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RE: The future of... concierges
Is this a tech story or a info-ad? With experience in this kind of application in terms of kiosks, we found that users often don't know what kind of question to ask.

And putting my phone on the... (Read the rest)
Posted by: bgai_bob Posted on: 08/27/09 You are currently: a Guest | | Terms of Use
You must be kidding right?  mikifinaz1@... | 08/27/09
RE: The future of... concierges  bgai_bob | 08/27/09

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The future of... concierges

Traveling for work can take you to little-known cities, but that doesn't mean you need to wander the streets when you're looking for the closest copy center, train station or restaurant. ZDNet correspondent Sumi Das visits Microsoft to learn how it's multi-touch computer, Surface can point you in the right direction.

>> One height strip and one power strip and transfer on the 28th we'll bring it down here.

>> Ok.

>> A business trip takes you to an unfamiliar city you'd like to explore but you feel lost once you step outside the hotel. In the future a virtual concierge can put the keys to the city at your fingertips.

Music

>> A PC powers this tabletop trove of information but interaction is transformed by Microsoft's Surface which lets you use the most natural interface, your fingers. Just point and drag. Infrared cameras imbedded inside the unit track everything happening on the surface, a computer processes this input, a projector displays the image and a diffuser turns the table top into a large screen. It all enables multiple people to use Surface at the same time so colleges or fellow travelers can help you figure out the best lunch spot for your business meeting and how to get there. Then set your cell phone down and the details of your day are synched automatically thanks to Surface's ability to recognize objects and transfer information wirelessly. The only snag is it has to be Windows Mobile or Java enabled.

Background chatter

>> Microsoft admits the technology is no substitute for the warm, personable customer service only humans can provide but adds there's something to be said for efficiency. Beyond concierge like services Surface enables collaboration with colleges without having to huddle over a small 15 inch screen. Perhaps you're an architect and you want to share some photos from a site survey just drop your camera or your phone onto the tabletop and the images will start to download to Surface making for easy viewing without having to fumble for a USB cable.

Background music Surface could also detect tags embedded in objects such as hotel membership cards. Business travelers could instantly manage their reservations by laying the card on the display, helpful when there are long lines in the lobby. From concierge services to office solutions Surface can help business travelers find their way. For ZDNET I'm Sumi Das.

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