One of the most exciting technology announcements recently is Microsoft’s Surface computing. Check out microsoft’s site.
In a nutshell this technology is similar to that detail searching / analysis technology shown in the Philip K Dick sci-fi film “The Minority Report” starring Tom Cruise.
For those who are not familiar with Minority Report, essentially Surface Computing allows direct human “touch based” controls of computing processes…. err… or you use your fingers (actually more than one fingers at a time) on a screen to control computer commands.
Watch the clips to find out how it works.
What is amazing about this technology is the flexibility that the user will have with regards to manipulating computer generated objects using the device most people find user friendly – the human hand and fingers. no more mouse, no more stylus etc. You can use your hands to zoom in and out. Use your fingers to rotate, flip and move images.
In addition to the interface, the screen can be displayed anywhere – such as the surface of a table, a wall etc. This provides enormous possible applications. You can do a business presentation and manipulate the objects on the presentation screen using your hands. Your client too can use their hands to manipulate the object to give them a full appreciate of your designs etc.
You can shift through multiple objects quickly using two hands or four or whatever.
Immediately, this technology will make its way to the commercial and US government sector (defense and security seems to be very strong candidates). Hopefully consumers will get the chance of the same at an affordable price.
