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Microsoft's surface-like Sphere demonstrated

by Parm Mann on 29 July 2008, 11:34

Tags: Micro-Star

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Microsoft's multi-touch Surface device finally made an appearance at US AT&T stores earlier this year, but we're still waiting to see one on this side of the pond.

News on the Surface front has been a little quiet as of late, but Microsoft Research has been working away on its next multi-touch invention; Sphere.

The completely round device features an internal projection system and uses an infrared system to detect multiple touches. There has been plenty of theories for potential uses of the Sphere, and Microsoft's Hrvoje Benko gave SeattlePI the following demonstration earlier today:

There's certainly a lot of potential there, but Benko states that the Sphere is merely "an exploration of ideas," there are no current plans to offer the device as a product.

We always enjoy seeing innovative demonstrations, but it's a shame we rarely see such devices achieve their potential. We're still hoping for a Surface table in the living room by 2010, but we wouldn't bet on it.



HEXUS Forums :: 3 Comments

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It's impressive, but I can't think of many domestic applications. Using it as say a TV screen would mean that only half of it could be seen, unless it was in the center of a room with people sitting around it and multiple duplicate images shown.
Cool technology. globe displays have been around for a while, there used to be a huge one is Schippol airport, but obviously it wasn't interactive like this.

As for home uses, can't think of any either. Engadget sums it up about right though “Ultimately, it will appear in public spaces like lobbies as part of a larger ecosystem of Surface gear.”
I'd want a pair. Then I could sit at home stroking my balls all day.