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Microsoft: 'Second Light is not the next version of Surface'
It's official, kids: Responding to numerous reports in the media as of late, Microsoft would like to squash the rumor that Second Light is the next generation Surface. The blog entry doesn't shed too much light on SL, other than stating that it's an "awesome" research project, one that "showcases the possibilities of the surface computing platform." Surface is due to come out sometime in 2011 (unless, of course, you buy the yacht -- in which case you need only wait until this June). If you just can't get enough of Second Light, we've stashed a video for you after the break.[Via About Projectors]
Video: Stimulant's XRay mobile app brings SecondLight to any 'ol Surface
When Microsoft demonstrated Surface we were impressed. Then, when they later showed off SecondLight, we were even more impressed -- and then were sorry for anyone who had made the considerable investment in one of the earlier, singularly-lighted tables. We're feeling better now (thanks for asking) after seeing a video demonstration of XRay, a mobile app from Stimulant (who earlier blended a Wii Balance Board with a Surface) that provides similar functionality; letting you effectively see secondary images on the touch-table. The app relies on the ability of the Surface to detect where the phones are, communicating that position to tell them what to display and in what orientation. First up was the iPhone, as seen above, but the app has apparently already been ported to Windows Mobile and Android, meaning most-anyone can get in on the action -- assuming they have both a smart table and smart phone. A-ha-inspired video included below for your '80s flashback amusement.
Microsoft makes Surface look dated with SecondLight
Microsoft's Surface may be hard at work helping the liberal media steal the election (we kid, we kid), but other than acting as props in stores or random promotional videos, the device hasn't exactly created a market for itself. But that's not stopping MS from introducing the next generation: SecondLight. It takes the tabletop, multi-touch display concept and adds the ability to project images into the air thanks to a liquid crystal screen timed to be transparent on alternate frames, enabling a projector below to beam an image right through it. Your eye doesn't notice unless you hold something opaque up to scatter the light (like tracing paper, for instance), meaning the device can show a picture of the night sky on the surface while highlighting the constellations on paper. The must-see video below shows how the thing can also track objects above the glass, turning a sheet held aloft into a second multi-touch display. Like the Surface, practical applications for this seem somewhat limited -- but since when have you cared about practicality?[Via Slashdot]
