Sony atracTable to improve on Microsoft Surface's formula
updated 04:50 pm EDT, Mon May 3, 2010
Sony creates MS Surface-like PC
The Microsoft Surface table-like PC will soon get its first real competition, thanks to Sony and its atracTable. The device is due out this June, and is powered by technology from Swiss company Atracsys, which sold the tech to Sony. Sony will create a 35-inch atracTable, prototypes of which are now out and feature a full HD screen with a high contrast.
The PC will likely be used in retail stores, as it allows interacting with any devices placed on top of it. The system can also analyze body movements of a body, arm, hand or finger. Sony says it can also read a user's age, sex and feelings such as happiness, anger, surprise, sadness and neutrality.
It uses two Sony ISS XCD-V60 cameras to create a 3D image. The cameras can then be used to control a cursor, avatar or robot. Whether multi-touch input is supported is unknown, but likely. No pricing for the atracTable has been revealed. The device was originally developed for the medical field, but can also serve gaming, industrial or retail businesses. [via Pocket-Lint]
