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The future of...remote controls
How often do you lose the TV remote? ZDNet correspondent Sumi Das explains why the days of digging under couch cushions may be numbered ...
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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 ...
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The future of... Dressing rooms
Need to update your business wardrobe, but don't have the time to scrutinize yourself in the fitting room mirror? Researchers at PARC are working ...
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The future of... Boarding passes
Fed up with long check-in lines before you fly? Tired of trying to remember where you tucked away your boarding pass? ZDNet correspondent Sumi ...
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The future of... Sticky notes
Without a doubt, sticky notes are handy, but in many ways they're stuck in the analog world. ZDNet correspondent Sumi Das introduces us to ...
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The future of... Ink
Imagine a magazine that updates its articles whenever new information is available. A tablet that stores all the textbooks a university student will ever ...
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The future of... Mobile device chargers
No power? No problem. ZDNet correspondent Sumi Das takes a look at kinetic energy technology that charges mobile phones and devices without ever needing ...
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The future of... Paper
It's a possible fix for the reams and reams of paper that are printed, used briefly, and then tossed everyday. ZDNet correspondent Sumi Das ...
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The future of... Sticky notes
Without a doubt, sticky notes are handy, but in many ways they're stuck in the analog world. ZDNet correspondent Sumi Das introduces us to Quickies, an MIT Media Lab invention that combines sticky note convenience with PC intelligence. Think smart notes that send meeting reminders and add phone numbers to your address book.
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The future of... Dressing rooms
Need to update your business wardrobe, but don't have the time to scrutinize yourself in the fitting room mirror? Researchers at PARC are working on putting an end to dressing room indecision. ZDNet correspondent Sumi Das meets up with the brains behind the "responsive mirror" and tries the technology on for size.
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The future of... Mobile device chargers
No power? No problem. ZDNet correspondent Sumi Das takes a look at kinetic energy technology that charges mobile phones and devices without ever needing an electrical outlet. The mobile device charger generates power from motion, whether it's in a pocket, a briefcase, or the glove compartment of a car.
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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.
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The future of... Ink
Imagine a magazine that updates its articles whenever new information is available. A tablet that stores all the textbooks a university student will ever need. Or a supermarket shelf tag that automatically reflects price changes. ZDNet correspondent Sumi Das shows us how electronic ink is turning the page on a new era for displays.
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The future of... Boarding passes
Fed up with long check-in lines before you fly? Tired of trying to remember where you tucked away your boarding pass? ZDNet correspondent Sumi Das explains how paperless mobile boarding could help solve these problems and speed you through the airport.
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The future of... Paper
It's a possible fix for the reams and reams of paper that are printed, used briefly, and then tossed everyday. ZDNet correspondent Sumi Das takes us inside the Palo Alto Research Center where scientists are developing a way to print an image that disappears, allowing the paper to be used dozens of times.
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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 | Log in | Terms of Use
You must be kidding right?
mikifinaz1@... | 08/27/09
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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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