Surface Computing: Cool But It Didn’t Take Off

3 years ago, Microsoft was the leading tech firm, which spearheaded the then surface computing industry. The demo looked sleek, cool and promising but today, we don’t see much implementation.

In a nutshell, surface computing leverages on multi-touch technology with interface displayed on a gigantic screen akin to a coffee table.

The technology is smart enough to detect any items placed on the screen, say a mobile phone or digital camera. Information from these devices is easily displayed and organized with a few swipes.

Now, compared to the iPhone and iPad, Microsoft’s surface computing is certainly far more superior. But it didn’t take off simply because the product and market aren’t ready. It’s cool but the product doesn’t add value to consumers at that stage. Who would spend $10,000 on the device just to view photos and sync information across digital devices? Most of us are contented with our laptops, which have far superior capabilities. The parody video says it best.

Apple, on the other hand, makes technology simple. The multi-touch technology is instead built on the iPhone and eventually the iPad. It’s a success because multi-touch technology with phone functions is simply a lethal equation – consumers simply love it. Apple didn’t stop there; as it went on to establish the world’s largest mobile application store. And the apps are built to leverage on the sleek user experience that touchscreen technology provides. Apple truly turned a smartphone smart. The iPhone has thousands of different capabilities, all reachable within a few taps and swipes (There’s an app for that).

End of the day, technology means nothing to consumers if it doesn’t add value to our daily lives. On a fair note, surface computing was developed for commercial use. But I guess that probably didn’t work out well too.