AT&T first to use Microsoft's Surface computer
updated 12:40 pm EDT, Wed April 2, 2008
AT&T first with MS Surface
AT&T on Wednesday announced it will be the first company in the world to use Microsoft's Surface computer in select retail stores. The multi-touch screen will allow customers to explore the mobile service provider's products and services. The computer's object recognition abilities also allow it to transfer digital content to devices via integrated Bluetooth 2.0 or built-in Wi-Fi and network capability, giving AT&T the ability to upload content to shoppers' cell phones.
Customers will be able to place demo phones on the screen to get more information on features, specs and functions, and even compare two side-by-side in the same way. Their own phones, if supported by AT&T's network, can also be updated with ringtones, music and videos.
Microsoft Surface is made up of a 30-inch touchscreen display built into the top of a coffee table that has the ability to sense touch and scan barcode-like ID tags of products, making it ideal for commercial use. Surface can recognize dozens of points of contact, allowing multiple users to interact with content simultaneously.
AT&T will have the Surface up and running on April 17 in its New York City, Atlanta, San Antonio and San Francisco stores.
I still...
04/02, 12:59pm reply
...find it funny that it looks like a giant iphone. :-)
greenG4
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Joined: Aug 2002
i still....
04/02, 01:03pm reply
....don't really find anything interesting about this PoS.
Herod
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Joined: Jun 2007
i still...
04/02, 01:34pm reply
...find it funny to watch CSI:Miami with their pseudo "Surface Computing" device that using monitors as well as a huge surface that no one looks at while their using it.
Tim_s
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Joined: Jul 2006
and the G5 grill
04/02, 01:35pm reply
a giant iPhone encased by a Mac Pro's holed sheetmetal.
cblackmo
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Joined: Nov 2006
not innovative
04/02, 02:03pm reply
I know firms that have been using 'touch' on large displays for years. For instance, boeing uses 30" ACDs with a laser grid on top of them in place of heads-down display controls in their simulators. With that, you can change the cockpit layout for any different number of fighter models and use the same hardware.
Yes AT&T may have signed on with M$ for the revenue and little news stories like this, but it's nothing to get excited about.
danviento
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Yeah...
04/02, 02:17pm reply
..it does look like a giant iPhone! Someone should hack the display and stick iPhone icons on it for laughs!
Guest
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Joined: Nov 1999
MS funding
04/02, 02:54pm reply
Yeah, I'd bet MS approached ATT (hm, the service provider of the iPhone, coincidence?) and is providing 100% of the funding to set these things up in their stores. The tables will probably have "Brought to you by Microsoft" or "Powered by Miscrosoft Surface" plastered all over them.
ender
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Joined: Mar 1999
Kinda Pointless
04/02, 03:25pm reply
Ok so MS gets their foot in the door with the surface.. whoopee, I'm there for a phone, not a table.
InfraredAD
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Joined: May 2001
quality?
04/02, 04:04pm reply
Of the OLEDs I've seen, the quality isn't all that hot. Yes, they're much cheaper to produce, but I'd be concerned about the display quality and longevity until they've developed them further. Apple is HIGHLY unlikely to use them if it knocks down display quality. That's one of the iPhone's major selling points (can't help but miss the wow factor when you first pick one up).
OLED is almost as much of a pie-in-the-sky technology as 'green' 'alternative' fuel sources, at this point. Yes there's plenty of hype stories around the potential for OLED, but I wouldn't hold my breath on waiting for a model utilizing them.
danviento
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of course....
04/02, 05:03pm reply
...if this was an Apple-labeled surface computer, you all'd be salivating to get your hands on one and try it out, because it's soooooo cooool.
testudo
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