Microsoft Surface

The Surface is one of Microsoft’s latest innovations for the home, workplace and entertainment centres. By using a large LCD monitor placed on it’s back and the use of motion sensor technology, users can use their hands to interact with no just the monitor but also use whatever that can be recognised by the sensors with it.

For example, with the application of a magnetic field, instead of having to pass their credit card over the to the waiter and have him or her swipe at a card machine, all that needs to be done is to place the card on the Surface and the card can be read and the amount credited immediately, no fuss no muss. What makes the Surface also stand apart from conventional touch screen devices are that the whole touch sensation need not be so simple as to be just used for movement. The Surface can also detect gestures that are made by the hand with the proper software and this can be translated into pictures or words on the display surface. Another thing that makes it stand out from other devices are the fact that it is not limited to one user at a time but many people can be interacting with the surface at the same time. This allows the Surface to be used for rather fun party applications.

How I would implement the Surface in my own establishment is to use as a dining table for guests, after installing a tough enough cover over it, of course. In fact, it need not be used just in a dining room but in the waiting area as well. The Surface can be used to make orders for the food that the patrons wish to have and while they are waiting, they can choose whatever light entertainment they wish to have. By changing the display on the Surface, guests can customise the dining experience that they wish to have, like changing the colour of the ‘tablecloth’ or the light that the Surface produces.

The Surface need not be used plainly for these purposes. In the near future, the Surface can be used for industrial applications as well, replacing traditional touchscreen displays for a better experience for the workers.