They call it coffee table computing, but it is better known as Surface. For the first time channel partners got a chance to play with the device at the recently concluded Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference in New Orleans.
I, along with Wolf Kirsten, a solution provider from Germany, tested the Surface at a lounge area at the convention center. It was a very popular place for the 9,000 plus attendees at the show. In this video blog I try to help Kirsten find a restaurant in the French Quarter of New Orleans using the Surface. As you will see more training is needed, but it was a very cool product to use.
At $12,000 the unit is pricey for consumers, but according to Microsoft COO Kevin Turner the Surface maybe ideal for healthcare. Imagine a doctor showing a patient his or her X-rays, EKGs or a full view of the cardiovasular system. Through a interactive card, called Connections, the Surface can list the patient’s drug plan and get updates pushed to the local pharmacy.
The Surface is going down in price Turner said and one of the cool things you can do with it is place your mobile device or MP3 player on the Surface and the high-tech coffee table can see your content.
One quick hit before I go. Jordan Chrysafidis, Microsoft Canada’s VP of business and marketing has been promoted to the Redmond, Wash. headquartered. CDN wishes Jordan and his family the very best.