Microsoft has made public it’s new platform that has been in the works for the past few years. Details are scarce, but apparently it works on the same principles that occur in the “Perceptive Pixels” post I authored around a month or two ago. It’s a touch-screen, two-way communicating, interactive, Media Center-emulating PC platform. In a change in strategies, Microsoft is making this hardware to sell, as it seems that they’re going to be delivering a new, innovative piece of tech here with the device, codenamed ‘Milan‘. Features and a video in a second…
EDIT: “Forbes has disabled embedding feeds, so you are going to have to watch the video at YouTube.com. Clicking on the embedded player will link you to the video in question. Sorry for the inconvenience.” -Billy
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This new system is touchscreen based, with cameras inside the unit to detect multiple contact points and other forms of interaction. By other forms of interaction, I mean communicating with a smart phone, wireless-enabled MP3 player, digital camera, or even hotel rewards cards. It does this through it’s embedded 802.11b and g wireless packages and a wired RJ-45 Ethernet connection. One of the more fascinating interactions occurs when one of the developers whips out his Zune and his hotel rewards card, and browses a specially-made application. He looks for a song he wants to buy with his rewards points, and purchases it by setting the card on the table and automatically deducting points when he confirms the purchase. He then uploads the song to his Zune by setting the Zune on the table and uploading it wirelessly via drag-and-drop mechanics.
They say something like a “hotel card” because that is one of the few establishments that will get first-edition versions of this computer. The initial target markets are high-traffic, large businesses such as casinos, hotels, department stores, or any business that sees many consumers and operates on long hours. The Milan can also act as a kiosk for information and special purchasing, adding to the value this holds for retail stores. Unfortunately, the PaulTech labs won’t be on this list, as the first-generation machines will cost between $5,000-$10,000 dollars a pop. The developers, however, are committed to seeing other variations and iterations of this technology; and yes, even some for residential homes.
So, it may not be new, but it’s clever; and it’s a refreshing change of pace for Microsoft to do something like this. Who knows what else or where else you might find this new technology soon!
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oooooh coool. gaming would be really fun