Part II: AT&T launches "Surface" computing at retail [photos]

When placed on the surface, appropriately tagged phones -- with "domino tags" that are akin to two-dimensional barcodes -- will automatically display the model name and number as well as "menu" that can display additional information about the phone, including plans, accessories, features, and specifications. When two phones are placed on the surface, the surface immediately displays a few side-by-side comparative points on the phone. Users can even see compare colors by changing the color of the displayed phones by dragging an (available) color to the phone.

Engaging with each object on the screen is fairly intuitive, but sometimes embedded elements may confuse customers. Each information "container" may have its own elements within it, like a video with a play button or a list of features with in a scrolling window (which automatically adjusts the font size proportionately to the zoom of the window). However, trying to resize an object with a scroll text element is not only difficult, but counter intuitive: users must apply the zoom gesture to the (small) portion of the window outside the scroll element, but inside the window. Some sort of visual feedback (e.g. highlight) would easily help users understand which portion of the entire object they are interacting with and which gestures are appropriate.

The Surface is designed to work around a multi-user interface that enables several users to gather around the table and view information from different points of view. Although limited to a single item, users can move, zoom, and rotate information "containers" with either text, movies, or photos, enabling them to interact with the information without regarding to orientation from any position around the table.

The collaborative aspect of Microsoft Surface is intriguing, but it does have some limitations: placing a second phone on the surface while somebody else is viewing information on automatically put the surface into the phone feature comparison mode. Future versions may allow users to simultaneously explore information and specs on multiple phones on the same surface, representatives said.

While not revolutionary, the technology is engaging and at a retail level, gives customers easy access to information and allows them interact with that information in new ways. It certainly has the potential revolutionize the way shoppers engage and learn about products.

Filed under: computers
Other story tags: Microsoft, AT&T, retail, Surface