Last night Microsoft unveiled Surface, a multitouch table [presently] for business and entertainment purposes.
CNET has a video of the device in action, along with a Microsoft's, ahem, point-person, showing off finger-painting for grown-ups (above, left), and it's uses for digital photos and movies, along with it's bar and restaurant mode.
The Good
- The card payment system (above, right) seems to work really well, and the user-interface is pretty elegant for a Microsoft device.
- There is also a map mode, similar to Google Maps you point to your destinations, and it brings up directions and information. This can all be dragged to your Windows Mobile powered smartphone which is handy (though I can't help but feel it makes the smartphone like an iPhone with a giant table attached).
- The digital photo and video management looks more fun than organized, especially for large collections, but I doubt it's intended for this purpose. I imagine Oprah photo edits on something like this.
The Bad
- When you place a drink down on to the Surface, it displays graphics and advertising (above, center), and while I see potential for this in casinos, it could get really tacky.
- While Bemelman's and French Laundry aren't ordering these any time soon, it seems like just another step to reducing general table manners. Once again though, the features seem to only benefit casinos and fast food establishments, niether of which I personally spend a whole lot of time in.
The Ugly
- I can't lie, it's not ugly. As I said earlier, it's actually pretty elegant for a Microsoft creation. The Zune interface was a step in the right direction, and I hear the XBox is getting better, too, but it still looks more of a computer interface than a human one.
The Verdict
I'd rather have an iPhone in my pocket than a table, but casinos, family restaurants, chain hotels wanting to trim their staff rosters, and airports are probably going to be all over this. Besides, I'd rather have a Reactable to play with.
On a lighter note, I'll leave you with a very amusing comment from a message board discussing Surface:
How does one shuffle the cards for Solitaire?
Say no more.
