Microsoft Surface | The Future Is Now
As I slowly (quickly) make my way from being in my early 30’s to now getting closer to mid 30’s, I am realizing the future is now. What was once viewed (by me) as the future and seemed so far away is the here and now.
Microsoft has unveiled something that will seem more like what I envisioned seeing in the future when I was 18 years old. The technology is amazing and I see how it will impact how we do things on a daily basis through the use of this technology. It is called Microsoft Surface and this is what they say it does under their FACT SHEET:
Surface is the first commercially available surface computing platform from Microsoft Corporation. It turns an ordinary tabletop into a vibrant, interactive surface. The product provides effortless interaction with digital content through natural gestures, touch and physical objects. 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 and public entertainment venues, this experience will transform the way people shop, dine, entertain and live.
Images courtesy of Microsoft Surface website media kit
Microsoft Surface will break 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.
The paragraph above is where I think this technology is key. For a vast majority of us, using a keyboard and mouse is second nature, but people like my parents or those unfamiliar with computer technology have a hard time getting used to using something as simple as a mouse. Of course, people can learn it with some practice, but it isn’t very natural. What I am noticing with the Surface technology is natural human movement. In order to move the picture (as illustrated above) you simply move the picture on the table. If you want to rotate it, you make that gesture with your hands. If you want to enlarge it, you hold the picture and stretch it.
I can see how this technology will improve with time and be implemented into so many other areas of our life so quickly that it won’t even seem that special after a couple of years.
Imagine wedding photographers who will quickly go through wedding proofs or wedding album designs using the Surface technology. It’s exciting to think about all the different ways this technology will change our lives.
