What is Microsoft Surface

Surface is a revolutionary, new technology developed and engineered by Microsoft which enables users to directly manipulate objects through a multi-touch display on a desk-sized interface. Using the latest, cunning edge equipment it is the first of its kind. Using multiple sensors and cameras, Surface is able to process hand movements and accurately reflect them on a high resolution screen. At any given time, multiple users can interact seamlessly with the computer. With unique software, you can place physical objects on the display including anything from your hotel key card and beverages to mp3 players and digital cameras. Surface will be able to recognize these objects and users will be ableo to interact with pictures, music, and money. Not only that, but using a simple click-and-drag format users can move data from one device to another.

Implementation

Although the technology is currently available to corporations, the real implementation problem of Surface is reaching the consumer market. Sure, its a new, innovative system, but these attractive features have a hefty price tag. Retailers such as AT&T, T-Mobile, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, and Harrah's Entertainment are spending a whooping $5,000 - $10,000 per machine. Microsoft assures that the price will drop before it enters the consumer market in as early as late 2009. A reasonable price sticker will be one of the biggest factors in determining its initial success. With faster processors, increasing memory, more storage, and leaner operating systems on the horizon, it seems like there won't be any difficulties with hardware. If Microsoft is as effective as they are with advertising their other products, then implementation should go smoothly.

Potential Limitations and Benefits

Since it's new, the functionality of having this system could be very limiting compared to the capabilities of an average personal computer today. Ultimately, the problem deals with the software. Program developers must change their mindset in order to accommodate multi-touch and the potential additional capabilities they could add to their applications and games. On one hand, costumers can benefit from an enriched user experience. On the other hand, if developers don't develop their games and applications up to par, consumers could be plagued with poorly-developed programs causing a public backlash that might take several years to recover from. Once a clear set of exceptions are in place, multi-touch software should be pretty mainstream. My guess is that it will take a few years for developers to familiarize themselves with the power of Surface. After that, the rest will be history. However, Microsoft is also developing there new operating system codenamed "Windows 7" which allegedly will support multi-touch display. This may comprise the objectives of Microsoft Surface. Will people rule in favor of portable computer with touch capabilities or will they prefer a stationary computer that will serve as a hub for accessing and distributing information? Perhaps, both systems will be able to survive in the environment. Consumers must place a role on each type of machine: desktop, laptop, ultra-mobile personal computer, and Surface. If each type of these computers is going to survive, they must serve a unique purpose that the other kinds cannot fulfill. The consumer electronics market is rapidly changing with new ideas constantly adding to the mix. Quite frankly, it's difficult to determine the new standard. Only time will tell.