Microsoft surface was introduced by Microsoft in 2007 under new product category, called 'Surface Computing'. It is a combination of hardware and software that allows users to interactively interact with digital content. Interactions are achieved through touches, instead of using keyboard and mouse. Microsoft claimed that, with Microsoft Surface we can actually grab data with our hand and move information between objects with natural gestures and touches.
As reported in Wikipedia, it is a Windows PC placed inside a table, topped with a 30-inch reflective surface in a clear acrylic frame. It has a projector inside, that project images for the reflective surface to display. Five cameras are installed inside the machine to record reflections of infrared light from human fingertips and recognise objects (which have been applied with special tagged) placed on the surface. Users can interact with the machine by touching or dragging their fingertips and objects such as paintbrushes across the screen, or by placing and moving tagged objects. For example: a tagged camera is put on Surface, Surface automatically transfer all pictures from the camera to the screen. Users can move, rotate, resize and interact with pictures by touching and dragging the pictures.
This product is marketed with the price around $5,000 to $10,000 per unit. However, Microsoft expected the price to drop, so that it will be affordable for home consumers. At present time, Microsoft Surface is used in hotels, restaurants, bar, and retail stores. It allows users to choose meals, and place order at restaurants. It also allows users to pay, as it can recognise credit card that is dropped on it. In retail stores, users can compare and look for the product details by just placing the product on the top of the table.
In future, Microsoft Surface may bring a great influence on the way people do business and the way people live their life. Microsoft believes that: "As form factors continue to evolve, surface computing will be in any number of environments - schools, business, homes and any numbers of form factors - part of the counter-top, the wall or refrigerator." But ofcourse for this to happen, Microsoft has to make this system affordable for home customers.
5 comments:
this thing doesnt look ergonomic at all. i reckon i'll get neckpain after 10 mins of use.and, what exactly is/are the EXTRA BENEFIT of using touch instead of mouse/keyboard? and are there any additional risk of exposure to radiation considering the fact that we'll be in touch with the screen at all times.
ehm.. as a gadget lover, i must say that this is really cool.. for some people it may not seem ergonomic at all.. but for those who love lates innovative gadget like me, this surely will attract my attantion.. i doubt there will be any exposure to radiation, since gadget devices have evolved so much that radiation from it has reduced alot way better compare to the early age..
even so, this product will be seen as "extra unnecessary expenses" as people will still think that it's not necessary to have a microsoft surface.. not only its size, but also the fact that lookin down to the monitor will indeed cause some back pain..
however, there is extra benefit in its touch screen system.. without actually realising it, it really indeed reduces time of usage.. maybe not now, but i think with perfect marketing strategy, this product will do well in the future..
as far as i know, microsoft surface is MORE THAN JUST ANOTHER GADGET,it's being revolutionised as the new paradigm in ubiquitous computing, of which this is exactly what the future of computing is all about. covergence of human sense(touch) and technology. Humanity and computing are entering another phase of covergence and the future possibility of this surface computing is undoubtedly,limitless.
in response to Keeconk's commment, "expenses" is no longer/ never been part of the consideration of innovative attempts. 50 yrs back computers are supertechnology, now,individual possession of computers is a norm.expenses/cost, is never a reason to stop technology development and availability.
The design is nice and it is really cool. But for a long term issue, i think by using it it will cause any neckpain.... Maybe can consider to design it where the screen is slighly at a position that suit ourself, or a portable one where user can change the position according to their preference.
check out the competitor's new product! I find it more creative than this, my opinion!
www.rztech.blogspot.com :)
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