Microsoft Surface hands-on

If you're any kind of nerd you probably already caught Microsoft's Surface at this point. We don't have a lot to add with our little photo gallery, but damned if this wasn't one of the coolest technology demoes we've seen in long while -- bugs and all. Oh, and for those wondering, all the trickiness in getting the Surface demo tables to identify the objects resting on it wasn't due to NFC or RFID (yet, anyway); the Surface demo unit instead uses a visual code identifier on the bottom of each object, and behaves accordingly. We want.

Microsoft Surface hands-on

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 1st 2007 8:18AM]

"I'm thinking of those office jokers that sit on the photocopy machine to get those "personal" copies...

Kind of makes you wonder where that would take us with this creation.

Anyone?"

Yes it shows a visual of your turd all over the screen


Naa this thing looks awesome

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 3rd 2007 1:05AM]

Ok, Microsoft... I understand that its trying to keep up with the times, and after a little research, I found they are failing in this regard. Multi-touch sensors come in three different forms, Microsoft is trying to sell one of the most ineffective ones. The Apple iPhone takes up almost no space using its screen as its multitouch sensor. Microsoft's Surface is using a projector for the picture, and a number of sensors to pick up the touch, which take's an intire table to encompass. So, for very little inovation, is it worth it?

Information on how each muti-touch system worked came from this article, please, read:
http://www.channelregister.co.uk/2007/06/01/fentem_microsoft_surface/

[Wesscoast Posted Jun 3rd 2007 1:07AM]

iPhone only uses multi-touch to zoom pictures. A costly gimic for a tiny screen, on a device that most people use one-handed.

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What makes you think that? It's Multitouch, and hence, can be used for any application. You.. actually pinch with two fingers. You're really grasping at straws here.. would you like to discuss the THICKNESS of the device (vs. Microsoft's technology) and the PRICE?

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 4th 2007 8:51PM]

I think there's a huge difference between secure credit card verification at home on the internet and in a public location (especially where alcohol is being served! :-) ) and you're plopping your card on some super-sensing web/database/financial portal espeically as identity theft continues to grow as a major threat...

It's an appealing vision they present, but is it realistic?

So what are these ideas of verification? Let's hear em! How will you "verify" yourself on a fully public visible tabletop touch screen in the middle of a crowded room in front of friends, family, and strangers, or perhaps business competitors, salespeople, or lobbyists?

Insert your answers here:__________________________________

My thoughts: We've got thumbprints, retinal scans, facial recognition... All of these require more technology. Did anybody see a USB plug on ths surface of surface? I'm not into the idea of typing something on the surface...

Hardware on the Surface, though, seems a little bit easier to deal with. I prefer the idea that our cell phones keep our money and photos just like in Japan, and then you can protect the information through a password on the phone that you can type, away from prying eyes/cameras.

One solution is to keep the human in the loop... You drag your selections into your "spot" and the server brings over the already divided receipts. Payment is done in the conventional fashion. The question then, is do you tip before or after? :-)

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 5th 2007 4:27PM]

I have now seen the future of video poker.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 14th 2007 9:30AM]

*que apple making something similar, but better and sexier*

Is that possible?

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 26th 2007 10:36AM]

Microsoft Surface Blog Site is already up and running. http://surfacefans.net/