Microsoft Launches Surface

Yesterday Microsoft announced a new product, called Surface, it's basically a computer in a coffee table, with a multi-touch screen.

Designed to do away with the need for a traditional mouse and keyboard, users can instead use their fingers to operate the computer.

It's a bit like the desk used by one of the characters in the film The Island.

I don't make a habit of mentioning new products (too many, and too many others announce them), but I'm very impressed with this (not actually used it obviously). The idea of breaking down barriers to computing and making their interfaces adapt to use, rather than the other way around, forcing us to perform specific operations via a mouse and keyboard, is a step towards making computers a seamless part of our lives.

Surface is currently a little out of the league of most people, with initial price estimates between $5,000 and $10,000 for a 30" model. Microsoft has said they aim to have a cheaper version available for homes in 3-5 years.

You can see some of the possibilities in some of the videos on the Surface microsite.