-touch. Surface computing recognizes many points of contact simultaneously, not just from one finger like a typical touch-screen, but up to dozens of items at once.
• Multi-user. The horizontal form factor makes it easy for several people to gather around surface computers together, providing a collaborative, face-to-face computing experience.
• Object recognition. Users can place physical objects on the surface to trigger different types of digital responses, including the transfer of digital content.

For More Information on Microsoft Surface

visit : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Surface
First Look at Micrsoft Surface : www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlZxuqjJDgk
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/317737_msftdevice30.html
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/sticker-shock/video-of-bill-gates-showing-off-his-expensive-table-264453.php
similar to microsoft surface : http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/65