Microsoft Surface Computing: Minority Report Doesn't Seem So Special Anymore
Back when Minority Report released 5 years ago, it implanted a futuristic technology into our wish lists as a huge touch screen allowed direct manipulation of objects on the screen. But as early as the end of 2007 could see that same sort of technology make its way into various retail locations around the world. Computing giants Microsoft have recently developed and revealed to the world, surface computing. What makes it so different from traditional computing set ups are four main points: • The ability to apply more then one point of contact. Unlike a mouse where you can only click one object at a time, surface computing allows various points of contact. Surface computing actually makes computing a more physical and interactive experience. • Hands on manipulation. The user can use his hands and manipulate, move, and perform operations without the use of traditional tools such as mice and keyboards. • Multi-user experience. Instead of many people huddled around a small 21 inch monitor, now multiple users can converse around a huge screen. • Object Recognition. No more need for cables as surface computing can interact directly with devices such as cell phones and digital cameras for the removal and transfer of media. Although an initial price tag of $10000 is quite off putting, Microsoft plans to make this widely available within the next years. Imagine the ability to catalog your whole sneaker collection and have it at your finger tips. It would make sites such as the Air Force 1thology that much more user friendly. Info: Gizmodo
Back when Minority Report released 5 years ago, it implanted a futuristic technology into our wish lists as a huge touch screen allowed direct manipulation of objects on the screen. But as early as the end of 2007 could see that same sort of technology make its way into various retail locations around the world. Computing giants Microsoft have recently developed and revealed to the world, surface computing.
What makes it so different from traditional computing set ups are four main points:
• The ability to apply more then one point of contact. Unlike a mouse where you can only click one object at a time, surface computing allows various points of contact. Surface computing actually makes computing a more physical and interactive experience.
• Hands on manipulation. The user can use his hands and manipulate, move, and perform operations without the use of traditional tools such as mice and keyboards.
• Multi-user experience. Instead of many people huddled around a small 21 inch monitor, now multiple users can converse around a huge screen.
• Object Recognition. No more need for cables as surface computing can interact directly with devices such as cell phones and digital cameras for the removal and transfer of media.
Although an initial price tag of $10000 is quite off putting, Microsoft plans to make this widely available within the next years. Imagine the ability to catalog your whole sneaker collection and have it at your finger tips. It would make sites such as the Air Force 1thology that much more user friendly.
Info: Gizmodo
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