Computing, once seamlessly synonymous with technological progress, has not grabbed headlines in recent memory. We have not had a 'killer ap' in computing in the last few years. Maybe you can count Wi-fi access to laptops in 2002-03 as the most recent one, but if that is not a sufficiently important innovation, we then have to go all the way back to the graphical World Wide Web browser in 1995. Before that, the killer ap was Microsoft Office for Windows in 1990. Clearly, such shifts appear to occur at intervals of 5-8 years.
I can, without hesitation, nominate surface computing as the next great generational augmentation in the computing experience. This is because surface computing entirely transforms the human-computer interaction in a matter that is more suitable for the human body than the mouse/keyboard model is. In accordance with the Impact of Computing, rapid drops in the costs of both high-definition displays and tactile sensors are set to bring this experience to consumers by the end of this decade.
BusinessWeek has a slideshow featuring several different products for surface computing. Over ten major electronics companies have surface computing products available. The most visible is the Microsoft Surface, which sells for about $10,000, but will probably drop to $3000 or less within 3-4 years, enabling household adoption.
As far as early applications of surface computing, a fertile imagination can yield many prospects. For example, a restaurant table may feature a surface that displays the menu, enabling patrons to order simply by touching the picture of the item they choose. The information is sent to the kitchen, and this saves time and reduces the number of waiters needed by the restaurant (as waiters would only be needed to deliver the completed orders). Applications for classroom and video game settings also readily present themselves.
Watch for demonstrations of various surface computers at your local electronics store, and keep an eye on the price drops. After seeing a demonstration, do share at what pricepoint you might purchase one. The next generation of computing beckons.
Related :
This is a big deal. But we don't need to wait that long or spend that much for one:
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/johnny_lee_demos_wii_remote_hacks.html
Direct brain-computer interactions will be much more revolutionary. One might think it will be the next killer ap 5-8 years after this one, but it may be coming a lot sooner. http://emotiv.com/INDS_2/inds_2_1.html
Posted by: Aric | July 12, 2008 at 08:53 AM
Windows 7 will be the first major OS to feature touch. They have tablets that are capable of it, already. It's not mainstream yet.
Aric, I don't think there will be-all-end-all input device - whether it is touch, brain-computer interaction or voice. Unless it is multifunctional and can do everything from move a mouse, play the latest FPS and be able to read your thoughts coherently for writing documents, it's going to be a very minor but important technology.
I hope they will be able to do that within the next 5 to 8 years and I look forward to it.
Posted by: Chris S. | July 12, 2008 at 12:52 PM
I have been using a Wacom tablet for Photoshop for a few years now. It's a huge improvement over drawing with a mouse. (A process I compared to using an etch-a-sketch) I'm thinking we aren't too far from direct wiring into our nervous system. Speak its name and it appears.
Anyone want to buy a slightly used CD/ DVD collection?
Posted by: Paul Moore | July 13, 2008 at 04:52 AM
I am positive towards this development. Almost everything I do with a computer will change. However, I doubt I will be more productive.
Posted by: jeffolie | July 13, 2008 at 10:36 AM
jeffolie,
You will become more productive on many existing tasks. But you will also find new forms of entertainment that will distract you and waste the surplus time (just like the Internet did for people).
Posted by: GK | July 14, 2008 at 10:42 AM
How can an UI be a killer app? Doesn't any new UI need a killer app (ie. you have it precisely the wrong way around). Anyway, touch has a bright future in many niches, but a very dim one in general computing. The arm is heavy. You don't want to be moving it around a lot. The MS Surface / Jeff Han stuff makes for neat demos, but it is destined to fail, if to fail means to "not be used for the vast vast vast majority of ordinary computing tasks". Most of what "surface" computing can do in the consumer sphere, like your restaurant example, can be achieved relatively cheaply through mobile phone technology, ironically enough where touch will be a genuinely important evolution.
Posted by: TIck Tock | July 30, 2008 at 06:05 AM
There are already restaurants with touch screens and mouse screens for cheaper tables that offer computer assisted waiting.
Posted by: Alucard | October 12, 2008 at 09:24 AM