The Microsoft Surface is another groundbreaking piece of hardware released by Microsoft, it is a “coffee table” computer, which aims to integrate technology into our daily lives completely, and also make it easy to use.
This is not like any other touch screen; the Microsoft surface has taken a whole different approach. Instead of using “pressure points” to detect your fingers, it uses an LED which is aimed at the surface. This LED is in infrared, so we cannot see it. When an object touches the Surface's surface, the light is reflected on to several infrared cameras in the table. This allows finer control and it can also differentiate a phone from something like a hand, for example.
If a camera is placed on the Surface, the Surface automatically detects it and if the camera has wireless or Bluetooth functionality, it automatically connects with the Surface, which then proceeds to execute a predefined task, or asks you what to do. This example also works with Microsoft's Media Player, the Zune, for example, you can have your new music automatically sync to your Zune whenever you place it on the Surface.
The Surface, like the iPod Touch/iPhone, has a multi touch detection capability; for example, we can use paint to draw pictures with all ten fingers, instead of using one finger (why you would want to do this, no one knows). The Surface's item detection is not only limited to electronic items; it can also detect everyday objects, such as a wine glass. If we put a wine glass on the table, the Surface will detect this and possibly offer more choices of wine, or if you prefer, it could show a nice visualisation, with circles radiating out from the base of the glass.
Current prices are far out of reach for the typical consumer, ranging from a speculated $5,000 to $10,000 per unit. The Surface runs on Windows Vista, and it will ship with basic applications, including photos, music, virtual concierge, and games, that can be customized for the customers. It is made of a transparent acrylic top, with a frame of powder-coated steel and measures 22” long, 21” tall and 42” wide. (56×53×107 in cm). It has Wired internet connectivity, as well as wireless internet and Bluetooth 2.0.
