Microsoft Surface - from Science Fiction to Reality

Microsoft Surface, the company's first step into the surface computing industry is an actual representation of how technology connects the dots between science fiction and reality. And the fact of the matter is that Microsoft's example of surface computing was featured in a Hollywood blockbuster as it was still a prototype under development. Microsoft has envisioned Surface as a product designed to break down the barriers between people and technology, via the most simple human gestures and touch.

Gestural, touch and object recognition and intuitive user interaction interfaces have been a trademark of future technologies in movies such as "Minority Report" from 2002 and "The Island" from 2005. But what is less known is the fact that the interactive technology in "The Island" was not an imaginative product, but the actual Microsoft Surface.

"The Surface fit in because we thought that it looked quite interesting. The fact that it was touchable, interactive made it a perfect fit for the 'futuristic' setting of "The Island". We worked with Microsoft to bring together some of their existing technologies to make them look ahead of its time. We just wanted to wow people with what the future could look like, so we talked with Microsoft and other companies about what they wanted shown. Microsoft was contracted for several product placements in the movie, so they were already involved in the production of the movie," Michael Nguyen, who participated in the production of "The Island", as cited by Long Zheng.

Reality for Microsoft Surface means not only the Wall Street Journal's D: All Things Digital conference where the technology was showcased by Microsoft Chief Executive officer Steve Ballmer but also Saturday, June 9, at the Sheraton New York Hotel & TowersSaturday, June 9, at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers, as Mary Jo Foley reports. Over the weekend those present at the hotel were able to try out hands-on Microsoft Surface.