Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Look

[LexLuthor]

I knew this was eventually coming. I'll be getting one.

The software giant has 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.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/industry/4217348.html

 

[Darthphere]

What's the point?

 

[jaguarr]

More vaporware from Microsoft. In the form of a coffee table, no less. Meanwhile Apple releases the iPhone on the public in just a few more days, which introduces a completely new way to interact with a computer in the form of it's gesture sensors and touch screen. Not to mention that it's portable and combines the features of a full-size computer with an iPod and a phone. And it's actually real and something you can buy right now.

Nice coffee table plans, Bill.

jag

 

[Jack Rabbit]

That's so cool!

 

[PhotoJones]

So basically, all you can do is resize and twist pictures?

 

[Darthphere]

I'd honestly have no use for that. I mean, I want a coffee table to put stuff on it, and I don't care if they say you can, I would not put anything on that table.

 

[jaguarr]

So basically, all you can do is resize and twist pictures?

You can also set your drink on it.

jag

 

[PhotoJones]

You can also set your drink on it.

jag

Oh, yeah. I forgot.

 

[Darthphere]

So basically, all you can do is resize and twist pictures?

Ok, I found a use. I would put on my Power Glove and act like Tom Cruise in Minority Report.

"What are you doing?"

"Trying to stop a murder mom, now get me my jetpack"

I want a jet pack.

 

[Jennifer Walters]

It's a pretty cool idea, but it's a still a coffee table.

 

[jaguarr]

A Microsoft JetPack would kill people. Fo' real.

jag

 

[PhotoJones]

Ok, I found a use. I would put on my Power Glove and act like Tom Cruise in Minority Report.

"What are you doing?"

"Trying to stop a murder mom, now get me my jetpack"

I want a jet pack.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Except it's resizing snapshots. Instead of...you know...doing something useful.

 

[Darthphere]

A Microsoft JetPack would kill people. Fo' real.

jag

Rundll32 error!

"Oh ****!"

 

[jaguarr]

It's a pretty cool idea, but it's a still a coffee table.

It's an idea from the same people who somehow surmised that the way to cut into the iPod marketshare was to make an MP3 player that was much bigger, give it neutered wireless capabilities so you could "squirt" your friends (yes, that's what they called it), call it "Zune" and paint it poopstain brown. What were you expecting? Personally, I'm holding out for the touch screen clothes hamper that is sure to follow this coffee table product.

jag

 

[jaguarr]

Rundll32 error!

"Oh ****!"

The Blue Screen Of Death would take on literal meanings.

jag

 

[Wilhelm-Scream]

heh

Wilhelm - Christianity
jaguarr - Microsoft

 

[jaguarr]

heh

Wilhelm - Christianity
jaguarr - Microsoft

Wherever there is evil, we'll be there to fight it...


jag

 

[Kritish]

This looks so pointless.

 

[Jennifer Walters]

I personally want a touch screen toilet. I want to be able to resize my own poop Microsoft you hear me?! MY OWN POOP.

 

[Darthphere]

I can see this being cool at hotels and casinos, which is what the market for this product is aimed at. Other than that, if I got it for free, I wouldn't turn it down.

 

[PhotoJones]

The more I think about this, the more I wonder about the practicality of this thing. I mean seriously. It's a coffee table. Computer. Is there anyone who would actually buy one of these?

 

[Darthphere]

The more I think about this, the more I wonder about the practicality of this thing. I mean seriously. It's a coffee table. Computer. Is there anyone who would actually buy one of these?

Yuppies?

 

[kingman]

I thought of this when I saw what it was about

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFoaA8VNj4Q

 

[PhotoJones]

Yuppies?

They can put their $5 coffee on it.

 

[Darthphere]

They can put their $5 coffee on it.

I mean, it's the type of thing someone would buy and then invite all their friends over to see it. There will be some ooh and ahh's but eventually (2 days tops) the novelty wears off and you have a $10,000 coffee table.