Microsoft Surface
Microsoft Surface aims to be the ultimate home system. The multi-touch system is essentially a glass topped table with a touch screen interface allowing you to directly interact and achieve “stuff”. The similarity (especially the photo manipulation) is strikingly similar to Jeff Han’s multi-touch demo which I know caused a lot of comment back in 2006. Much of the demo focuses on image manipulation, games, mapping, music etc..
Obviously a lot of companies have been working in this area and Microsoft’s latest product (good name by the way) is an attempt
to bring it into the family environment. It’s attractive, sleek and potentially quite good fun. At a cost of around $3000+ for a
30″ system I think this will be the playtoy for the very well off and not a mainstream product. As with all things the price will tumble and eventually achieve “normal people” penetration.
I must however comment on the “demo” on the MS Surface site (link above). Yes it looks attractive, yes some of the things it does look fun but heres two some (1) gripes about the demo and (2) concerns
Gripes:
1. Placing “random” hardware items (read camera/phone) onto a glass table computer and within a millisecond pulling off and placing all photos onto the desktop seems totally unrealistic. Firstly, you have to assume the item is already connected “somehow” to the system be it by bluetooth or wifi. Second to connect, find, access and read “data” from these devices is never a millisecond job - the demo tries to convince you it is..
2. The credit card scene is just nuts. I cant begin to say how much i hate this. Maybe it is possible but the giant “leap” of advancement from our current method to this…
Concern:
Whats the point? I understand its a new interface to work with computing but it’s limited in scope. Looking down at the screen and not actually being able to face it directly means you’re more than likely not going to be able to use this as a workstation/proper computer.
I can only conclude it’s destined to be an entertainment centre of sorts and even then who wants to watch video on a screen in the middle of a table, its not like you can sit back in your chair and watch a movie..
Add comment May 31st, 2007