Microsoft enters the furniture market

I thought for a moment that it was April Fools Day again... but apparently not. In fact, Microsoft Surface is creating quite a buzz, including here, here, and lots more. Surface "features a 30-inch tabletop display whose unique abilities allow for several people to work independently or simultaneously. All without using a mouse or a keyboard." It all makes a bit more sense if you watch a demo:

Despite the buzz, this solution isn't completely unique. For example, it reminds somewhat of the interface developed by Ted Han at Perceptive Pixel (covered by Wired) - you might remember this demo from earlier in the year:

Also have a look at Coeno and their Office of Tomorrow project. I'm sure there are other examples and related ideas out there.

Technorati tags: Touch Screen Technology, Microsoft Surface, Ted Han, Perceptive Pixel, Coeno, Office of Tomorrow, Collaboration, Knowledge Management