Surface Computing has arrived!

Microsoft invents computer with no keyboard and mouse, its literately a 30 inch table like display that can be used for computing and serving drinks too. Also when you put your drink on it says "getting thirsty?". And when you put your camera on it it spreads out all the images in it on table that you can view with your both hands. Put you zune on it to spread out your music albums on screen and put your credit card on it to buy something...plus you can do allot more! (Watch videos demonstrating surface computing)

According to fact sheet published by Microsoft in May 2007 following are the features of the product

Overview:

Surface is the first commercially available surface computer from Microsoft Corp. 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 establishments and public entertainment venues, this experience will transform the way people shop, dine, entertain and live.

Description:

Surface computing breaks down traditional barriers between people and technology, changing the way people interact with all kinds of everyday content, from photos to maps to menus. The intuitive user interface works without a traditional mouse or keyboard, allowing people to interact with content and information by using their hands and natural movements. Users are able to access information either on their own or collaboratively with their friends and families, unlike any experience available today. Surface computing features four key attributes:

Surface computing breaks down traditional barriers between people and technology, changing the way people interact with all kinds of everyday content, from photos to maps to menus. The intuitive user interface works without a traditional mouse or keyboard, allowing people to interact with content and information by using their hands and natural movements. Users are able to access information either on their own or collaboratively with their friends and families, unlike any experience available today. Surface computing features four key attributes:

Direct interaction. Users can actually “grab” digital information with their hands and interact with content through touch and gesture, without the use of a mouse or keyboard.

Multi-touch contact. Surface computing recognizes many points of contact simultaneously, not just from one finger as with a typical touch screen, but up to dozens and dozens of items at once.

Multi-user experience. The horizontal form factor makes it easy for several people to gather around surface computers together, providing a collaborative, face-to-face computing experience.Object recognition. Users can place physical objects on the surface to trigger different types of digital responses, including the transfer of digital content.

System:

The Surface custom software platform runs on Windows Vista™ and has wired Ethernet 10/100 and wireless 802.11 b/g and Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity.

...........................................

Microsoft says in winter, users will be able to use this product in hotels, restaurants, retail establishments and public entertainment areas

Watch the videos of power of surface computing:
www.surface.com