Just like Apple, Microsoft have also been researching into multi-touch technology and surface UIs for some time now. Apple beat MS to the punch by releasing the iPhone, the first truly multi-touch technology capable device, then later following that up with the iPod Touch and just recently, the MacBook Air. The multi-touch technology, developed by NYU’s Jeff Han, has really taken off during the past year or so and now we’re starting to see some really impressive devices and applications to this technology.
One of the things that I’m especially looking forward to is Microsoft’s Surface. It’s based on the concept of ’surface computing’, which in a nutshell means having a device with an intelligent surface that interacts with the user and possibly other devices. (I wrote about it last year but my recent DB screwups cost me those posts).
Popular Mechanics, one of the great technology-focused mediums, has a quick look at MS’ Surface: check out the video. The device costs a rather salty $5,000-10,000, and even with the current Euro-to-Dollar exchange rate, it’s still a little too steap. Microsoft have said though, that they’re planning on primarily selling Surface to commercial customers like hotels and casinos. But as Jeff Han says in the video, he envisions these sort of devices or surfaces will become household products in the near future. How cool is that!