In a show of force, Microsoft's Bill Gates has unveiled a top-secret computer system code-named "Surface."
With only weeks to go before Apple releases the iPhone and months before he leaves his position as Chief Software Engineer at Microsoft for the world of philanthropy, Gates unveiled the future of computing to TODAY's Paul Hochman.
Here is how it works:
Surface is a tabletop-based computer that uses a variety of sensors to allow the user the ability to control objects by touching the "impact-resistant plastic top skin." Under the "nondescript table hide five infrared scanners, a projector, and a wireless modem. The scanners recognize objects and shapes placed on the top and respond to them accordingly."
"For example, if the scanners recognize fingers, and the fingers have been placed in color circles that appear on the surface, the projector shows colored lines that follow the tracings and movements of your fingers. Meanwhile, an internal modem sends and receives signals from any electronic device placed on it. All of the hardware is run by a special version of Microsoft’s new operating system, Windows Vista."
The user can interact with Surface, by touching it and pushing it. iPhone anyone?
"To make the image you see on the screen bigger, spread your fingers. To make it smaller, squeeze your fingers together. To move something into the trash, push it into the trash with your hand. And it allows what Microsoft calls “Multi-Touch” and “Multi-User” interaction — namely, more than one person can interact with it at a time."
Plans are in place for the Microsoft Surface to be launched this coming November and will be seen in one of its inaugural retail partners locations, including T-Mobile USA, Starwood Hotels and Resorts and Harrah's Entertainment.
While you can check out Hochman's one-on-one with Gates as he demos Surface HERE, one has to wonder if the video below oddly appears to be a very similar system that was created and demo'd earlier this year by Jeff Han. Hmmmm, very interesting....
