5 Reasons Microsoft Surface will change the face of computing
Since this is a blog focused on entrepreneurship it is important to note when companies allow creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit to create revolutionary new products.
That product is called Microsoft Surface.
Quoting Eyes on Creativity, “Surface is a coffee table shaped device that utilizes touch screen technology and allows users to interact with it by human touch.”
I know that you wouldn’t exactly associate breakthrough products with Microsoft. But this time, they really did achieve a breakthrough. Although not the first to demonstrate touch technology (that goes to Jeff Han at TED), they have really taken this from the lab to the enterprise.
I have played with technologies similar to this at the Booz Allen Technology Solutions Lab and I have to tell you that Microsoft Surface will change the face of computing and here are the 5 reasons why:
REASON #1 – This is a great development platform. For all you entrepreneurs developing enterprise software applications combining Rich Internet Applications (RIA) with Microsoft Surface is the perfect combination of hardware and software. Don’t forget all the widgets and content that can be created for this new medium.
REASON #2 – Human perception of how to interact with computers will be completely altered. Everyone deals with sitting between the chair and the keyboard to work on a computer (I am doing it right now). Now it will be sitting, standing, whatever between a screen of any size manipulating the environment. That is truly going to change our perception of using computers and it will take time to change our habits of interacting with one. Change like this can be scary but this technology makes it easier and I believe it will be fun.
REASON #3 – There will be a massive push to have all types of devices incorporate multi-touch/surface computing. Palm did this early on with the Treo but you needed a stylus. The iPhone was the breakthrough consumer device leaving the keyboard behind. I bet in the next 2-4 years every new computing product will have some type of multi-touch/surface computing interface.
REASON #4 – Learning experiences could be transformed. People learn in different ways and with Microsoft Surface, learning aids and education tools could use this to help those who are intense visual learners or even with disabilities (not an expert on this one) to interact where they could never before.
REASON #5 – Gaming experiences will be taken to a whole new level. Imagine when the next version of the Xbox comes out and this is available as a peripheral. This even harkens back to the 70’s when we used to play PONG or Pac-Man on the table top systems at the Pizza Hut. This means that we could create games that are more interactive, much like what the Nintendo Wii has done.
It is a great time to be working in the technology industry and I can’t wait to see what applications come to the Microsoft Surface platform in the next 2-4 years.
Technorati Tags: puppy, Microsoft+Surface
Exciting to see something like this come out of Microsoft rather than Apple for a change.
You are absolutely right. I think this is the first game changing thing to come out since the XBox came out a few years ago.
As I blog about startups as well, and about many new franchise companies, I really enjoy your posts at Startup Spark. One of the competitive edges startups can gain is integrating the latest technology into their business model from the start. Good job reporting on the latest and greatest.
Thanks Sean. Not only do I try and give advice I try and find the products/technologies that will help us build better businesses or be better entrepreneurs.
Reason #1 reminds me of the Nintendo Wii and the DS, both of which are dominating the gaming market because they provide more interactivity. Kinda like what Microsoft Surface promises.
This technology should also reinvigorate companies that produce board games. Imagine playing monopoly on a device like this. You sit down at the table and each person drags their token to their side of the table. You could opt to use real dice or digital dice. The possibilties go on and on. Think of this for Risk, or The Game of Life. Kids board games also: chutes and ladders?
Great site Steve. I just came across it today. I agree this technology sure does open up more possibilities in this industry. It’s definitely keeping it interesting.
This is very cool technology! I cannot wait to see this, but Is this technology Operating System thing? or technology with the machine. I mean I belive many divices are going to use this technology like home electornics, but they don’t have OS right now. So electronic companies have to develop thier own surface technology, and put it into their products.
I think that creates problems of interacting other company’s products. Need Standard?
By the way, I found Youtube, and put it on my blog.
blog about Microsoft Surface Technology
I don’t know if it is an OS thing. I believe it is a working prototype that they will license in various forms.
Microsoft Surface will never hit the market- its just more bs vaporware from microsoft …. which is their standard reaction when a competitor starts selling something new– MS pretends that they are going to enter the market and compete….
But the never do.
I’m guessing this blog is written by someone under 25… MS has been putting out this kind of BS longer than you have been alive. Ever heard of Go? (The ocmpany not the game).
Engineers have learned better….
Surface is just a jerkoff to get Microsoft cocksuckers excited.
I see it worked for you.
Ah yes, it’s about time a cowardly troll showed up.
Joe,
Just so you know, I am 35 and I have worked with Apple and Microsoft Technologies for the last 15 years.
I will agree that they have hyped some software to the point of it turning into vaporware. So has Apple back in the day. They have never brought anything that sophisticated to market with their own hardware and software before which is why I take notice.
And as for your comment as they will never bring this to market, I would just ask that you check your facts. This is from a May 30 article on Starwood Hotels and Resorts announcing that they will be rolling out Microsoft Surface across the hundreds of properties. Here is the article link: http://www.hotelmotel.com/hotelmotel/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=430279
I look forward to your response.
-Steve
Wow! I am realy excited about this device and i can’t wait to try out.
Don’t associate breakthrough products with Microsoft? LOL Seriously that was the opening line?
Microsoft brought the following to market that changed our world forever after:
- Windows (the main OS for PCs around the planet)
- Office applications
- Hotmail (that paved they way and immersed millions into the idea of email)
- MSN Messenger
- Xbox, Xbox live (online game play)
- Media Center software (paving the way to integrate damn near everything in your house one day)
- Sync (with Ford motor company)
- Window’s Mobile for portable devices
- Microsoft Robotics Studio (a platform for plug and play robot development)
- Oh.. how could I forget IE (the worlds dominant browser).. and the many many web programming language.. and server software applications that drive many corporations
… and the list goes on and on…
Though it is on the higher side on your pocket, once its cheaper and available for the common user it will simply change the way people interact with devices. The bottom line is that a brand new adventure is about to start in how we interface with the computers.