Microsoft Surface is a commercial computing device that utilizes multitouch, infrared and other wireless technology as a user interphase. It has been reported that Microsoft recently decided to speed up development of a home consumer model. The Surface is equipped with a 30" screen and is powered by Microsoft's Vista operating system. The surface has only been released for commercial uses so far and is on display at select AT&T stores.
Fast Facts:
- Released: April 17, 2008
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista
- Screen: 30" Multitouch
- Consumer price rumored to be $5,000-$10,000
- Developer price: $15,000CNET: Microsoft's Surface pricier than anticipated (October 23, 2008)
- Consumer model expected sometime after 2010
History
The original concept was created in 2001 by Microsoft employees Steven Bathiche and Andy Wilson. They led a virtual team in the early development stages until the idea was presented to Bill Gates in 2003. A month later the first prototype, the T1, was created and after two years of testing the hardware specifications were finalized. After two more years of testing, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer debuted the Surface at the D Conference. On April 18, 2008 the firsts models of the Surfaces appeared in AT&T retail locations. Microsoft plans to produce a consumer version of the product in the future.
