Microsoft Launches Multitouch Surface Computing [Updatedx2] - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Microsoft Launches Multitouch Surface Computing [Updatedx2]

PopularMechanics has video and details of Microsoft's new "Surface Computing" tables.

microsoftx large 300

The included video includes an interview with Jeff Han, well known for his multitouch demos. Microsoft's solution appears to have significant improvements with wireless interfaction with physical objects.

Gattis took out a digital camera and placed it on the Surface. Instantly, digital pictures spilled out onto the tabletop. As Gattis touched and dragged each picture, it followed his fingers around the screen. Using two fingers, he pulled the corners of a photo and stretched it to a new size. Then, Gattis put a cellphone on the surface and dragged several photos to it just like that, the pictures uploaded to the phone. It was like a magic trick. He was dragging and dropping virtual content to physical objects. I'm not often surprised by new technology, but I can honestly say I'd never seen anything like it.

The initial plans for the device are commercial ($5,000-$10,000) tables not intended for home users. "People will see it in public spaces like bars and restaurants and want to expand it into other environments."

Apple has incorporated Multi-Touch into the iPhone, which is expected to be launched at the end of June.

Update: Microsoft's official site for "Surface" is now available.

Update 2: Another Video from CNet.

Popular Stories

iOS 27 on iPhone 17 1

iOS 27 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Saturday May 2, 2026 8:43 am PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8, and there are already many rumored features and changes for iPhones. The first developer beta of iOS 27 will likely be available immediately following the keynote, and a public beta typically follows in July. Following beta testing, the software update should be released to all users with a compatible iPhone in...
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

Why You Might Want to Wait to Buy a MacBook Pro

Friday May 1, 2026 3:43 pm PDT by
Apple refreshed the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max models in March 2026, but depending on your needs and interests, you might want to skip this generation because there's something better in the works. The M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models have faster chips, but the same design that Apple has used since 2021. An updated design with new display technology and faster ...
macOS 27 on MacBook Pro

Apple to Unveil macOS 27 Next Month With These New Features

Friday May 1, 2026 1:21 pm PDT by
Apple will unveil its latest software platforms during its WWDC 2026 keynote on Monday, June 8, and one of them will be macOS 27 for the Mac. The first developer beta of macOS 27 will likely be available immediately following the keynote, and a public beta typically follows in July. Following beta testing, the software update should be released to all users in September. macOS 26 is known ...

Top Rated Comments

247 months ago
5k -10k.....no thanks...
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
247 months ago
another unoriginal product from msft.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
247 months ago
Ive seen somthing like it *coughs*iPhone*cough*

And theres also that one multitouch video that everybodys already seen,
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)