Microsoft launches Surface screen

Microsoft is to start selling a new table-like computing device called Surface, which it hopes will kick-start the fledgling touch-screen computing market.

The device looks like a small coffee table with a 30-in display beneath a glass cover.

However, there's no keyboard or mouse since all of its applications can be accessed and used by touch. Users can access and drag information around the screen, creating their own musical playlists and view and share photos from their digital cameras.

The first wave of devices though will be commercial, costing between £2,500 and £5,000, and are slated to appear in leading US hotel chains and casinos by the end of the year. Not only will they act as information devices but people will be able to use them to order food and drinks by just tapping the screen.

Surface is designed to be used by more than one person at a time and has dozens of points of contact. One of the more innovative touches is that it can recognise certain physical objects placed on it, from a digital camera to a wine glass, using bar code technology. For instance, placing a camera on it will prompt Surface to allow users to view their photos on the big display, create albums and email them to friends.

Microsoft said that T-Mobile will be rolling them out in retail stores, where customers can place a handset on Surface, and receive more information on its features and price plans.

"With Surface, we are creating more intuitive ways for people to interact with technology," said Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO. "We see this as a multi-billion dollar category, and we envision a time when surface computing technologies will be pervasive, from tabletops and counters to the hallway mirror. Surface is the first step in realizing that vision."

Surface is one of the few hardware products that Microsoft sells itself, with the manufacturing contracted out to a third party. A cheaper consumer version is planned in the coming years. Visit the Surface Web site here.