And you thought the Surface was all hot air! Microsoft and AT&T have teamed up to place Surface computers in AT&T stores. By placing a phone on the machine, you can call up information and specifications for any phone in the store. We’re not yet sure if you can put your drinks on the Surface machines or order back rubs from store employees.
These machines will have 30 inch screens and will appear initially in Atlanta, San Antonio, San Francisco, and New York. There should be 20 units in all in the next few weeks.
Microsoft may be redesigning the Surface in order to make it more appealing to consumers. Current rumors point to a sphere-shaped Surface, which may or may not have been making the rounds in Redmond’s rec rooms. Apparently the thinking is that the current table-top design of the Surface isn’t consumer friendly enough, never mind the fact that we’re still several years out from the device reaching a consumer’s price. That’s just a factor of time, though; it’s up to Microsoft to convince us that we need something like Surface in our homes.
It’s probably one of those things you need to use in order to become a believer. They won over Hickey, that must count for something.
Sources: Microsoft readying sphere-shaped Surface [All About Microsoft/ZDNet.com]
Matt was impressed by the Surface back at CES so I’m inclined to go along based on his judgement. The Sarcastic Gamer gets up close and personal with the Surface’s first game called Firefly. Check out the video and see what it’s all about. It looks really neat.
When our own intrepid reporter took on the Surface at CES, he came away completely convinced and eager to acquire one to use as his coffee table since his current one (and his dog) were ruined by a vengeful and intoxicated lady friend. Well, Microsoft really, really wants to make his dream a reality, not least because they could charge him like $15,000 for the privelege.
At the moment, they’re still struggling to get the things out to the early adopters — hotels, casinos, and the extremely rich and well-connected. They originally said it would be five years before you had one in your room, but they’re hoping to revise that number. I want to put a few together and use them as a bed!
Microsoft wants to bring Surface home sooner [CNET News]
Big surprise here. The wonderful “multitouch” interface used by the iPhone, iPod touch, and new MacBook Air is; A) not Apple’s invention, B) famous because of Apple, and C) will begin appearing in more and more devices.
Read More
Hey, look at this doodad. It’s similar to a near-field technology feature that Microsoft showed off a while ago with its Surface technology except this is from Sony. You basically drop your camera on top of that cube, which is actually a media storage device. The cube senses that your camera is there and starts backing up your photos while whisking them onto the screen at a sustained rate of 375 megabytes per second with a maximum throughput of 560 megabytes per second.
No pricing or availability yet but can you really put a price on flying pictures? I’d say yes and I bet Sony says yes too and I bet that after Sony’s done saying yes the price comes in around $400 or $500 just for the cube.
Microsoft had hoped to get its Surface technology up and running by the end of the year. It’s now not going to be ready until Spring of 2008, which doesn’t surprise me a bit. This has been happening a lot lately.
Before you ask me if and why I hate Microsoft so much, let me tell you that I’m typing this using Microsoft software on a Windows Vista computer. I’m not a Mac disciple by any means, although I do enjoy the iPod Touch quite a bit and I used to own a MacBook. But for the most part, I’m a Microsoft guy. I don’t hate Microsoft. I’m disappointed in Microsoft which, as any parent would tell you, is sometimes worse than being mad.
Read More
I thought UMPCs had gone the way of the Tablet PC and polio, but not so. Apparently Microsoft has just rewritten its Reader application for Origami, allowing at least a VW Beetle-load of people the opportunity to read ebooks in all their magical, blazing glory. Next: MineSweeper redesigned for maximum Microsoft Surface compatibility.
Product Page via Origami Project
It’s not an iPhone, it’s a bigass table.
via FurryGoat
With the news of Microsoft Surface announced, we found detail behind how the technology might work.
During the Popular Mechanics interview, Microsoft noted that the display uses a series of IR sensors to detect objects on the surface providing controls of objects. A recently published Microsoft patent application provides further insight (and images) on how these sensors work. Read More
Just to beat a dead horse into the ground, here are our top ten picks for potential Surface interactvity gadgets, in no particular order.
1. Zune — Clearly the Zune is a no-brainer for the Surface device. You drop on your player, connect wirelessly (for the first time since you bought it, even!) and start caring and sharing your music and movies. What could be cooler? Come on, iPod. Wirelessify yourself!
Read More
Now that Microsoft is leading us into a strange, table-shaped, and surprisingly dirty future, what does the blogospher have to say about it all? While we all know that this thing will probably never — in its current “cool thing at the mall” form — land in our homes, we’re excited nonetheless. Striding boldly into the chasm between man and machine is not an easy task and it looks like MS might have hit one out of the park on this. Read on for full Surface coverage. But first, a poll!
How long will it take for Linux geeks to recreate Surface for free?
Read More
As of 12:01 EST, we know the identity of Microsoft’s mystery guest. It seems that Redmond is launching Surface — an interactive “desk” that can sense styli and objects and interact with other devices using RFID and other wireless protocols. Told ya so. It will be available in Harrahs and Starwood Casinos as well as in select T-Mobile stores. That’s right — you can’t buy it, but you will be able to play with it soon. Clearly the tech isn’t ready for our own home office desks just yet, but it will be fascinating to watch this thing play out over time. Let’s hope this isn’t another Origami.
+ Direct interaction. Users can actually “grab” digital information with their hands, interacting with content by touch and gesture, without the use of a mouse or keyboard.
+ Multi-touch. Surface computing recognizes many points of contact simultaneously, not just from one finger like a typical touch-screen, but up to dozens of items at once.
+ Multi-user. The horizontal form factor makes it easy for several people to gather around surface computers together, providing a collaborative, face-to-face computing experience.
+ Object recognition. Users can place physical objects on the surface to trigger different types of digital responses, including the transfer of digital content.
Now that all that is over with, I can go get some beauty rest. Some new Palm thingie awaits us tomorrow morning!
Product Page
Read More
