Devices like the Windows Surface have been in development for what feels like an age, and delivered very little. Now 3M Touch Systems is showing off a 46-inch prototype touchscreen table at CES that allows up to 60 touch points, and sounds like it might actually be useful.
Initially split up into four distinct screens so users can share the device, the display can also be toggled to show two separate screens, or just one for uninterrupted viewing. You can also press an on-screen button and rotate an isolated screen to show someone what you’re looking at.
The CES demo device is able to run a browser, show Twitter feeds, demonstrate how it would be used for food and drink, and more, according to Engadget. This models’ a prototype, and an official launch should come sometime in Q3 2012. 3M plan to test the device in schools and other educational settings before it’s rolled out onto the commercial market. So at least it should be able to survive sticky hands and things being spilt on it by the time it arrives.
The device will support up to 60 touch points, and can even ignore elbow and forearm touches, so its easy to imagine the device being used in crowded spaces like retails stories, restaurants and bars. A touchscreen table that might actually be useful? [Engadaget]
Matt
Sunday, January 15, 2012 at 10:27 PMAbout time i recon. I have been waiting for windows surface for a very long time. I am glad someone else is giving this ago! can’t wait to have a look and play with this amazing new gadget!
Ben
Monday, January 16, 2012 at 9:25 AMUnfortunately this screen is only capacitive. One of the unique things about the Surface is that it uses optical sensors which allow it to recognise anything such as objects, shapes and text and not just ‘touch points’
MotorMouth
Monday, January 16, 2012 at 10:00 AMYeah, for me that is the magic of Surface – being able to put your credit card face-down on it and have it read all your details and stuff like that. It is a complete package and I can’t understand why it hasn’t taken off. If I had a restaurant or cafe and was looking to attract customers, it would be a no-brainer for me.
AlanW
Monday, January 16, 2012 at 10:29 AMWell there is a reason it hasn’t taken off – neither Microsoft or Samsung have marketed it. I have repeatedly tried to acquirean SUR40 and there is no interest in selling to anyone other than a select few.
Timmahh
Monday, January 16, 2012 at 10:35 AMAre you sure 3M didn’t just use their patented double sided tape to stick four touch pads to a frame! Kind of an oddball thing for a tape manufacturing company to get into, I mean I know they make other things, but this is way off to left field!
Sketchy
Monday, January 16, 2012 at 10:58 AMIt’s not really that far left field, they’ve been making overhead and digital projectors for a long time now.