Microsoft Surface

~ Full Screen This One ~

Frequently Asked Questions
May 2007

What is Microsoft Surface?
Microsoft Surfaceâ?¢, the
first commercially available
surface computer from
Microsoft Corp., turns an
ordinary tabletop into a
vibrant, interactive surface.
The product provides
effortless interaction wit
more

Microsoft Surface

~ Full Screen This One ~

Frequently Asked Questions
May 2007

What is Microsoft Surface?
Microsoft Surfaceâ?¢, the
first commercially available
surface computer from
Microsoft Corp., turns an
ordinary tabletop into a
vibrant, interactive surface.
The product provides
effortless interaction with
digital content through
natural gestures, touch and
physical objects. Surface is a
30-inch display in a
table-like form factor that's
easy for individuals or small
groups to interact with in a
way that feels familiar, just
like in the real world. In
essence, it's a surface that
comes to life for exploring,
learning, sharing, creating,
buying and much more. Soon to
be available in restaurants,
hotels, retail establishments
and public entertainment
venues, this experience will
transform the way people shop,
dine, entertain and live.

How does Surface work?
At a high level, Surface uses
cameras to sense objects, hand
gestures and touch. This user
input is then processed and
the result is displayed on the
surface using rear projection.

What is surface computing?
Surface computing is a new way
of working with computers that
moves beyond the traditional
mouse-and-keyboard experience.
It is a natural user interface
that allows people to interact
with digital content the same
way they have interacted with
everyday items such as photos,
paintbrushes and music their
entire life: with their hands,
with gestures and by putting
real-world objects on the
surface. Surface computing
opens up a whole new category
of products for users to
interact with.

What are the key attributes of
surface computing?
Surface computing has four key
attributes:
· Direct interaction. Users
can actually 'grab' digital
information with their hands
and interact with content by
touch and gesture, without the
use of a mouse or keyboard.
· Multi-touch contact.
Surface computing recognizes
many points of contact
simultaneously, not just from
one finger, as with a typical
touch screen, but up to dozens
and dozens of items at once.
· Multi-user experience. The
horizontal form factor makes
it easy for several people to
gather around surface
computers together, providing
a collaborative, face-to-face
computing experience.
· Object recognition. Users
can place physical objects on
the surface to trigger
different types of digital
responses, including the
transfer of digital content.
How does Surface benefit
consumers?
Surface breaks down the
traditional barriers between
people and technology,
providing effortless
interaction with digital
content. Similar to the way
ATMs changed how people got
money from the bank, Microsoft
is changing the way people
will interact with all kinds
of everyday content, including
photos, music, a virtual
concierge and games. Common,
everyday tasks become
entertaining, enjoyable and
engaging, alone or
face-to-face with family,
friends or co-workers.

Category Howto & DIY

Tags microsoft, surface, power, possibilities, magic, table, product, highlight, SpasticGrampa, House