Microsoft prepares vertical Surface called TouchWall

Microsoft is preparing to unveil a vertically-oriented, wall-mountable version of its Surface multitouch computing system, which the company calls TouchWall. PC World writes that Microsoft's Research and Office Labs department developed a prototype for the technology, citing that it is ideal for board rooms or other locations where interactive presentations are given. TouchWall uses integrated hardware, which includes laser and infrared lights which pick up touches to the display, through the embedded Plex software.

CEO Bill Gates is preparing to show the prototype to around 115 CEOs, who are meeting at the Microsoft headquarters in Redmond for the company's 12th annual CEO Summit. Among the attendees are General Electric CEO Jack Welch, investor Warren Buffet, and author Thomas Friedman. Portions of the event will be moderated by Tom Brokaw, Charlie Rose, and Michael Kinsley.

Gates is expected to speak about future user interface technology concepts. "We think it's time to amend our slogan of a computer on every desk, because with this we want a computer in every desk," said Gates recently, speaking at the University of Washington.

Filed under: industry
Other story tags: Microsoft, Surface, Bill Gates, TouchWall