Exploration of the Microsoft Surface,Its Current Applications and Its

Potential in the Library Environment

Ruben R. Balderas

Microsoft Surface Origins

2001- A researcher and a hardware designer at Microsoft set about to create an interactive computer table to be used for gaming.

Microsoft Surface Origins

2001- A researcher and a hardware designer at Microsoft set about to create an interactive computer table to be used for gaming.

2003- Prototype built. With the computer’s object recognition capability, the developers realized their creation had potential beyond gaming.

Microsoft Surface Origins

2001- A researcher and a hardware designer at Microsoft set about to create an interactive computer table to be used for gaming.

2003- Prototype built. With the computer’s object recognition capability, the developers realized their creation had potential beyond gaming.

2004- Microsoft commits to the new technology. They create the Surface Computing group, whose task it is to continue to improve upon the computer’s original design.

Microsoft Surface Origins

2001- A researcher and a hardware designer at Microsoft set about to create an interactive computer table to be used for gaming.

2003- Prototype built. With the computer’s object recognition capability, the developers realized their creation had potential beyond gaming.

2004- Microsoft commits to the new technology. They create the Surface Computing group, whose task it is to continue to improve upon the computer’s original design.

2007- The team finishes prototyping with a design ready for consumers.

Microsoft Surface Origins

2001- A researcher and a hardware designer at Microsoft set about to create an interactive computer table to be used for gaming.

2003- Prototype built. With the computer’s object recognition capability, the developers realized their creation had potential beyond gaming.

2004- Microsoft commits to the new technology. They create the Surface Computing group, whose task it is to continue to improve upon the computer’s original design.

2007- The team finishes prototyping with a design ready for consumers.

2008- Microsoft Surface hits the market and finds buyers in industries ranging from medicine to travel.

Surface Display

30” touch screen display

Surface Display

30” touch screen display

Recognizes up to 52 inputs at once

Surface Display

30” touch screen display

Recognizes up to 52 inputs at once

Recognizes both digital and non-digital devices

Surface Display

30” touch screen display

Recognizes up to 52 inputs at once

Recognizes both digital and non-digital devices

Cameras and infrared sensors

Current Applications of the Microsoft Surface

Media Sharing

Financial Applications

Medicine

Hotels/Casinos

Restaurants

Education

Gaming

Disclaimer: If any level of nerdiness causes you discomfort or any physical reaction such as, but not limited to, skin irritation, now may be a good time to leave the room.

I’m guessing that the fact that you are in this room right now is a testament to your tolerance for nerdiness.

So, hold on.

Potential for Microsoft Surface in the Library

Media Sharing- Pictures, Music, Ebooks

Media Sharing- Pictures, Music, Ebooks

Enhanced Searching

Media Sharing- Pictures, Music, Ebooks

Enhanced Searching

Instant Book and Author Information

Media Sharing- Pictures, Music, Ebooks

Enhanced Searching

Instant Book and Author Information

Self-Checkout

Media Sharing- Pictures, Music, Ebooks

Enhanced Searching

Instant Book and Author Information

Self-Checkout

Financial Applications

Media Sharing- Pictures, Music, Ebooks

Enhanced Searching

Instant Book and Author Information

Self-Checkout

Financial Applications

Medical Applications

Media Sharing- Pictures, Music, Ebooks

Enhanced Searching

Instant Book and Author Information

Self-Checkout

Financial Applications

Medical Applications

Mapping Capabilities

Media Sharing- Pictures, Music, Ebooks

Enhanced Searching

Instant Book and Author Information

Self-Checkout

Financial Applications

Medical Applications

Mapping Capabilities

Gaming

Restrictions

Cost Unit alone costs $12,500 Unit with installation, maintenance, protection plan and shipping

costs $16,000

Restrictions

Cost Unit alone costs $12,500 Unit with installation, maintenance, protection plan and shipping

costs $16,000

Applications specifically designed for the library have not been created yet.

Should Libraries Invest in the Microsoft Surface?

Should Libraries Invest in the Microsoft Surface?

NOT YET.