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Wednesday, May 30, 2007
In Bill Gates last hurray project, Microsoft announced it’s $10,000 piece of furniture. Yup, ten big — huge — ones for a table! But this isn’t like any table you’ve seen before and it’s one you probably won’t want Uncle Fred putting his feet up on or Grammy’s tea set placed on the top of this table. What makes this table special is that it’s touch sensitive and much like the iPhone, it allows you to control everything on-screen with just your fingers and gestures…and even objects! The 30-inch display called Surface is a technical breakthrough without a doubt and is that very digital hub Steve Jobs keeps talking about! Irony on who has brought it to the world though, huh? 
Microsoft describes Surface likes this:
Microsoft Surface puts people in control of their experiences with technology, making everyday tasks entertaining, enjoyable and efficient. Imagine ordering a beverage during a meal with just the tap of a finger. Imagine quickly browsing through music and dragging favorite songs onto a personal playlist by moving a finger across the screen. Imagine creating and sending a personal postcard of vacation pictures instantly to friends and family, while still wearing flip-flops.
Surface also features the ability to recognize physical objects that have identification tags similar to bar codes. This means that when a customer simply sets a wine glass on the surface of a table, a restaurant could provide them with information about the wine they’re ordering, pictures of the vineyard it came from and suggested food pairings tailored to that evening’s menu. The experience could become completely immersive, letting users access information on the wine-growing region and even look at recommended hotels and plan a trip without leaving the table.
Due to the high price tag, you’ll first see Surface in retail stores and entertainment venues. T-Mobile will use it to allow customers to place a phone on it and Surface will give instant details on the device, its available plans, and cost. Harrah’s Entertainment’s Las Vegas properties, such as Caesars Palace, will allow guests to order tickets to an Elton John concert, browse a menu, and check out the various stores within the Palace.
Bill Gates may have closed the chapter, and book, at Microsoft with an amazing story that might be told for many years to come. The question is, will it be a happy ending?