From: RobertB 

In article ,
 "Rich Gauszka"  wrote:

> But will it phone home and refuse to be touched if it can't?
>
> http://uk.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUKN2819912120070530
> SEATTLE (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. (MSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research will
> unveil a coffee-table-shaped "surface computer" on Wednesday
in a major step
> towards co-founder Bill Gates's view of a future where the mouse and
> keyboard are replaced by more natural interaction using voice, pen and
> touch.
>
> Microsoft Surface, which has a 30-inch display under a hard-plastic
> tabletop, allows people to touch and move objects on screen for everything
> from digital finger painting and jigsaw puzzles to ordering off a virtual
> menu in a restaurant.

Now, that's an interesting use of a $10k device. Didn't they use to call
these "touch screens?"


>
> It also recognizes and interacts with devices placed on its surface, so cell
> phone users can easily buy ringtones or change payment plans by placing
> their handsets on in-store displays, or a group of people gathered round the
> table can check out the photos on a digital camera placed on top.

Ohhh, another leading edge technology: ringtones!


> Analysts say the first few applications only hint at what is possible.

So far, this is hardly looking like it's advancing the future of computing much.

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