Microsoft Surface is a multi-touch horizontal display that allows several users to manipulate different files in a visual manner. The following short video gives a pretty good look at its features.
The functionality and interface ideas are largely presaged in Sony's DataTiles prototype, which appeared in 2001. See Sony DataTiles Inspired By What SF Movie? for more information (and yes, the researchers named the sf movie that inspired their research).
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 5/30/2007)
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Prairie Madness - And Space Sickness
'Space-sickness is one of the most unpleasant sensations that a human being can experience. Not all are subject to it...'
'Old People Began to Cross The Continent In Their Own Cars'
'It was a relief to enter one of the comfortable autos, whisper a direction down the tube, and just know that you would be taken to your destination in the quickest, safest, and cheapest manner.'
Starfall Manufacturing Drugs In Space
'The vast spinning sphere of Factory in the Sky loomed above and ahead of us, gleaming white against the unfathomable jet depths of surrounding space.'
The Solar Oberth Slingshot
'And if it doesn’t work,' inquired Lazarus, 'what does that make us? Sunspots?'
'If Anyone Is Watching Earth...'
'Our study of your race has convinced us that you are not fitted to leave your planet in the present state of your civilization.'