Microsoft’s new “Surface Computer” is a tabletop converted to an interactive surface. Interaction with digital content on the Surface display is through natural gestures, touch and physical objects. Examples of surface computing demonstrators have been around for a while but, Microsoft are the first to convert research (5 years) into a consumer electronics product.

Microsoft Surface consists of a 30-inch acrylic tabletop powered by a special Vista computer, 5 cameras and a DLP projector. Microsoft intend to ship Surface units with a portfolio of basic applications, including photos, music and games.

Words are not the best way to convey the interactivity concept used with Surface units, so following are a couple of videos which demonstrate some of the features.

Microsoft Promotional Video

Microsoft Surface Business Demo