Microsoft Surface Computing

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer today unveil Microsoft Surface at All Things Digital conference, “the first in a new category of surface computing products from Microsoft that breaks down traditional barriers between people and technology.

Surface computing technology can recognize physical objects from a paintbrush to a cell phone and allows hands-on, direct control of content such as photos, music and maps.

Surface also features the ability to recognize physical objects that have identification tags similar to bar codes. This means that when a customer simply sets a wine glass on the surface of a table, a restaurant could provide them with information about the wine they’re ordering, pictures of the vineyard it came from and suggested food pairings tailored to that evening’s menu. The experience could become completely immersive, letting users access information on the wine-growing region and even look at recommended hotels and plan a trip without leaving the table.

Update:

Thanks Christine for pointing me to video session with Ballmer.