Microsoft R&D shows off multi-touch laptop

You can't help but think that the term multi-touch is a shoe-in for Buzzword of the Year, as we've seen it on tables, in a regular old phone, and now we're getting it on a laptop -- at least according to Microsoft's on10 (blogging about the company's Cambridge-based research team). Whatever the case may be, this multi-touch screen looks pretty damn good to us (kind of like Surface on a notebook), and the technology they're using (off-the-shelf laptop, IR sensors) gives us the impression that these might come to market sooner rather than later. Be sure to watch the video after the break.

[Via istartedsomething, thanks Mitchel T]

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 22nd 2007 8:03PM]

"as far as games go RTS would rock with this tech.. FPS not so much...
it all depends on your Acronym of choice really.. "

Can anyone say dual-wielding sub-machine guns with independent targeting for each? Throwing grenades with one hand while picking off some guys with a handgun? Punching in the key-code on a door by actually pressing the buttons on screen?

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 22nd 2007 8:55PM]

Can you say Wii?

[2d546a2d Posted Jun 22nd 2007 9:11PM]

2-player gun games, two guns for one player. Though not exactly what you're thinking, it can already be done with current tech in a similar way, especially with guns with control pads on them.

Speaking of IR guns, this would be an interesting platform for gun games. The guns could be remotes (Wiimotes?) of all sorts, old modded light guns, or even tiny USB-rechargeable pistols (charges in 15 seconds, lasts for 15 minutes!). And speaking of Wiimotes, this could lead to some interesting cursor capabilities as well.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 22nd 2007 8:02PM]

I mean, it's good to know that they are working on those things. Multi-touch definitely has a future. What I don't understand is how they actually made a video showcasing resizing and rotating pictures around. You'd think they would have came up with SOME new ideas... what else does this guy do all day? This is about as innovative as Windows Vista. Come on, here's a box [ ]. Now think OUTSIDE of it.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 22nd 2007 8:55PM]

Personally, I think this would be extremely useful for those of us who do 3d modeling work.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 22nd 2007 9:12PM]

Isn't there a Linux distribution that already supports that 3D interface with a bunch of watery features to the window? OLD NEWS

[Rena Posted Jul 8th 2007 9:25PM]

Yes, Linux has 3D window managers that waste system resources on fancy effects like spinning cubes and wobbly windows. What does that have to do with multi-touch screens?

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 22nd 2007 9:51PM]

or maybe you can all stop whining?
or start developing your own "awesome" technologies that you think should be out there

[rthprog Posted Jun 22nd 2007 10:48PM]

@brendan Sheehan jnr

The screen is much larger on the iphone, plus, its os is far simpler.
And those advantages may not be made up by the hardware...

But yes, the iphone is FAR slicker...

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 23rd 2007 12:42AM]

Meh. He didn't show anything that hasn't been demoed in the various Surface demo videos on the net. At most all he showed us was the application of surface to a laptop. Frankly on a traditional laptop the idea of a touchscreen is stupid. Thank about it. reaching out to touch the display with the display bouncing under your fingers. A tablet would be more realistic.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 23rd 2007 12:55AM]

haha sorry but it's 7 o clock in germany right now, and i came totaly drunk from a drum&bass party and i just nearly pissed my pants when i saw the picture of that microsoft guy...lol i just couldn't stand posting this, it just totally made my morning/day how that video frame shows that akward microsoft geek heheheheh, oh my god... i hope i can still sleep... well... good night and thanks to engadget :)

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 23rd 2007 11:42AM]

Okay, just me, or did anyone else notice the white panel he plays around with through most of the video has "Looking Glass" on it?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Looking_Glass
http://www.sun.com/software/looking_glass/

Looks like the MS dev team is a little lax on making their own software and interface for this.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 23rd 2007 1:47PM]

Thy the hell are you people comparing a non-prototype telephone to this guys prototype touchscreen interface? At least if you are going to be an apple marketing automaton make a valid comparison to two devices that PERFORM THE SAME FUNCTION.

The Iphone doesn't have an optical drive and his laptop does, oooh ooh oooooh.

[awillinger Posted Jun 24th 2007 3:24AM]

it's nice and all... with the IR sensors and >2 touch-points. but similar to the iphone's interface? (pinch/stretch). hmmm... i dont see what the big deal is

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 25th 2007 1:58AM]

When they add pressure sensitivity and individual finger identification, I'll be impressed. This is old tech already (see: Wacom)

[Boolean22 Posted Jul 8th 2007 3:18PM]

Did anyone noticed that whenever he pushes the screen, the IR thingy gives feedback and shows his fingerprints? Could this be used (with better definition) as a biometric solution that doesn't allow anyone else to use the touch interface without authenticating his fingers?

That'd be really "really" cool.

[Rena Posted Jul 8th 2007 9:28PM]

That's right Microsoft, you totally invented multi-touch screens.

Also this program looks quite slow to respond.