microsoft ‘surface’, with samsung’s ‘sr40’ screen

 

 

microsoft debuted the most recent generation of ‘surface‘ at CES 2011, highlighting its improved sensory technology, thinner and more versatile samsung screen, and expanded software and development tools.

 

 

CES 2011: microsoft surface already used in several restaurants and bars, ‘surface’ can be used as an interactive menu, and orders can be placed directly from the device

 

 

at four inches thick, ‘surface’ is no longer restricted to use as a table, but can be mounted vertically or embedded in walls or kiosks. the 40-inch high-definition screen utilizes pixelsense technology, which effectively turns each pixel into an infrared sensor, enabling it to ‘see’ activity on its surface without requiring the bulky hardware of cameras.

 

 

CES 2011: microsoft surface one application concept permits comparison shopping by simply placing compatible devices directly onto the screen

 

 

‘surface’ recognizes multiple points of contact, including both human touch and the placement of objects on the screen. human interaction with the device is gesture-based, permitting the intuitive rearrangement and manipulation of content through ‘hands-on’ grabbing and sliding. the placement of certain objects on the display, including compatible smartphones and storage devices, triggers automatic computer responses, such as the transfer of digital content or the pulling up of device specifications. improved development tools in the new ‘surface’ increase the ability of companies to create custom responses to particular objects and types of user interaction; at CES, microsoft demoed an interface for the royal bank of canada in which holding one of the company’s paper flyers up against the screen provides instant digitalrecognition and response.

 

 

CES 2011: microsoft surface detail view of the touch surface

 

 

CES 2011: microsoft surface concept images depict ‘surface’ in use as a table (left) and as a vertical screen (right)

 

 

 

at this point, microsoft views ‘surface’ as primarily a product for businesses and public spaces, although improvements in technology have already brought down the size and cost of the device considerably, and one can easily imagine its use for home. earlier models of ‘surface’ have already been implemented in cafés and bars, including the hard rock café in las vegas, and in a highly publicized december 2010 announcement, the ‘red mr’ karaoke bars in hong kong. with the new, more versatile screen, microsoft imagines the device’s further use in kiosks, information centers, registration desks, and hospitals.

 

 

coverage of the microsoft surface demo at CES 2011

 

 

the microsoft teaser illustrates real-world possible applications for the device

 

 

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CES 2011: microsoft surface

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