Microsoft's first example of a commercial surface computer is much more than just about the Natural User Interface because of all the hardware the tabletop machine packs. The Microsoft Surface Mobile Connect is an illustrative example of just how far the capabilities of Microsoft Surface can be pushed, especially when it comes down to interaction and communication with additional devices, with a focus on mobile phones. The application demonstrated in the video embedded at the bottom of this article is only available to existing Microsoft Surface customers, via the software giant's Community website for companies that have embraced the tabletop computer.

“We've made another sample application available for our Microsoft Surface customers as a download on our Community site. It's an application geared toward retail or conference spaces. This application allows a user to connect their mobile phone to a Microsoft Surface unit and interact with both their content and that available from the venue,” revealed Eric Havir, sr. manager, Digital Communications at Microsoft/Surface.

Microsoft Surface is capable of detecting the mobile phone by taking advantage of the infrared cameras packed in. In this regard, there is no additional tagging involved in order to tell Surface exactly what the device placed on the machine is. Object recognition and communication is done exclusively via the phone's camera. Of course, a client needs to be installed on the device first in order to allow interaction and communication with Microsoft Surface.

Users will be able to “connect” their phones to Microsoft Surface simply by placing the devices in the designated space of the Mobile Connect application. Following this, the interaction is done completely through Surface. The tabletop computer will enable phone owners to add contacts, to grab ring tones, and even to upload and download pictures to and from their devices. Earlier this week, Microsoft also offered Surface customers access to a downloadable Games Pack tailored specifically to the NUI of the tabletop computer.