Microsoft's office of the future features interactive walls and Surface but, sadly, no Clippy

You know, Microsoft Research isn't just about prototype tablets and the occasional multitouch mouse. No sir, it's also about designing work environments that are so impractical that you can bet you'll never see one in real life. For today's example we have a sort of Microsoft Office: no, not the productivity suite, rather a room that integrates interactive wall displays, Surface, and video conferencing. There is even an assistant / avatar for issuing voice commands, and while this demo has it played by a human being we have hopes that Clippy might be making a comeback. Ready to check it out yourself? Of course you are! The video is after the break.

[Thanks, Chris]

See more video at our hub!

[AssassinX Posted Oct 7th 2009 11:58PM]

I'm waiting for the Apple iWall... :)

[GabrielB Posted Oct 8th 2009 2:19AM]

To bad you will have to get a custom wall installed (at 4 times the price).

[WmPenn Posted Oct 8th 2009 5:48PM]

The iWall will be all white and look like the '70s future we envisioned 30 years ago! But 20 years later it'll be dingy brown just like an '80s Mac is today, and it'll look just as dated and lame. Apple designs are stylish in the moment but they don't age well.

[ScienceProUSAcom Posted Oct 8th 2009 12:28AM]

This was on Istartedsomething....

9 FRICKEN DAYS AGO

Seriously this is sad. You guys do this on a regular basis. Maybe you should just hire Long Zheng if you can't figure out how to get his info without stealing it over a week later.

[GabrielB Posted Oct 8th 2009 2:22AM]

I hate to post the first non clippy comment, but this actually looks cool.

I know its prototype and a long way off, but I think they are looking in the right direction. I can see little miini centers like this around the house as well.

One in the kitchen for pulling up recipes, one in the bathroom for showing the news and weather while getting ready etc etc.

Very cool stuff.

[ale Posted Oct 8th 2009 2:30AM]

bullshit. never going to happen in our lifetime

[coldside Posted Oct 8th 2009 10:06AM]

That's why they're researching this now so that future generations can have access to this technology.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 8th 2009 3:46AM]

I love it but, what a stupid scenario

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 8th 2009 8:50AM]

I personally think that if this ever hits the market, it will become about as desirable and practical as Microsoft Bob.

[rakan21 Posted Oct 8th 2009 12:52PM]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUawhjxLS2I