14 DAY TRIAL // Natural User Interface is a term thrown around more and more in relation with new technology, describing the evolution of human computer interaction to next generation models allowing users to leverage voice, gesture and touch commands instead of a keyboard and a mouse.
While NUIs are indeed being featured in more products than ever, including a range of new offerings from Microsoft, the Redmond company notes that itself and its entire industry have only barely scratched the surface of what possible.
Microsoft’s Steve Clayton enumerated some new products such as Windows Phone 7, Microsoft Surface 2.0, Bing for Mobile, Office 2010 Mini Translator and Kinect for Xbox 360 which feature natural user interfaces, while revealing that the software giant wants to see NUIs everywhere.
“Most people’s view of natural technology is sensory related – touch or speech – but Microsoft’s exploration into NUI is multi-dimensional.
“By combining sensory inputs with the knowledge of what you’re trying to do (contextual awareness), where you are and what is around you (environmental awareness), 3D simulation and anticipatory learning, we can foresee a future where technology becomes almost invisible.
“Imagine a world where interacting with technology becomes as easy as having a conversation with a friend,” Clayton said.
Microsoft is attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and brought with its examples of NUI technologies that it wants participants to touch.
Brad Smith, Senior Vice President and General Counsel shared details from a study conducted by Penn, Schoen, & Berland on behalf of Microsoft which indicates that respondents believe NUIs can be leveraged to kick up a notch a variety of everyday aspects.
“The vast majority of people in both developed and emerging markets see the potential for natural and intuitive technologies to be used in more ways to improve quality of life and help stimulate economic growth,” Smith stated.
Make sure to check out the image on the left in order to get an idea of the statistics shared by Microsoft in the study.
