The Microsoft Surface introduces a new interactive way to experience digital content. The Surface provides a hands-on approach that eliminates the use of both a mouse and a keyboard. With the 30 inch touch interface (not touch screen) tabletop screen, people are able use their hands to select data and move it around the screen much like the technology portrayed in the movie “Minority Report”. This new technology also permits multiple users to work on separate projects at the same time. One of the most impressive features of the Surface is its ability to interact with separate objects. With the use of infrared cameras, the Surface is literally able to see what is on the tabletop. This design is what allows the Surface to react to the touch of a finger without the use of touch screen technology. In addition to this, the cameras recognize when an object is placed on the tabletop which is shown by a ring that surrounds the base of the object. For more advanced equipment such as digital cameras and cell phones, the Surface allows for direct interaction with the use of wireless linking. With this technology one can upload and download files to and from the Surface onto such compatible digital devices without the use of any cables.
ProsThe Microsoft Surface shows serious innovation in its field and introduces a great deal of technology that has never been seen before. The interactive abilities of the Surface separate it from every other product like it. It provides multi-touch access to digital mediums such as photos, music and the web. This product redefines the relationship between people and computers. One of the most significant pros of the Surface is its ability to recognize anything that touches its surface with the use of infrared cameras. Instead of using touch screen technology, the Surface utilizes its five infrared cameras to identify anything that touches it. This new technology is a huge step that allows for the user to directly control what is on the screen. This allows users to upload and download in seconds directly from the Surface to digital devices with their own two hands. By merely dragging a photo from the screen into the ring that surrounds a device such as a blackberry, the image will be immediately transferred into the device. The Surface will be a great asset to high-end consumers such as upscale hotel chains and will prove to be an impressive addition that guests will enjoy.
ConsAlthough the Microsoft Surface pioneers a new wave of interactive technology, there some downsides that take away from its impressive advancements. For one, the Surface is being priced between five and ten thousand dollars making it a very expensive toy. The Surface does offer a great deal, but its price renders it fantasy to the average consumer. Microsoft has suggested that the Surface is not only marketed for high-end commercial users. The company hopes that the Surface will make its way into homes all over the world; however, this is not a realistic goal for the near future. The capabilities and user friendly technology of the Surface would prove to be a great asset to any home, although at this price Microsoft can not expect it to excel in household sales. The size of the Surface is also an issue of concern, as the 30 inch screen is not one that would necessarily work for every room.
Sources:
1. “Microsoft Surface.” Microsoft. September 29, 2007. Retrieved from: http://www.microsoft.com/surface/
2. “Microsoft Surface - Exclusive Review.” YouTube. September 29, 2007. Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9j_tYP-kzc
3. Derene, Glenn. “Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look.” Popular Mechanics. September 29, 2007. Retrieved from: http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/industry/4217348.html
4. Anderson, Nate. “What lurks below Microsoft's Surface? A brief Q&A with Microsoft.” Ars Technica. September 29, 2007. Retrieved from: http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070530-what-lurks-below-microsofts-surface-a-qa-with-microsoft.html
5. Picture: http://seoblackhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/minority-report.jpg
6. Picture: http://technabob.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/microsoft_surface.jpg
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