Microsoft Mobile Surface projects motion-sensitive images
Microsoft researchers have shown off a portable system that aims to provide a similar user experience to the touch-sensitive Surface tabletop computer, but without the bulk and expense
At this year's TechFest, an annual get-together for Microsoft researchers (sounds like a hoot), some of the company's employees showed off their work on Mobile Surface. It's a portable system that aims to provide a similar experience to the touch-sensitive Surface tabletop computer, but without the bulk and expense.
The system comprises a mobile phone, a camera and a projector. You can project an image on to a tabletop and then use your hands to interact with it. Unlike with the larger Surface, however, you don't have to actually touch the image to get a response -- you can just wave your hands around in the air, rather like Microsoft's forthcoming Project Natal gaming system.
Microsoft hasn't said when or if the technology will make it out of its research labs, but projectors have already crept into gadgets such as the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj camera and Samsung Beam i8520 phone, so it's possible we could see Mobile Surface at large in the not-too-distant future.
TechFlash took a trip to a TechFest preview event and captured some footage of Mobile Surface in action. Hit play on the video below to find out more, and hear someone coughing at inconvenient moments during the demonstration.