To us, computing means a keyboard and a mouse (or some sort of point device). However, it is possible that, in the near future, a keyboard and a mouse may be museum relics. That was how computers operated in the early days. What will replace the keyboard and mouse will be a computing surface that responds to touch.

Here is a demonstration of the technology posted on YouTube: TableTop Interaction

Microsoft is introducing this interactive technology:

“Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer plans to unveil the first of these interactive tables, branded Microsoft Surface, today at the D: All Things Digital executive conference in Carlsbad, Calif. The initial products, pitched at businesses, consist of a 30-inch acrylic horizontal display that sits on top of a nearly 2-foot-tall table. The public will likely get its first peek in November in restaurants, hotels, casinos and stores. Commercial launch partners include Harrah’s Entertainment, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, T-Mobile USA and global gaming machine designer International Game Technology (IGT).”

Link: Table is set for computing

We would like to think that we are advanced in technology, with the machines that we have now. In a decade or two, those geeks will look back and consider us the technology neanderthals.

Catherine Forsythe

Tags: microsoft, surface tabletop computer, keyboard, mouse, the next wave, touch technology