Star Trek, anyone?
I was perusing my daily interweb news sites and I came across this video about a new type of computer interface that Microsoft is developing. It takes touch screen to a whole new level. Anyone impressed by the interface for Apple's iPhone will be blown away by this. There are a few things which Microsoft got right here that I would like to point out. First, the effortless use of peripheral devices. They finally figured out how to do that. Intuitive use of these devices is also another great feature. I'm interested to see what sort of actual interface they have for the OS and whether or not the computer will come standard as an internet capable device. Web surfing with this thing could be very intriguing as you move your browser windows to different locations on the screen, flip them around to show the person across from you and just play with the internet at the tips of your fingers.
There's another video I saw months ago that has some pretty demos but very little actual useful content. It looks as if Microsoft as built some useful apps for their box. I am quite impressed. Lastly, here is the Microsoft page regarding the surface computer and what they think about it.
This is all very exciting to me. Computers are largely clunky devices that we suffer through the use of to get our work done. What if they were elegant, intuitive creations that aided us in our daily lives? I can only imagine the sort of uses this would have. Build a surface computer into a mirror and watch streaming news over the internet while you shave in the morning or look up how to tie a tie as you rush to a wedding. Control your TV, DVD player, stereo, air conditioner and security system from your coffee table (never lose the remote again). What if getting your digital photos off the camera were as easy as coming home and setting the camera on the coffee table? These are just the home uses. Imagine the possibilities for commercial applications in a restaurant, a club, bar, book store or almost any other venue. Pervasive computing. The possibilities are exciting. The consequences could be dire. Humanity is already dumbing itself down. Am I in favor of this? Yes and no. I am torn.
There's another video I saw months ago that has some pretty demos but very little actual useful content. It looks as if Microsoft as built some useful apps for their box. I am quite impressed. Lastly, here is the Microsoft page regarding the surface computer and what they think about it.
This is all very exciting to me. Computers are largely clunky devices that we suffer through the use of to get our work done. What if they were elegant, intuitive creations that aided us in our daily lives? I can only imagine the sort of uses this would have. Build a surface computer into a mirror and watch streaming news over the internet while you shave in the morning or look up how to tie a tie as you rush to a wedding. Control your TV, DVD player, stereo, air conditioner and security system from your coffee table (never lose the remote again). What if getting your digital photos off the camera were as easy as coming home and setting the camera on the coffee table? These are just the home uses. Imagine the possibilities for commercial applications in a restaurant, a club, bar, book store or almost any other venue. Pervasive computing. The possibilities are exciting. The consequences could be dire. Humanity is already dumbing itself down. Am I in favor of this? Yes and no. I am torn.