Any questions for Surface Computing team?

I’m talking with the Surface Computing team at Microsoft in the morning. Got any questions for them?

227 thoughts on “Any questions for Surface Computing team?

  1. What other form factors do you see this expanding into?

    What’s your favorite application of the tech so far?

    Have you apologized to the Silverlight team? 🙂

    Like

  2. What other form factors do you see this expanding into?

    What’s your favorite application of the tech so far?

    Have you apologized to the Silverlight team? 🙂

    Like

  3. What other form factors do you see this expanding into?

    What’s your favorite application of the tech so far?

    Have you apologized to the Silverlight team? 🙂

    Like

  4. “Are you absolutely sure that this has not been done before?” (you can refer to 3d desktop in Vista that they claimed it is the first 3d desktop ever).

    Like

  5. “Are you absolutely sure that this has not been done before?” (you can refer to 3d desktop in Vista that they claimed it is the first 3d desktop ever).

    Like

  6. It obviously will be compatible to Microsoft Partners, but what sort of 3rd party support will they have? Will they be releasing a sort of API allowing anyone to develop applications?

    Like

  7. It obviously will be compatible to Microsoft Partners, but what sort of 3rd party support will they have? Will they be releasing a sort of API allowing anyone to develop applications?

    Like

  8. “Are you absolutely sure that this has not been done before?” (you can refer to 3d desktop in Vista that they claimed it is the first 3d desktop ever).

    Like

  9. It obviously will be compatible to Microsoft Partners, but what sort of 3rd party support will they have? Will they be releasing a sort of API allowing anyone to develop applications?

    Like

  10. What kind of (new) OS is in it
    When can we expect a first price drop
    What kind of hardware is used
    Are there some known problems, or things that can’t be done with the surface computer?
    How is it related to Jeff Han’s device?

    Like

  11. What kind of (new) OS is in it
    When can we expect a first price drop
    What kind of hardware is used
    Are there some known problems, or things that can’t be done with the surface computer?
    How is it related to Jeff Han’s device?

    Like

  12. What kind of (new) OS is in it
    When can we expect a first price drop
    What kind of hardware is used
    Are there some known problems, or things that can’t be done with the surface computer?
    How is it related to Jeff Han’s device?

    Like

  13. Jaap–I think I read somewhere that it uses a modified version of Vista. But I really don’t know. I’ll post the link if I find it again…

    Like

  14. Jaap–I think I read somewhere that it uses a modified version of Vista. But I really don’t know. I’ll post the link if I find it again…

    Like

  15. Jaap–I think I read somewhere that it uses a modified version of Vista. But I really don’t know. I’ll post the link if I find it again…

    Like

  16. 1. Why did they choose the market they did? While the ultra rich can afford anything, this seems like a classic ‘sony’ style marketing blunder.

    If Apple indeed does announce a similar ‘touch’ product that costs less but is more accessible, programmable, and like-able, will this be the PS3 to the seemingly unstoppable Wii?

    [I know it’s alot of “if” style probability, but what the hay, it’s late and i just kicked out a post about a BLT. If I can write about a delicious BLT with avocado at night, anything is possible =) ]

    Like

  17. 1. Why did they choose the market they did? While the ultra rich can afford anything, this seems like a classic ‘sony’ style marketing blunder.

    If Apple indeed does announce a similar ‘touch’ product that costs less but is more accessible, programmable, and like-able, will this be the PS3 to the seemingly unstoppable Wii?

    [I know it’s alot of “if” style probability, but what the hay, it’s late and i just kicked out a post about a BLT. If I can write about a delicious BLT with avocado at night, anything is possible =) ]

    Like

  18. 1. Why did they choose the market they did? While the ultra rich can afford anything, this seems like a classic ‘sony’ style marketing blunder.

    If Apple indeed does announce a similar ‘touch’ product that costs less but is more accessible, programmable, and like-able, will this be the PS3 to the seemingly unstoppable Wii?

    [I know it’s alot of “if” style probability, but what the hay, it’s late and i just kicked out a post about a BLT. If I can write about a delicious BLT with avocado at night, anything is possible =) ]

    Like

  19. I have one… Considering this is a serious mix of hardware, software, new GUI and apps, where’s going to be the focus in the short term?
    I mean, trying to get this to be use in your kitchen’s fridge? Making the GUI better and better? Inviting developers and manufacturers to add their “widgets” to the platform?

    Sorry for my English, I’m sure you’ll find a better way of asking what I mean.

    Like

  20. I have one… Considering this is a serious mix of hardware, software, new GUI and apps, where’s going to be the focus in the short term?
    I mean, trying to get this to be use in your kitchen’s fridge? Making the GUI better and better? Inviting developers and manufacturers to add their “widgets” to the platform?

    Sorry for my English, I’m sure you’ll find a better way of asking what I mean.

    Like

  21. I have one… Considering this is a serious mix of hardware, software, new GUI and apps, where’s going to be the focus in the short term?
    I mean, trying to get this to be use in your kitchen’s fridge? Making the GUI better and better? Inviting developers and manufacturers to add their “widgets” to the platform?

    Sorry for my English, I’m sure you’ll find a better way of asking what I mean.

    Like

  22. Ask them if they’re familiar with the PLATO project, which your old boss Ray Ozzie cut his teeth on at the University of Illiois:

    “By the early 1970’s the PLATO IV terminal would incorporate touch sensitive screens that would allow you to interact with the onscreen data in a manner similar to a mouse – literally allowing you to drag and move objects on [a plasma] screen.”

    http://www.classicgaming.com/features/articles/computergaminghistory/index5.shtml

    Like

  23. Ask them if they’re familiar with the PLATO project, which your old boss Ray Ozzie cut his teeth on at the University of Illiois:

    “By the early 1970’s the PLATO IV terminal would incorporate touch sensitive screens that would allow you to interact with the onscreen data in a manner similar to a mouse – literally allowing you to drag and move objects on [a plasma] screen.”

    http://www.classicgaming.com/features/articles/computergaminghistory/index5.shtml

    Like

  24. In one of the Surface site’s clips, the guy puts two mobile phones on the Surface, and the specs for the phones are displayed.

    “Now the phones practically introduce themselves”

    So the questions are:

    – how does the Surface identify which phone is placed on it?
    – by which means the Surface connects to other devices (bluetooth/infrared/wireless/visual scanning/…)?

    Like

  25. In one of the Surface site’s clips, the guy puts two mobile phones on the Surface, and the specs for the phones are displayed.

    “Now the phones practically introduce themselves”

    So the questions are:

    – how does the Surface identify which phone is placed on it?
    – by which means the Surface connects to other devices (bluetooth/infrared/wireless/visual scanning/…)?

    Like

  26. In one of the Surface site’s clips, the guy puts two mobile phones on the Surface, and the specs for the phones are displayed.

    “Now the phones practically introduce themselves”

    So the questions are:

    – how does the Surface identify which phone is placed on it?
    – by which means the Surface connects to other devices (bluetooth/infrared/wireless/visual scanning/…)?

    Like

  27. Tomi, I heard it was bluetooth, but now that you mention this, it would be great to also know how is the interaction with the credit cards, as seen on the shot where they distribute the bill.

    Like

  28. Tomi, I heard it was bluetooth, but now that you mention this, it would be great to also know how is the interaction with the credit cards, as seen on the shot where they distribute the bill.

    Like

  29. Tomi, I heard it was bluetooth, but now that you mention this, it would be great to also know how is the interaction with the credit cards, as seen on the shot where they distribute the bill.

    Like

  30. How will this be any different than the Segway? (grandiose expectations, still relatively nothing several years after release)

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  31. How will this be any different than the Segway? (grandiose expectations, still relatively nothing several years after release)

    Like

  32. How will this be any different than the Segway? (grandiose expectations, still relatively nothing several years after release)

    Like

  33. Do they plan to version the device, say to turn the table on a TV (for IPTV for example) or playing games? I am imagining something that I could spin, then I could either have a table, a displaying for photos or a game console (for I suppose it will be browser compatible and X-Box compatible).

    Like

  34. Do they plan to version the device, say to turn the table on a TV (for IPTV for example) or playing games? I am imagining something that I could spin, then I could either have a table, a displaying for photos or a game console (for I suppose it will be browser compatible and X-Box compatible).

    Like

  35. Do they plan to version the device, say to turn the table on a TV (for IPTV for example) or playing games? I am imagining something that I could spin, then I could either have a table, a displaying for photos or a game console (for I suppose it will be browser compatible and X-Box compatible).

    Like

  36. when can we expect to see some of ‘spin off’ technology onto small devices such as ‘tablet pc’, umpc and windows mobile?

    jon

    Like

  37. when can we expect to see some of ‘spin off’ technology onto small devices such as ‘tablet pc’, umpc and windows mobile?

    jon

    Like

  38. when can we expect to see some of ‘spin off’ technology onto small devices such as ‘tablet pc’, umpc and windows mobile?

    jon

    Like

  39. Hi

    In the demo video you can see waiter putting a glass on the ‘table’. In the real (i.e. not demo) world that can be quite an impact. Also, condensation of air cooled down by the cold glass will cause water to materialize on the (I guess somewhat warm) surface.

    So the question is, how tough is the surface for robust operation in real enviroments.

    Thanks.

    Like

  40. Hi

    In the demo video you can see waiter putting a glass on the ‘table’. In the real (i.e. not demo) world that can be quite an impact. Also, condensation of air cooled down by the cold glass will cause water to materialize on the (I guess somewhat warm) surface.

    So the question is, how tough is the surface for robust operation in real enviroments.

    Thanks.

    Like

  41. Hi

    In the demo video you can see waiter putting a glass on the ‘table’. In the real (i.e. not demo) world that can be quite an impact. Also, condensation of air cooled down by the cold glass will cause water to materialize on the (I guess somewhat warm) surface.

    So the question is, how tough is the surface for robust operation in real enviroments.

    Thanks.

    Like

  42. the estimated price i’ve read is $5000 to $10000 for those asking, they’re looking at a price drop to consumer level within 3-5 years.

    Like

  43. the estimated price i’ve read is $5000 to $10000 for those asking, they’re looking at a price drop to consumer level within 3-5 years.

    Like

  44. the estimated price i’ve read is $5000 to $10000 for those asking, they’re looking at a price drop to consumer level within 3-5 years.

    Like

  45. Aha, there’s an answer to my question in Robert’s previous post:

    “Easy, each chip has an invisible bar code in infrared-reflecting ink.”

    Yep, stick that bar code to the back of the mobile phone…

    Like

  46. Aha, there’s an answer to my question in Robert’s previous post:

    “Easy, each chip has an invisible bar code in infrared-reflecting ink.”

    Yep, stick that bar code to the back of the mobile phone…

    Like

  47. Aha, there’s an answer to my question in Robert’s previous post:

    “Easy, each chip has an invisible bar code in infrared-reflecting ink.”

    Yep, stick that bar code to the back of the mobile phone…

    Like

  48. Q: Why only 1Ghz machine running it, and not a Core2 etc?
    Q: Because of the projector/cameras, is there any way of making it shallower? (and quieter!)
    Q: Any patent issues with perceptive pixel? (jef Hann)
    Q: Programming: how does it deal with concurrency? multithreaded? using the .NET CCR for multicore?
    Q: Outside of America this year?

    Like

  49. Q: Why only 1Ghz machine running it, and not a Core2 etc?
    Q: Because of the projector/cameras, is there any way of making it shallower? (and quieter!)
    Q: Any patent issues with perceptive pixel? (jef Hann)
    Q: Programming: how does it deal with concurrency? multithreaded? using the .NET CCR for multicore?
    Q: Outside of America this year?

    Like

  50. Q: Why only 1Ghz machine running it, and not a Core2 etc?
    Q: Because of the projector/cameras, is there any way of making it shallower? (and quieter!)
    Q: Any patent issues with perceptive pixel? (jef Hann)
    Q: Programming: how does it deal with concurrency? multithreaded? using the .NET CCR for multicore?
    Q: Outside of America this year?

    Like

  51. “Why didn’t they use Silverlight for their site? It’s Flash. Quite funny really.”

    Maybe because they wanted people to talk about the technology and not just moan about having to install the silverlight plug-in.

    Like

  52. “Why didn’t they use Silverlight for their site? It’s Flash. Quite funny really.”

    Maybe because they wanted people to talk about the technology and not just moan about having to install the silverlight plug-in.

    Like

  53. “Why didn’t they use Silverlight for their site? It’s Flash. Quite funny really.”

    Maybe because they wanted people to talk about the technology and not just moan about having to install the silverlight plug-in.

    Like

  54. Fascinating development, how long before this technology trickles down to portable and mobile devices?

    I’d love to just wave at a Tablet PC to bring up a browser or check email and tap to delete spam.

    Like

  55. Fascinating development, how long before this technology trickles down to portable and mobile devices?

    I’d love to just wave at a Tablet PC to bring up a browser or check email and tap to delete spam.

    Like

  56. Fascinating development, how long before this technology trickles down to portable and mobile devices?

    I’d love to just wave at a Tablet PC to bring up a browser or check email and tap to delete spam.

    Like

  57. Will they be releasing non-table screens, perhaps just the screen itself that we can plug into our own computers?

    Like

  58. Will they be releasing non-table screens, perhaps just the screen itself that we can plug into our own computers?

    Like

  59. “Yep, stick that bar code to the back of the mobile phone…”

    Think you’ll find it’s bluetooth… you’re forgetting the data transfer, if not then WiFi

    Like

  60. “Yep, stick that bar code to the back of the mobile phone…”

    Think you’ll find it’s bluetooth… you’re forgetting the data transfer, if not then WiFi

    Like

  61. “Yep, stick that bar code to the back of the mobile phone…”

    Think you’ll find it’s bluetooth… you’re forgetting the data transfer, if not then WiFi

    Like

  62. Will they be releasing non-table screens, perhaps just the screen itself that we can plug into our own computers?

    Like

  63. When will this cross the pond to the UK?

    Will this new technology be available to schools & education?

    We are, after all teaching the next gen of Computer users, we should be teaching them with new technology Surely?

    Like

  64. When will this cross the pond to the UK?

    Will this new technology be available to schools & education?

    We are, after all teaching the next gen of Computer users, we should be teaching them with new technology Surely?

    Like

  65. When will this cross the pond to the UK?

    Will this new technology be available to schools & education?

    We are, after all teaching the next gen of Computer users, we should be teaching them with new technology Surely?

    Like

  66. Doesn’t look like it Will(at least not initially), they have spent a lot of time in development of what the actual system will look like. it’s also rear projection hence the size of the system and features multiple cameras to track the multitouch input.

    Like

  67. Doesn’t look like it Will(at least not initially), they have spent a lot of time in development of what the actual system will look like. it’s also rear projection hence the size of the system and features multiple cameras to track the multitouch input.

    Like

  68. Doesn’t look like it Will(at least not initially), they have spent a lot of time in development of what the actual system will look like. it’s also rear projection hence the size of the system and features multiple cameras to track the multitouch input.

    Like

  69. OK, here goes. I can see touch computing being useful in a car GPS or on the go. BUT, how do they justify somebody eating a bucket of fried chicken then using a touch screen on a PC?
    Or even a touch pad.
    When I am using my laptop, I can’t stand the pad and always have to plug a mouse in. How can they get around that annoyance?
    I also don’t like tablets.

    Like

  70. OK, here goes. I can see touch computing being useful in a car GPS or on the go. BUT, how do they justify somebody eating a bucket of fried chicken then using a touch screen on a PC?
    Or even a touch pad.
    When I am using my laptop, I can’t stand the pad and always have to plug a mouse in. How can they get around that annoyance?
    I also don’t like tablets.

    Like

  71. OK, here goes. I can see touch computing being useful in a car GPS or on the go. BUT, how do they justify somebody eating a bucket of fried chicken then using a touch screen on a PC?
    Or even a touch pad.
    When I am using my laptop, I can’t stand the pad and always have to plug a mouse in. How can they get around that annoyance?
    I also don’t like tablets.

    Like

  72. In the clips we can see using this table-device at home, so my questions are:

    – did they consider raising of backache ratio? there will be pain-killing pills in the retail box?

    – which protections against the typical cleaning-guy triggering disaster? (and dust&dirt problem of course)

    – what if my kid would fingering with marmalade (or throwing up on) while I’m doing an online transaction.

    joking (not-so-much-indeed) about relevance of ergonomics deals in a multi-touch screen table 🙂

    what do they think about?

    Like

  73. In the clips we can see using this table-device at home, so my questions are:

    – did they consider raising of backache ratio? there will be pain-killing pills in the retail box?

    – which protections against the typical cleaning-guy triggering disaster? (and dust&dirt problem of course)

    – what if my kid would fingering with marmalade (or throwing up on) while I’m doing an online transaction.

    joking (not-so-much-indeed) about relevance of ergonomics deals in a multi-touch screen table 🙂

    what do they think about?

    Like

  74. In the clips we can see using this table-device at home, so my questions are:

    – did they consider raising of backache ratio? there will be pain-killing pills in the retail box?

    – which protections against the typical cleaning-guy triggering disaster? (and dust&dirt problem of course)

    – what if my kid would fingering with marmalade (or throwing up on) while I’m doing an online transaction.

    joking (not-so-much-indeed) about relevance of ergonomics deals in a multi-touch screen table 🙂

    what do they think about?

    Like

  75. Is this really such a bad question or was erased by mistake? –> “Do they plan to version the device, say to turn the table on a TV (for IPTV for example) or playing games? I am imagining something that I could spin, then I could either have a table, a displaying for photos or a game console (for I suppose it will be browser compatible and X-Box compatible).”

    Like

  76. Is this really such a bad question or was erased by mistake? –> “Do they plan to version the device, say to turn the table on a TV (for IPTV for example) or playing games? I am imagining something that I could spin, then I could either have a table, a displaying for photos or a game console (for I suppose it will be browser compatible and X-Box compatible).”

    Like

  77. Is this really such a bad question or was erased by mistake? –> “Do they plan to version the device, say to turn the table on a TV (for IPTV for example) or playing games? I am imagining something that I could spin, then I could either have a table, a displaying for photos or a game console (for I suppose it will be browser compatible and X-Box compatible).”

    Like

  78. What’s the resolution of the display? (I read 1000 x 800)
    When will HD or higher resolutions
    be available? (HD DLPs exist)

    What about technical computing scenarios?

    Like

  79. What’s the resolution of the display? (I read 1000 x 800)
    When will HD or higher resolutions
    be available? (HD DLPs exist)

    What about technical computing scenarios?

    Like

  80. What’s the resolution of the display? (I read 1000 x 800)
    When will HD or higher resolutions
    be available? (HD DLPs exist)

    What about technical computing scenarios?

    Like

  81. Three questions I’d like asked. Probably only one good one. Here goes:

    1) Intellectual property… touch interfaces are the technology for June 2007. Apple’s already said they will defend the IP in the iPhone vigorously. Any concerns over IP overlaps here? If so… who should be concerned?

    2) GREAT freakin logo! Something’s changed at MS. Product names are getting a little better. But logos (SeaDragon, Photosynth, Deepfish) are getting way better. What’s the deal?

    3) The intro isn’t built in Silverlight. What decision process went into the choice you made. (That’s borderline impolite. I’m sorry. But, it’s a glaring deal. To me anyway.)

    Like

  82. Three questions I’d like asked. Probably only one good one. Here goes:

    1) Intellectual property… touch interfaces are the technology for June 2007. Apple’s already said they will defend the IP in the iPhone vigorously. Any concerns over IP overlaps here? If so… who should be concerned?

    2) GREAT freakin logo! Something’s changed at MS. Product names are getting a little better. But logos (SeaDragon, Photosynth, Deepfish) are getting way better. What’s the deal?

    3) The intro isn’t built in Silverlight. What decision process went into the choice you made. (That’s borderline impolite. I’m sorry. But, it’s a glaring deal. To me anyway.)

    Like

  83. Three questions I’d like asked. Probably only one good one. Here goes:

    1) Intellectual property… touch interfaces are the technology for June 2007. Apple’s already said they will defend the IP in the iPhone vigorously. Any concerns over IP overlaps here? If so… who should be concerned?

    2) GREAT freakin logo! Something’s changed at MS. Product names are getting a little better. But logos (SeaDragon, Photosynth, Deepfish) are getting way better. What’s the deal?

    3) The intro isn’t built in Silverlight. What decision process went into the choice you made. (That’s borderline impolite. I’m sorry. But, it’s a glaring deal. To me anyway.)

    Like

  84. People, people! Tabletop computing is not a new idea. This kind of research has been going on for years! Credit to the MS team for doing an ace job but bear in mind that they are standing on the shoulders of giants…

    Like

  85. People, people! Tabletop computing is not a new idea. This kind of research has been going on for years! Credit to the MS team for doing an ace job but bear in mind that they are standing on the shoulders of giants…

    Like

  86. People, people! Tabletop computing is not a new idea. This kind of research has been going on for years! Credit to the MS team for doing an ace job but bear in mind that they are standing on the shoulders of giants…

    Like

  87. When can we expect to see consumer oriented devices using this technology? ie. when will we see surface tech desks, coffee tables that cost under 5k?

    Like

  88. When can we expect to see consumer oriented devices using this technology? ie. when will we see surface tech desks, coffee tables that cost under 5k?

    Like

  89. When can we expect to see consumer oriented devices using this technology? ie. when will we see surface tech desks, coffee tables that cost under 5k?

    Like

  90. * Why is this Surface product indicated to be a stand alone product and not just a cool feature that licensee’s can incoprporate into their own hardware?

    * It seems MicroSoft is moving to the model of self produced, integrated Software and Hardware. (XBox, Zune). What are the benefits of this shift in business model and what does it portend for the Windows liscencee’s.

    Like

  91. * Why is this Surface product indicated to be a stand alone product and not just a cool feature that licensee’s can incoprporate into their own hardware?

    * It seems MicroSoft is moving to the model of self produced, integrated Software and Hardware. (XBox, Zune). What are the benefits of this shift in business model and what does it portend for the Windows liscencee’s.

    Like

  92. * Why is this Surface product indicated to be a stand alone product and not just a cool feature that licensee’s can incoprporate into their own hardware?

    * It seems MicroSoft is moving to the model of self produced, integrated Software and Hardware. (XBox, Zune). What are the benefits of this shift in business model and what does it portend for the Windows liscencee’s.

    Like

  93. Why isn’t this really cool thing splashed all over the Microsoft Website? Instead the MSoft website looks like a really poorly designed insurance salesman website.

    Like

  94. Why isn’t this really cool thing splashed all over the Microsoft Website? Instead the MSoft website looks like a really poorly designed insurance salesman website.

    Like

  95. Why isn’t this really cool thing splashed all over the Microsoft Website? Instead the MSoft website looks like a really poorly designed insurance salesman website.

    Like

  96. All the prestine demos show are by people who have had lots of time to play with them so it looks very cool and natural. However, how does MS expect Joe-Hotel/Casino/Restaurant-Dweller to know the drag semantics? WPF opened up the opportunity to break all the UI standardisation Microsoft has created. Surface adds a whole new level of possible confusion.

    Like

  97. All the prestine demos show are by people who have had lots of time to play with them so it looks very cool and natural. However, how does MS expect Joe-Hotel/Casino/Restaurant-Dweller to know the drag semantics? WPF opened up the opportunity to break all the UI standardisation Microsoft has created. Surface adds a whole new level of possible confusion.

    Like

  98. All the prestine demos show are by people who have had lots of time to play with them so it looks very cool and natural. However, how does MS expect Joe-Hotel/Casino/Restaurant-Dweller to know the drag semantics? WPF opened up the opportunity to break all the UI standardisation Microsoft has created. Surface adds a whole new level of possible confusion.

    Like

  99. 1. can it replace original PC? such as using for media, internet and documents?

    2. use a web to access my content from newer in the world?

    3. if and how will it interact with gaming such as with the 360?

    4. use it to connect with a TV?

    Like

  100. 1. can it replace original PC? such as using for media, internet and documents?

    2. use a web to access my content from newer in the world?

    3. if and how will it interact with gaming such as with the 360?

    4. use it to connect with a TV?

    Like

  101. wen will this be released to the wider public? can i use it instead of buying a new PC?

    Like

  102. wen will this be released to the wider public? can i use it instead of buying a new PC?

    Like

  103. How can they differentiate between two smartphones placed on the Surface? I get that they can communicate to each device with Bluetooth/etc., but how do they physically know which phone is which when the Surface user interface is interacting with the phone?

    Like

  104. How can they differentiate between two smartphones placed on the Surface? I get that they can communicate to each device with Bluetooth/etc., but how do they physically know which phone is which when the Surface user interface is interacting with the phone?

    Like

  105. What differentiates the Surface product from a 32″ touchscreen available on the market for $800?

    Also, why aren’t they using Silverlight for their web site in addition to flash?

    Where do I find the technical specs & developer toolkit?

    How do you keep it clean?

    Like

  106. What differentiates the Surface product from a 32″ touchscreen available on the market for $800?

    Also, why aren’t they using Silverlight for their web site in addition to flash?

    Where do I find the technical specs & developer toolkit?

    How do you keep it clean?

    Like

  107. I would be interested to know what other applications are envisioned for surface.

    Also, is there a marketing/partnering strategy for avoiding this being a “bigger origami”. Origami looked like the coolest thing out there, and, in practice, it ended up being a UMPC running Vista, with no real apps to accompany the form factor. I guess the question is, how is Microsoft going to transition surface from an amazing demo to a consumer device, if that is even the intent.

    Like

  108. I would be interested to know what other applications are envisioned for surface.

    Also, is there a marketing/partnering strategy for avoiding this being a “bigger origami”. Origami looked like the coolest thing out there, and, in practice, it ended up being a UMPC running Vista, with no real apps to accompany the form factor. I guess the question is, how is Microsoft going to transition surface from an amazing demo to a consumer device, if that is even the intent.

    Like

  109. Despite whatever history of dev might be involved, it looks like a dream about what the iPhone will do in a shipping product (on a small scale).

    Like

  110. Asking how it is related to Jeff Han’s device is good. Also, what’s the likelihood that this tech will spread out of E&D into other Microsoft platforms? I don’t think it’s a stretch to call multitouch (er, Surface) a disruptive technology, and exposing it to every Windows developer can only make great things happen. Finally, I can’t tell if this was announced at WinHEC, and if it wasn’t, why not?

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  111. Despite whatever history of dev might be involved, it looks like a dream about what the iPhone will do in a shipping product (on a small scale).

    Like

  112. Asking how it is related to Jeff Han’s device is good. Also, what’s the likelihood that this tech will spread out of E&D into other Microsoft platforms? I don’t think it’s a stretch to call multitouch (er, Surface) a disruptive technology, and exposing it to every Windows developer can only make great things happen. Finally, I can’t tell if this was announced at WinHEC, and if it wasn’t, why not?

    Like

  113. While the whole “Touch Surface” UI has a great WOW factor, it would be impractical, indeed a pain, for the user to move his/her hands all over the surface to get any “real” work done.

    The most common input devices localize input to keyboard/mouse. Does Microsoft Surface have a “touch” keyboard/mouse or something similar for those of us don’t want to have to wave our arms around and reaching all over the area of the UI to get work done?

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  114. While the whole “Touch Surface” UI has a great WOW factor, it would be impractical, indeed a pain, for the user to move his/her hands all over the surface to get any “real” work done.

    The most common input devices localize input to keyboard/mouse. Does Microsoft Surface have a “touch” keyboard/mouse or something similar for those of us don’t want to have to wave our arms around and reaching all over the area of the UI to get work done?

    Like

  115. It’s a freaking glass table! Looks like this thing can break pretty easily. Drop something on it and poof, it’s shattered. This has Segway written all over it!!!

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  116. It’s a freaking glass table! Looks like this thing can break pretty easily. Drop something on it and poof, it’s shattered. This has Segway written all over it!!!

    Like

  117. Is it okay to pet on a first date?

    (Extra points for the movie reference that line comes from)

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  118. Is it okay to pet on a first date?

    (Extra points for the movie reference that line comes from)

    Like

  119. To echo #4 above:

    When can we get the SDK?

    and

    When can I buy one for development/research purposes?

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  120. To echo #4 above:

    When can we get the SDK?

    and

    When can I buy one for development/research purposes?

    Like

  121. Jeff Han’s multi touch experiment focused on this along time ago (see youtube for example).

    I also don’t really like the demo at the MS site given they are doing things in this which don’t seem achievable. E.g placing a random phone on the screen and obtaining data. *Even* if bluetooth or wireless were active it takes time to connect and transfer and this isnt shown. Dont even get me started on the credit card stuff.

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  122. Jeff Han’s multi touch experiment focused on this along time ago (see youtube for example).

    I also don’t really like the demo at the MS site given they are doing things in this which don’t seem achievable. E.g placing a random phone on the screen and obtaining data. *Even* if bluetooth or wireless were active it takes time to connect and transfer and this isnt shown. Dont even get me started on the credit card stuff.

    Like

  123. $10,000 for a 21st Century Etch-a-Sketch? Or is Microsoft actually building a working model of the Enterprise on the back lot?

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  124. $10,000 for a 21st Century Etch-a-Sketch? Or is Microsoft actually building a working model of the Enterprise on the back lot?

    Like

  125. How was Jeff Han involved? Is he working at Microsoft? Has Microsoft paid royalties on the IP to his company?

    On another note, how does Microsoft garner the press for a product that was ripped off from someone else?

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  126. How was Jeff Han involved? Is he working at Microsoft? Has Microsoft paid royalties on the IP to his company?

    On another note, how does Microsoft garner the press for a product that was ripped off from someone else?

    Like

  127. Pingback: Impulse blogging
  128. Microsoft and Apple AND a myriad of other companies have patents in this area, this is just the first major product to be going to market… unless you count the iPhone … but I believe this will be out first?

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  129. Microsoft and Apple AND a myriad of other companies have patents in this area, this is just the first major product to be going to market… unless you count the iPhone … but I believe this will be out first?

    Like

  130. When will they move beyond “projection” to lcd/ digatizers.

    When will this be available for anyone to use/develop with?

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  131. When will they move beyond “projection” to lcd/ digatizers.

    When will this be available for anyone to use/develop with?

    Like

  132. Josh: they can’t use LCD because of the way the cameras work. They need to have access to the surface to sense what’s being put on the surface.

    It’ll be installed in first commercial accounts later this year.

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  133. Josh: they can’t use LCD because of the way the cameras work. They need to have access to the surface to sense what’s being put on the surface.

    It’ll be installed in first commercial accounts later this year.

    Like

  134. Good sirs, how come there’s so much Surface Computing, and so little dnb in your organization?

    Like

  135. Actually I am looking for some information about surface computing for my project, So I like to know things like who invented this technology, The way technology developed and a description about it, and If you like I also like to know other things except Microsoft surface but regarding to surface computing technology

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