Windows Vista's Windows Aero graphical user interface and Mac OS X's Tiger's Aqua both pale in comparison with the level of interactivity delivered by Microsoft Surface, the Redmond Company's next generation user interface, based on surface computing. The Wall Street Journal's D: All Thing's Digital conference in Carlsbad, Calif was the stage where Microsoft Chief Executive Office Steve Ballmer introduced the company's first surface computing product.

"Surface computing is a completely intuitive and liberating way to interact with digital content. It blurs the lines between the physical and virtual worlds. Microsoft is the first major technology company to bring surface computing to market in a commercially ready product. Although there are some companies working on similar technology projects, nobody is doing exactly what we are with Surface. Surface is a horizontal display on a table-like form factor that morphs from an ordinary table-top into a new, vibrant way to bring connected entertainment and digital content to users," revealed Corporate Vice President Tom Gibbons.

Microsoft Surface enables the user to interact via hand gestures, it is able to recognize and keep track of multiple points of touch and even recognize and react to objects. "Surface computing is a powerful movement. In fact, it's as significant as the move from DOS [Disk Operating System] to GUI [Graphic User Interface]. Our research shows that many people are intimidated and isolated by today's technology. Many features available in mobile phones, PCs and other electronic devices like digital cameras aren't even used because the technology is intimidating. Surface computing breaks down those traditional barriers to technology so that people can interact with all kinds of digital content in a more intuitive, engaging and efficient manner," Gibbons added.

Microsoft Surface is a product that has resulted from the collaboration between Microsoft Research and Microsoft Hardware. Although the first Surface customers will be corporations and businesses as Surface comes at $10,000 a pop, Microsoft also envisions a time when the technology will be made available to home users. For your viewing delight, I have integrated a few images of Surface. Enjoy!