Microsoft Surface Computing

Wauw... pure and simple. Microsoft has created one of the most impressive demonstrations of multi-touch technology I have seen so far. It mixes the best elements of the digital world and the best of the non digital world.

» Watch Video Presentation (WMV, 256 MB, Duration 18:15)

It is because of things like this that I dismiss the importance of many Web 2.0 stuff and especially Second Life. The future of the internet is not about creating worlds and social networks where you are distanced from the real world environment.

This is what the future is all about - enriching our real life instead of making a second one in a browser.

Then imagine if you had technology like this in every home/office, and each of them was connected over the internet. You would be able to collaborate on projects, meeting, and ideas in an astoundingly rich environment. Forget about video conferencing, and chat programs - and especially products like Writeboard and SharePoint.

Updated

I was pointed towards the Movie "The Island" from 2005, where a very similar concept was used. Sci-fi is really much closer what we think...

Comments

Thomas Baekdal - May. 30, 2007

Note: There is a lot of other videos of this of on Channel 9 og Channel 10 (earlier prototypes).

Kevin Cannon - May. 31, 2007

It's an amazing piece of technology. They've really thought the interaction through.

I think many films like The Island and Minority Report actually went to research groups in MIT and asked them about emerging technologies, so their visions were actually informed, rather than the other way around.

There's been lots of research in this type of work in various locations over the years, but this is the first time I've ever seen something that takes it and puts it together into a coherent product. It's amazing.

HDW - May. 31, 2007

I think every designer who blogs felt obligated to post about this this week. Your post however, is the best one I've seen so far.

Thomas Baekdal - Jun. 1, 2007

HDW, thanks - I try to make my posting visually rich.

Craig - Jun. 1, 2007

According to wikipedia:

A version of the device was used in the 2005 Science Fiction movie The Island (2005 film), which was used by Sean Bean's character "Merrick". As noted in the DVD commetary, the director Micheal Bay stated the concept of the device came from consultation with Microsoft during the making of the movie.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Surface

Thomas Baekdal - Jun. 2, 2007

Craig, Thanks for the info. I own the Island DVD, but I never watched the commentaries (maybe I should now :)).

It do know that Microsoft had a big part in the production of The Island. Both the XBOX, MSN Search and varies Microsoft logos is featured in the movie.

Microsoft Surface Computing

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