Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)

• Microsoft
• Surface
• surface computing
• computers
• Jeff Han
• iPhone
• video

Microsoft's corporate campus is a sprawling affair, with more than 100 buildings scattered over 261 acres. To make sense of it all, you have to navigate by numbers. The Microsoft Visitor Center, for instance, is in Building 127, north campus, while the Microsoft Conference Center is in Building 33, just down the road from the company soccer and baseball fields. About 4 miles away, however, there is an unnumbered building that is decidedly "off campus." In that building, Microsoft has quietly been developing the first completely new computing platform since the PC — a project that was given the internal code name Milan. This past March, when the project was still operating on the down low, I became the first reporter invited inside these offices. My hosts politely threatened legal consequences if I blabbed about the project to anyone not directly involved in it, then escorted me down a dark hallway to a locked corner conference room. Inside that room was Microsoft's best-kept technology secret in years ... a coffee table.

The product behind the Milan project is called the Microsoft Surface, and the company's unofficial Surface showman is Jeff Gattis. He's a clean-cut fellow who is obviously the veteran of a thousand marketing seminars. He spoke in sentences peppered with "application scenarios," "operational efficiencies" and "consumer pain points" while he took me through a few demonstrations of what the Surface can do. One of Gattis's consumer pain points is the frustrating mess of cables, drivers and protocols that people must use to link their peripheral devices to their personal computers. Surface has no cables or external USB ports for plugging in peripherals. For that matter, it has no keyboard, no mouse, no trackball — no obvious point of interaction except its screen.

Gattis took out a digital camera and placed it on the Surface. Instantly, digital pictures spilled out onto the tabletop. As Gattis touched and dragged each picture, it followed his fingers around the screen. Using two fingers, he pulled the corners of a photo and stretched it to a new size. Then, Gattis put a cellphone on the surface and dragged several photos to it — just like that, the pictures uploaded to the phone. It was like a magic trick. He was dragging and dropping virtual content to physical objects. I'm not often surprised by new technology, but I can honestly say I'd never seen anything like it.

104. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Very Nice One. It is a Wonderful invention to the world.

103. You all know... right?
I hope you all know that when you buy one of these it comes with a developer's framework - you have to develop all your own software. Not intended for home use at all, but commercial. i.e. developer says "Hey Hilton Hotels, how about we make you some software for this cool new MS surface thing?" Hilton says OK and they purchase 500 - MS = Happy.

102. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
The microsoft surface is simply an amazing product... It's expensive and something I couldn't afford currently... I want more information to understand it more though.

101. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Holy GOD this is awesome. Imagine the capabilities: THIS is the breakthrough that design professionals have been waiting for. Imagine being able to put this on your wall and manipulate your designs the way you manipulate paper, but with all the advantages of digital media. Its the best of both worlds for all those "hard copy sucks" folks, without the cumbersome organizational challenges that can trip up those of us who are less than organized. I imagine if it were as easy as hooking up this screen or that screen and "just" running Linux or whatever...they wouldn't be blowing a bunch of money in research on this project. I mean, more power to the guys who can actually build something that usable, but I find it annoying that someone would have the arrogance to say something like "oh thats nothing more than a blah blah blah blah with the blah blah on it...I can build that for you in 15 minutes"...I feel the same way about guys who feel teh need to thrust their specs in your face when you sit down to use their machines.

100. Surface Table
Cool, but not that innovative, this is just the iphone except big and bulky. I like the wireless capabilities, but has anyone else noticed how SLOW wireless usually is compared to wired, the difference is huge. They should work more on that.

99. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
It's so beautiful, i could cry!

98. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
I'm a recording engineer/music producer and I will definately get this technology when it comes out. but just today, I ordered a "slip on(basically) touchscreen for my laptop" which is basically the same thing. In my line of work there are hundreds of 'software synthesizers' and effects plug-ins that each have their own plethora of nobs and faders. With this touch technology I'll be able to simply 'turn(even though its dragging)' the nobs, and drag the faders with my hands as if I was working on a real physical half a million dollar console... instead of having to shuffle and click my goddamn mouse around like a madman.... so yes. this new technology is the shit.. but if you want it now... go to touchscreens.com and get your own touchscreen "slipcover(LOL)" peaaaccee

97. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
uhm, i recall a visit i made to fedex's technology center on the university of memphis's campus in summer 2007. they had a device exactly like this...i wonder if it is the same thing.

96. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
i thought Jeff Han (also shown in video) first invented this.

95. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Fabuleuse idée, nos mains vont se reposer & nos doigts vont guerir. Grand Merci au personnes inventeurs.

94. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Heres an idea how about a computer that instantly turns on and off without looseing information or damageing the computer.

93. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Amazing! Can't wait until it's affordable

92. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
This is amazing video.Microsoft keep moving with its ideas in the future.

91. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
can you send me one for free

90. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
I am PhD Candidate in Architecture

89. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
wow.... wonderful...outstanding things invented..

88. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Sweet. Does it run Ms. Pacman? That, with a pepperoni pizza and some rootbeer would make it worth owning.

87. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
This is nothing new I agree with comment 52. However if they bring out an operating system out that does all this on a laptop than that's a different story. It would not only become a combination of all the newest technologies but it would be stylish and effective. Especially for students, buisness and engineers like me. I like what they did with all the new available tech.. Also they kick apples ass. I personally hate mac's anying system and very overpiced. On the other hand MSF needs to fix all of their errors. But if they can combine all of this into a real system for tablet PC's I will bye one. Also make it stylish and I am sure it would become a new trend and a best seller. So microsoft needs to work on somthing like that this seems to be a waste of time. I would not want to have one of these it's just not practical for regular use in homes. This is more for hospitals and labs and other things like police stations. However this would not even generate as much profit as a personilized laptop platform.

86. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Brilliant machine but the trend in widening the digital gap between rich and poor is evident with such scary prices.

85. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
I saw - and of course played - with the surface at one of the AT&T stores. It's like a giant iphone. It's pretty darn cool. Unfortunatly, it only had some of the basic AT&T sales tools in use - and none of the cool stuff we see in all the demos. But still, it's very cool. - Duane Nason

84. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
good technology but wanna know the market price and name of the companies using the technology

83. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
This is really great.

82. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
This is amazingggg! i just want to know how it will display under a light? i mean reflection.....

81. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
This is really amazing. I have heard of the Smartboard technologie, but pc and keyboard are still required with that. It seems the Surface doesn't. I can see the potentials for using it in the educational sector, or perhaps as an interactive tool in a museum. Is it possible to install other programs than the photo and music download tools? And how easy would that be?

80. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
FINALLY! touch-screen technology comes into its own. In the 1980's, there were 2 companies producing touch screens for Apple and DOS computers: Hewlett Packard and TSD Display (aka Megadata) in Kanata Ontario. These systems had limited uses, some of the first gvt information kiosks used tsd technology. There were many applications possible, but it took until NOW for this technology to "come into its' own".I won't be jumping to buy it though, not if it is dependent on Vista type software! LOL AND it might be good to wait until they get all the "bugs" out, as well...and the price is scary!

79. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Please! What is this,are we going back to the 80`s dount shop video game tabletops again, with a messed up processor LOL!!!

78. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
coming out 2011 at 10 grand, start saving up :)

77. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Website: http://www.coffeetablezone.com
hm... will this be the hottest coffee table in history yet?

76. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
its great see this microsoft surface and i wanna more this technology any body is there who provoide technicle terms. i am a big fan of microsoft .i would like to know more abt this

75. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Website: http://www.countryonsale.com
I really love the Surface PC. Shame about the price. But of course the price will drop, so lets hope this is available to purchase for anyone soon!

74. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Website: www.idgqatar.com
i really like this machine i want to buy it

73. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Website: popularmachines.com
i really like this machine i want to buy it

72. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
ok i want one with LINUX in it. it would be better to control ...

71. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
good tech.

70. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
As long as MS hasn't eliminated the ever present "consumer pain points" on their Windows software, as long they don't need to try to sell me some other "application scenario"

69. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
want to know more about the physics behind the technology

68. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Its simply amazing.. Wanna know more abt the subject..

67. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Evolutionary not revolutionary. Microsoft have never truly came up with an original idea in thier history. A bunch of other engineers and inventors ideas glued together with an unlimited R&D expense account.

66. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
i think that micrsoft surface its a great invention

65. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Website: www.civiesse.it
This is Italian surface www.civiesse.it/broadcast.htm

64. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
I dont know about anyone else, but I love this the only this I want different, IS I WANT IT SMALL ENOUGH TO FIT INSIDE A DESK. I.E. about anywhere from 5 to 7 inches thick, not on a freaking wheeled cart, whats up with that ?!

63. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
its great see this microsoft surface and i wanna more this technology any body is there who provoide technicle terms. i am a big fan of microsoft

62. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Nothing new here really! Although, a big Kudos for Microsoft pulling all of the advanced real-world technologies together. As we've all witnessed in the recent past - sci-fi ideas are just now becoming technologically achievable. Star Trek the Next Generation (1987) used multi-user 'surface computing' rather heavily on the Enterprise, albeit the LCARS system was a stage prop, but the idea was well and alive back then – as all of the control surfaces were touch screens, watch any episode to see these in action. On top of this “2001: A Space Odyssey” (Stanley Kubrick 1968) even alluded to surface computing with flat panel touch sensitive screens. Star Trek and Sci-fi in general really is a benchmark for our current technological endeavors. Remember the ads in the 1980’s that AT&T was ‘going to bring it to us’ referring to the camera phone. Well that idea wasn’t really new then either nor did they ever ‘bring it to us.’ They should have been fined for all of their false advertising!

61. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Website: www.myspace.com/thebutterflytest
i have to agree with comment 52 and 53. Microsoft have done a "Madonna" again by rounding up the best ideas of the time and throwing large amounts of money at them.The difference being we are looking at a device that will ultimately be a sales/service device (tax deductable of course) and the cost will be irrelevent....and yes, i`d love one. ( no offence madge )

60. Accesorii laptop
im really excited for this, hopefully it is not so expensive and price will go down in future!!!

59. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
This is actually pretty awesome.... Hospitals, big companies will benefit from this big time. As for a home or work computer, i'm thinking it would cause a lot of neck pains/ strains - back aches...looking down all the time. the wall one is cool!!! but then you would have to hold everything up against it, which defeats the purpose, for the camera, the cel phone and photos- etc...

58. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Its Amazing. I would like to know more about it.

57. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Its Amazing. I would like to know more about it.

56. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
i think that is awesome, and if we are that advanced than by the time our children are at the age of 20 there is no tell what could be possible.

55. I ALREADY HAVE ONE!!
I ALREADY HAVE ONE AND I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW GOOD IT IS. I USE IT EVERY DAY! IT REALLY COMES IN HANDY. BUT THE ONLY DOWN SIDE IS I CAN'T PUT MY LEGS ON THE "COFFEE TABLE"! (ARENT I HILARIOUS!!!)

54. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
this is step one in a new type of technology soon they will have a type of paint that can produce TV output, sorta like a projector but with out the machine, any way this is brilliant and i cant wait

53. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Problems I see with this that haven't been addressed: * People spill sticky stuff all the time. I have never found a surface that vodka, coke and I couldn't combine to defeat. * People are dirty, cough or sneeze on whatever is in front of them, and put their fingers where they shouldn't. I don't want to touch that residue, or look like a pansy by wearing gloves to do it. * People drop heavy, sharp objects on delicate surfaces. * The instinctive reaction to a responsive surface error is to smack the surface -- hard.

52. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Hardware: Nothing new, just a PC + projector + multipoint touchsensor. Could as well be done with a standard multipoint lcd touchscreen if you don't want the bulky table. Software: Well, rotating and scaling windows is possible with Linux+Compiz for example, so someone just have to configure Xorg properly and make sure multipoint drivers works correctly. I predict this will be available as free/open source within a year. Actually less if anybody would care enough to make it happen... Then there is the question of supporting all operations in the applications... rotating individual windows would be a no-brainer since those are "stand alone" from the main app, and rotate/scale actions could be made into Xorg standard input actions. If M$ has really worked on this for 6 (six) whole years, then they must be putting very little effort into this project. Btw, why does it cost 10K USD?? That price is completely absurd.. come on, a PC+proj+touchsensor+Vista... jeez!!!

51. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
thats a gr8 video and a great technology. thats y microsoft is always on the top of the world.. coooool

50. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
I like microsoft Corportion and its inventions .... it is very COOL

49. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
alot of thought brings people to realise the importance of human evolution .keep up the excellent work guys for the sake of humanity.

48. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
When will this be for sale and for how much will it cost and where will it be sold.

47. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
wow

46. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
all over the table, and the table gets streaky, and interferes with the recognition software... guess I'm just a party pooper.

45. I cannot wait
I cant wait for the first person ever to say "Dammit! My coffee table has a virus!!"

44. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
pretty nice job;D i like it allot! cant wait until i get to try this technology. awesome;) keep it coming Microsoft.

43. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Apple developed this technology that is licensed by Microsoft for these tables. Do your homework guys that are blasting Apple

42. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
wow...unbelievable, even at that price I wish to get one before I leave this world!

41. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
WOW!! This just blows my mind away! Amazing job!I can't wait to actually try the machine!

40. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
and in 1-3 years apple will make this same product and claim they've revolutionized technology. I'd bet money they will

39. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
This is what i say Technology Rulezzzzzz

38. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Website: youngrepublicanclub.us
I used one of these last night a a presentation and it was amazing

37. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
this made me forget about windows vista. ahehehehe

36. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
how can i get this cool video ??? PLIZZZ....

35. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Just imagine gaming on this thing! And you thought Half-life was interactive! Lol, great job guys, can't wait for Surface-based products to pop up everywhere

34. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
I love microsoft~ very cool~

33. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
C00L...perfect!!! i really want that one,but the price,WOOW.. Cool stuff is already exist.. The future is now...

32. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
It is unbelievable. our technology keep going on. thanks MS...

31. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
amazing, the power full tool of communication. IT PROVE TIME IS MONEY

30. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
It's perfect

29. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
It sounds pretty cool, but the price is to high. i'll buy one when the price drops. it would be cool to just sit down at KFC or sumthin, order your meal then surf the net while you wait for the food to come.

28. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Wow!That's amazing!Too bad it's so expensive :'(

27. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
im really excited for this, hopefully it is not so expensive and price will go down in future!!!

26. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Website: www.popularmechanics.com
WOW.Its really mind blowing!The thing they have done is just beyond a Pale.

25. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
now its called WOW !! .. m a compu sci major and thought of it too,m a thinker !,but nvr thought that such a thing can b implemented..it has infact boosted me to think more abstarct stuff,coz now i know man can make any damn thing..m a MICROSOFT fan by heart .n m happy that MS did this..i really want to learn bout it in technical terms !mail me if any body expertises in the same. :) rajan_vaish@hotmail.com

24. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Is there more than one of those tables?

23. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Awesome job!!!!!

22. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Well it's not an invention since touchscreen and wireless inputs have existed for years (PDA, bluetooth), but it is a damn good innovation. It's a really simple input device with complex options, but this will bring current science fiction into mainstream consumer availability, especially so if they digitize all our surfaces instead of just coffee tables =) now just connect this with sensors to customize each experience based on emotional factors. I wish I could be there in the think-tank when they design the ideas and engineer applications to realize the ideas..can't wait to see how it will be like in a few decades!

21. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Its amazing i havent heard before about the surface computing its really very good.

20. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Incredible. I'm typically an anti-Microsoft guy, but it looks like they've really turned around their modus operandi in designing this product. I can't wait to see it for the first time in a local store. 10 years ago the Nintendo 64 was the biggest technology news.

19. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
This is fantastic invention I am working graphic arts 4decades this is out of this world. Keep it up.VCGIRAP

18. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Website: www.microsoft.com
cool, but it's a pitty it is not portable...

17. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
the only thing wrong with this is microsoft made it!

16. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
unbelievable!

15. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
It is very fasinating! The fiction becoming non-fiction! Keep updating1

14. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
this is cool!! this is really freaking cool!! but i'm totally sure that it has disadvantages!! microsoft stuffs always have problems at some point.. but it's freaking cool!!! wanna try em...

13. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Website: www.sijusamuel.com
Cool stuff.... mind blowing...

12. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
I have been working in Satellite Image Processing for three decades,this new firmware device will help lot of I P applications to progress very fast,specially in medical, remote sensing,graphic arts,real life apllications,..... Thanks to Microsoft for such inventions kmm rao

11. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
i want this,and i need to have this

10. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
wa cool tech I say bring it on

9. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Awesome!Be sure it will change the future of computers and as important as inventing internet,

8. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
This is the only reason I want to live until 100 just to see where technology takes us.

7. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
neeeeeeeeeerds *cough and point*

6. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
It's perfect

5. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Website: http://www.footystat.com/
Pretty cool!! Now if they could just bring the price down.

4. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
Website: www.codewash.com
This is great stuff.

3. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
WOW!! This just blows my mind away! Amazing job!I can't wait to actually try the machine!

2. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
How does one develop for this type of interface if no current independent dual-cursor display is available for 'normal' pcs. I'm craving to learn how to make a game on this new Microsoft Surface. It'd be nice to have a glance at how an app draws data from each of the new x,y coords.

1. RE: Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
they've done it... they've finally invented magic. LOL

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