A new era of surface computing

A new era of computing has reached the market with a surprising twist. Such device makes gadgets like a mouse, keyboards and even cables, obsolete. With a revolutionary technology and years of experimentation, Microsoft set out to create a device with a Multi-touch display with hands on manipulation from the public. Code name Milan, as the project was originally named, used a series of innovative tools to create an intelligent surface that could be used in our daily lives. In 2001 scientist Steve Bathiche of Microsoft Hardware and Andy Wilson of Microsoft Research conceptualized this ingenious product. It took them 4 years and 85 prototypes to come up with Microsoft Surface. The following video is the infomercial for the product.



After an interview with Saheelan Sinnarajah the fascination he had for the topic was discovered. Since childhood he was captivated with the idea of doing everything virtually. Microsoft Surface. He is also interested in the technological uprising all around us. All of our daily activities are one way or another are becoming more and more involved with technology. His interest in Microsoft surface rose when he saw all the capabilities the component has. He was impressed at the convenience of such product in our everyday lives. The single most thing that impacted Saheelan of the product was the ability of doing everything wireless. He believes that in the near future, after some research and experimentation scientist are going to be able to create a complete virtual portal that could be manipulated in the air without any need of big devices. The following video is the second infomercial released for the product.



There are many components in such device that take the computing experience to another level. The Microsoft surface was created with Multi-touch technology in the field of surface computing. The system basically is a Windows vista computer inside a table with a reflective topping. Saheelan owns a computer with Windows Vista and was surprised with the capabilities of such operational system. It is equipped with infrared cameras that actually can see what is on top of the table, analyze it and sync it with the machine. The product has the ability to transfer data from different gadgets like cameras, cell phones and other electronic devices and can be used by various people simultaneously with different applications. Saheelan owns an Apple IPhone and he compares the technology used in such phone to the Microsoft Surface. The product may be used for menus in restaurants and people are able to browse for their food of choice and when it’s time to pay it can divide the bills with ease. It may also be used for directions and mapping like a GPS. You are able to plan your destinations and sync them to your phone with just the movement of your finger. The device has applications for children also. With just a dip of your finger in the palette on the screen you can draw with all of your fingers if you wish. The product can also compare cell phones and mp3 players and actually transfer music or other media between them without cables. The product debuted May 30, 2007 in a technology conference in Carlsbad, California, has revolutionized the market.

The first mayor costumers of the product were T-Mobile USA stores, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide inc. and Harrah’s Entertainment Inc. Each client can manipulate the product to serve them in the way they want. For example, the Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide inc. uses the devices in many of its branches. Sheraton, one of the company’s franchises, has the product on their lobbies for the entertainment of their guests. It is used to browse and play music. It can also sync the songs and transfer them to your mp3 player. Variations such as these can be made to adjust to each customer. The product is also sold to the public audience in the ranges from five to ten thousand dollars. Variations of this product are being developed and bought by the military and a variety of other clients. Saheelan imagined the product in his house serving as a coffee table in his family room. The product by itself is a conversation piece.

The Microsoft Surface is just a start in what will become a revolution in the Multi-touch and intelligent surface markets. The convenience of these types of products will take over the computer technologies because ultimately what we want is products to make our lives easier than it already is. The problem about products like this is that we leave behind some things that are essential for motor skills like writing on a paper or drawing with a brush and those sorts of things. Technology increases every day thanks to the research of scientist so we’ll never know what’s coming next.

Sources:
www.wikipedia.com
www.youtube.com
www.popularmechanics.com/surfacecomputing