Microsoft Suface Website

• Microsoft Surface Wikipedia
• How it works
• Press Kit

“Picture a surface that can recognize physical objects from a paintbrush to a cell phone and allows hands-on, direct control of content such as photos, music and maps. Today at the Wall Street Journal’s D: All Things Digital conference, Microsoft Corp. CEO Steve Ballmer will unveil Microsoft Surfaceâ„¢, the first in a new category of surface computing products from Microsoft that breaks down traditional barriers between people and technology. Surface turns an ordinary tabletop into a vibrant, dynamic surface that provides effortless interaction with all forms of digital content through natural gestures, touch and physical objects. Beginning at the end of this year, consumers will be able to interact with Surface in hotels, retail establishments, restaurants and public entertainment venues.

The intuitive user interface works without a traditional mouse or keyboard, allowing people to interact with content and information on their own or collaboratively with their friends and families, just like in the real world. Surface is a 30-inch display in a table-like form factor that small groups can use at the same time. From digital finger painting to a virtual concierge, Surface brings natural interaction to the digital world in a new and exciting way.” - via Microsoft Press Kit

Highlights

Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look (with Video)
The software giant announced today at the D5 conference that it’s built a new touchscreen computer—a coffee table that will change the world. Go inside its top-secret development with PopularMechanics.com, then forget the keyboard and mouse: The next generation of computer interfaces will be hands-on.

Inside Microsoft’s Top Secret Computer (Video)
The company’s flat surface machine is the first in its category.

Read the rest of this entry »

IGN: GDC 2007: Emotiv Systems Unveils Shocking Neural Interface Device
“Emotive’s technology is based upon a new manner of interpreting the electrical activity in the human brain via EEG that looks below the individually unique (and thus difficult to accurately analyze) outer cortex to deeper regions of the brain. Users wear an electrode studded headset that wirelessly interfaces with a receiver already no larger than a USB ram drive. In our closed door demo, Emotive displayed three aspects of how the technology will bring humans and technology much closer together.” - via tagenigma.com

Includes; facial recognition (without a camera), emotional status detection ( excited or calm), and 3D virtual environmental movement manipulation with your thoughts (push, pull, slide, rotate, lift, drop, and six other motions). Coming in 2008 for less than a PS3.

Check out this video ( 11:30 )
http://media.games.ign.com/articles/693/693580/vid_1950935.html

UPDATE : 05/30/07
Microsoft announces “Microsoft Surface” - read more here.

If its new to you then its new right? That seems to sum up multi-touch devices today. Since the recent unavailing of the iPhone it almost feels like Apple invented a new form of interaction - but far from it. The road had been paved with massive amounts of R&D for many years now.

Read the rest of this entry »

Hektor is a “Spray Paint Output Device” - basically it’s a personal programmable graffiti tagger. Not only that but you can make your own, program it, and spray paint away - kick ass!

All you need is to grab a copy of Scriptographer, string up Hektor, and you’ll be on your way the throwing the coolest parties on the block.