Microsoft unveils the Surface Studio all-in-one

There were rumors regarding a possible expansion of Microsoft's Surface family to the desktop, and here it is: the Surface Studio - which brings the magic of the original Surface table and the PixelSense technology to our homes.

Microsoft finally fixes Surface Pro 3 battery bug

Good news, if you are one of the owners of a Surface Pro 3 that suddenly lost its ability to work for more than a few minutes unplugged, the battery fix is finally here - but you'll have to jump through some hoops to install it.

Surface Book "Sleep of Death" keeps it from waking up properly

Looks like the infamous "Blue Screen of Death" might soon give way to a newer phenomena plaguing Microsoft's flasgship Surface Book: the Sleep of Death.

Microsoft unveils Lumia 550, 950, Surface Book, Surface Pro 4, Band and $3000 HoloLens for Developers

Microsoft had promised lots of stuff for this October's event, and they certainly played the part, with devices ranging from wearables to "holographic" glasses, and not forgetting smartphones and tablets, of course.

Surface RT Tablets to cost just $199?

Much has been said about the new Microsoft Surface tablets and especially, how much its price will be a critical point that can either "make it" or "break it". Microsoft didn't disclose any prices (or dates) when it unveiled them for the first time, promising only that they would be "competitive priced".

That didn't stop people from trying to guess how much that would translate to, and some news hinted at some higher than expected prices that would certainly make it very hard for these Surfaces to succeed. But now, we get a completely opposite report, that Surface RT tablet might cost just $199 when it comes to market on October 26th.

A price that does a complete 180º turn over what was expected and that seems to be "too good to be true". Don't take me wrong, I sincerely wish that it might be - and Google/Asus have already proven that it is possible to build and market a high-quality tablet at $199 (the Nexus 7). But the key point here is that Microsoft has several partners that intend to sell similar Windows tablet... and might not be willing to cut back on their margins as much as MS seems to be willing to do on this surface. (Keep in mind we're talking about the Windows RT version - ARM based - not the more powerful Surface/Windows 8 with Intel CPUs).

But one thing's for sure: if MS does come out with a $199 Surface tablet... things can begin to shift quite rapidly on the tablet arena... And we'd all have to gain from this heated competition.

Sony Xperia Tablet gets "Surface" Style Keyboard?

Looks like Microsoft's opportunity for success with their Surface Tablets is narrowing down. While we're still waiting to know how much their tablets will cost, it already seems they'll be having a similar contender. The upcoming Sony Xperia tablet seems to learn a couple of things from the Surface tablet, including a cover-keyboard.

But, these Xperia tablets already have a price, starting at $449 for the 16GB, and $99 for the cover keyboard. Meaning, around $549 for the "pack" (unless they sell it cheaper bundled together). You'll get a quad-core Tegra 3 inside, and although we don't expect it to have a "retina-level" display, it still is within an acceptable price range for an Android tablet.

Meaning... Microsoft better be planning on putting their "competitive priced" Surface Tablets on the market soon, and at similar price ranges... or else... they'll risk having a completely flattened sales volume...

Microsoft Surface Tablets "surface" the Future of Windows Computing

Microsoft has just announced their first self-made and branded tablets: the Surface. A high quality, carefully designed and manufactured tablet that shows that Microsoft is stepping up to protect its own software ecosystem, and in a sense, mimicking what Apple has been doing for so long.
The idea is to have a device capable of taking Windows anywhere, and it will be available in two versions: one powered by an ARM CPU, running Windows 8 RT; and another with a Intel CPU, running the "full" Windows 8 Pro.

Design wise, both models are identical, with the Intel version being slightly thicker (13.5mm vs 9,3mm). And although both use a 10.6" screen, the Windows RT will have a HD screen (720?) leaving the FullHD screen to the Intel version, which also gets USB 3.0. Both models will introduce unprecedented WiFi signal strentgth, thanks to its double antennae (MIMO) - claims MS.

After so much effort has been put into making current touchscreens scratch-proof with Gorilla Glass and the likes, Microsoft takes it a step further and uses a "VaporMg" magnesium alloy that they say is also scratch proof. No matter if it that's the case, the truth is that indeed it looks very high quality.

But this Surface tablet(s) come with some surprises. For starters, it comes with an integrated kickstand that you can flip open or close at any moment's notice. This stand will keep the screen tilted at 22º - and MS has designed its rear camera so it stays leveled at this positioned. Microsoft said the hinges were carefully designed in order to be robust and offer a "luxury car door" feel when you pop it open or close. Once again... it does look great.

But, other than the stand, there were a few nice tricks waiting for us. Instead of providing simple magnetic "smart covers" like we have on the iPad, the Surface offers protective covers with integrated keyboards.

The Touch Cover is only 3mm thick, and offers a full multitouch keyboard  and trackpad. It can even measure the amount of pressure on its keys, in order to tell the difference between actual key presses and you resting your palm over it. If you prefer physical keys, Microsoft also has you covered, with the slightly thicker Type Cover.

Both cover-keyboards are smart enough to know when they're being used or put away behind the tablet - because, let's not forget it... the Surface is a tablet.

But not all went well in Microsoft's "new" Surface presentation. The event was severely delayed (nearly 40 minutes), and - as some would predict - one of the tablets decided to stop working during the presentation, promptly being replaced by a backup unit. But, worst of all, Microsoft failed to announce a precise date for it to reach the market, and equally important... how much will it cost?
MS simply said that the ARM version will be available at the time of Windows 8 launch, with "competitive" pricing; and the other one arriving a few months later, with a price competitive with similar ultrabooks.


Even so, I think this is actually a great move and a big step forward for Microsoft. A move that may be doomed to fail in its first attempt (just like Apple's own first MacBook Air)... but that will eventually succeed, and in the process paving the way for all the future generations of windows computers.


When you think about it, most people would do just fine with such a Windows Surface (the Intel version with full Windows 8 pro under the hood). Something that you can't currently do with any of the popular tablets out there (just try running Autocad, or a full Photoshop suite, or even a browser as good as a "desktop OS" Chrome browser. At least for me it would be the perfect tool! A powerful tablet for most of the day, but able to turn it into a full-fledged "traditional" computer whenever I need it.


Even if it fails (and I'm not saying it will)... I think this is already a big win for Microsoft in the long run.

Augmented Reality "Holographic" Table uses Kinect

We've all seen all the things that one can do using a multitouch table like Microsoft's own Surface. But this augmented reality "holographic" table takes its one step further by using a Kinect to add an extra layer of "depth" to what you can use it for.

The system is quite similar to the original Surface, using a projector underneath the screen, and a infrared laser system and camera that allows it to recognize gestures and touches. The key point is the use of a Kinect sensor that allows the system to know the exact position of the user's head, and thanks to some complex math "magic", allows the screen to show a perspective corrected image that makes it seem like it has real 3D depth.

It's kind of hard to put into words, but you'll be able to grasp it as soon as you see it in action in the following video:

Amazing Surface iPhone iPad Connect

For now, it seems something we can only see in movies - although one can almost certainly imagine we'll have it in our homes... sometime in the future. But, seeing it live as an actual product makes it even more amazing.

This Amnesia Connect allows you to transfer content from a mobile device like an iPhone or iPad to/from a Microsoft Surface table by just dragging content around.

More amazing still, the mobile device screen can act as a "lens" to the displayed content on the surface table, allowing some very interesting effects.

I know it's not easy to grasp it by just reading words... and that's why I urge you to watch the following video, and be amazed by what's about to become "common" in the near future (I hope! :)


Amnesia Connect from Amnesia Razorfish on Vimeo.

Multitouch Multi-Robot Control

Here's a very interesting project showing how to control mutiple robots using a multitouch Surface.

Basically, and although it's demoed using virtual robots (though you can see it working with a real robot in the second video) this system allows you to control a number of units just like you do in many RTS (Real Time Strategy) games.

Just pick the units you want and tell them where you want them to go, either by drawing its paths or touching their destination point.

Check it in action in the following videos.

Evoluce ONE - Surface Table

Little by little, these Surface tables are becoming increasingly popular and common. This Full HD 47" Evoluce ONE uses a "Integrated-Through-Screen-Optics" system allowing it to detect an unlimited number of simultaneous touches, has haptic feedback, and is Windows 7 compatible.

Now all we need is a nice price... so we can get one for our homes. :)

Surface with Physical Keyboard

Here's an amazing project that uses Surface's digital projection with real world elements like mouses and keyboards.

It's the perfect example showing why we need to break free from the assumption that "one computer" equals "one keyboard, one mouse."
In the following video you'll see the amazing possibilities these new interfaces hold.



Prototype by Bjoern Hartman at UC Berkeley.

[via @Johnny Lee]

TacTable - Surface for Everyone

We've all heard a lot about Microsoft Surface and saw a lot of demos... but for the most part it sill is a long way from home for most of us.

Let's see if that will change thanks to TacTable, which uses regular off-the-shelf components, and can probably offer a multitouch table at a reasonable price.

No doubt it would help keep kids and grown-ups gathered around the table instead of running to the couch and sit in front of the TV.

iBar - Longest Surface Table

Just yesterday I was talking about Surface-style technology arriving at the real world, and look just how it was put to use in this Swiss bar iBar.

Made by Mindstorm and nearly 10 meter long, it's probably the longest Surface table around, and it sure is entertaining enough, as you'll be able to see in the following video.

Microsoft Touch Pack for Windows 7

Finally, Surface starts to reach the public. Microsoft has recently announced its Touch Pack for Windows 7.

This pack will certainly entertain all Win7 users having a touch capable computer - preferably a multitouch touchscreen.

The pack contains:

• Microsoft Surface Globe
• Microsoft Surface Collage
• Microsoft Surface Lagoon
• Microsoft Blackboard
• Microsoft Rebound
• Microsoft Garden Pond

NumptyPhysics Multi-touch

I can't stop wanting to play with something like this.

Check out this NumptyPhysics physics simulation "game" playing in a multitouch surface.

Slap Widgets - Physical Feedback on Surface

While Surface style interfaces are increasingly popular, the truth remains that the "touch" experience alone isn't enough for some people and some applications.

For instance, no matter how good you may be using a virtual keyboard on a multitouch surface, the absence of tactile feedback is awkard for many users. That's where Slap's physical widgets come in.

While they aren't really new (we've already seen some physical interaction demos on Surface touchtables) these Slap can be quite effective in bringing these multitouch surfaces into areas requiring physical feedback - whether it's because you can't look at the screen constantly, or simply because you actually depend on that feedback for interaction.

Nothing like a video to show you what I'm talkin about.

Build your Multitouch Surface for $350

Everyone has already seen some sort of demo video of MS Surface - or similar - but the question remains: how long till we can have something like that in our own homes?

According to Maximum PC, you can have it right now, and all you need is some spare parts and $350 to build your own multitouch "Surface", using open-source software (Touchlib, AMCap, FlashOSC.)


Maximum PC's Multitouch Surface Computer from Maximum PC on Vimeo.

You can find all details you'll ever need and a step-by-step tutorial at MaximumPC.

Reactable Multitouch Table

A lot has been written about Surface style equipments - but in the end, they never seem to get out to actual people wanting to use it for something more than just showing it off.


Maybe things will change with this Reactable, using the technology we've already seen to implement a new kind of musical instrument/controller.
Better see it for yourself:

Microsoft Surface SecondLight Explained

I'm sure some of you didn't quite get how Microsoft's Surface SecondLight works. So, here a video explaining how those amazing effects are possible.

Hope that help clear things out a bit...