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August 18, 2008: Microsoft Relevant Products/Services Corp. is putting its touchy-feely side to the test at the Sheraton Hotel.
The software giant yesterday showed off its new Surface technology at five Sheraton hotels nationwide, including the Boston location. The demonstration allows the public to get a feel for Microsoft's first fully touch-screen computer.
"I was very impressed with its capabilities," said Jessica Aron, who tapped into the music player and Google Earth features while her father, Mark, watched. "It is really cool-looking. I was impressed that it's basically all-in-one, with all the things that you can do with it. It's the future, I guess."
The table-like Surface computer operates entirely through a 30- inch interactive screen, which works along the same lines as Apple's iPhone. But the Surface also recognizes and interacts with objects such as iPods and digital cameras that it comes in contact with, allowing users to edit photos or play music on the spot. The display, which rotates, can also recognize multiple hands or fingers.
"I think that this would be a great application for a business desk," said Mark Aron. "Your calendar's there. Your client comes in, you can write up a work order or whatever, turn the paper around, hand them a stylus and say, sign here."
The test computers surfaced at 2 a.m. yesterday in the Boston Sheraton's lobby and 29th-floor club lounge. Staff reported the lobby Surface drew a steady stream of curious people.
Sheraton is looking at the computers as a way to liven up their lobbies. The Boston hotel plans to put another Surface in the bar and maybe more spots if guests can't get enough of it.
"People are going to gravitate to places where they feel comfortable and can stay connected, and having that little extra feature helps," said Sheraton Boston General Manager Mark Anderson. "So, competitively, we definitely see it as an advantage."
Sheraton is the third commercial partner to receive Surface computers, after pilot tests in AT&T stores and Harrah's casinos. Mark Bolger, senior director of marketing for Microsoft services, says the company expects a public launch in two to four years.
Source: http://www.toptechnews.com/story.xhtml?story_id=102007YVIIF0
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