The History of Microsoft Surface

The History of Microsoft Surface

The making of Microsoft’s first commercially available surface computer

May 2007

Beyond the Mouse and Keyboard

Surface computing is a major advancement that moves beyond the traditional user interface to a more natural
way of interacting with digital content. Microsoft Surface™, Microsoft Corp.’s first commercially available
surface computer, breaks down the traditional barriers between people and technology to provide effortless
interaction with all forms of digital content through natural gestures, touch and physical objects instead of a
mouse and keyboard. Although customers will be able to interact with Surface in select restaurants, hotels, retail
establishments and public entertainment venues by the end of the year, the product has been years in the making
at Microsoft.

“Tub” model prototype
An Idea Inspired by Cross-Division Collaboration

In 2001, Stevie Bathiche of Microsoft Hardware and Andy Wilson of
Microsoft Research began working together on various projects that
took advantage of their complementary expertise in the areas of
hardware and software. In one of their regular brainstorm sessions,
they started talking about an idea for an interactive table that could
understand the manipulation of physical pieces. Although there were
related efforts happening in academia, Bathiche and Wilson saw the
need for a product where the interaction was richer and more intuitive,
and at the same time practical for everyone to use.

This conversation was the beginning of an idea that would later result
in the development of Surface, and over the course of the following year, various people at Microsoft involved
in developing new product concepts, including the gaming-specific PlayTable, continued to think through the
possibilities and feasibility of the project. Then in October 2001 a virtual team was formed to fully pursue bringing
the idea to the next stage of development; Bathiche and Wilson were key members of the team.

Humble Beginnings on an IKEA Table

In early 2003, the team presented the idea to Bill Gates, Microsoft
chairman, in a group review. Gates instantly liked the idea and
encouraged the team to continue to develop their thinking. The virtual
team expanded, and within a month, through constant discussion and
brainstorming, the first humble prototype was born and nicknamed T1.
The model was based on an IKEA table with a hole cut in the top and
a sheet of architect vellum used as a diffuser. The evolution of Surface
had begun. A variety of early applications were also built, including
pinball, a photo browser and a video puzzle. As more applications were
developed, the team saw the value of the surface computer beyond
simply gaming and began to favor those applications that took advantage T1 prototype
of the unique ability of Surface to recognize physical objects placed on the
table. The team was also beginning to realize that surface computing could be applied to a number of different
embodiments and form factors.

Over the next year, the team grew significantly, including the addition of Nigel Keam, initially software
development lead and later architect for Surface, who was part of the development team eventually tasked with
taking the product from prototype to a shipping product. Surface prototypes, functionality and applications were
continually refined. More than 85 early prototypes were built for use by software developers, hardware developers
and user researchers.


One of the key attributes of Surface is object recognition and the ability of objects placed on the surface to trigger
different types of digital responses, including the transfer of digital content. This feature went through numerous
rounds of testing and refining. The team explored various tag formats of all shapes and sizes before landing on the
domino tag (used today) which is an 8-bit, three-quarter-inch-square tag that is optimal thanks to its small size.

At the same time, the original plan of using a single camera in the vision system was proving to be unreliable. After
exploring a variety of options, including camera placement and different camera lens sizes, it was decided that
Surface would use five cameras that would more accurately detect natural movements and gestures from the surface.

Hardware Design

By late 2004, the software development platform of Surface was well-established and attention turned to the form
factor. A number of different experimental prototypes were built including “the tub” model, which was encased in a
rounded plastic shell, a desk-height model with a square top and cloth-covered sides, and even a bar-height model
that could be used while standing. After extensive testing and user research, the fi nal hardware design (seen today)
was fi nalized in 2005. Also in 2005, Wilson and Bathiche introduced the concept of surface computing in a paper for
Gates’ twice-yearly “Think Week,” a time Gates takes to evaluate new ideas and technologies for the company.

From Prototype to Product

The next phase of the development of Surface focused on
continuing the journey from concept to product. Although much
of what would later ship as Surface was determined, there was
significant work to be done to develop a market-ready product
that could be scaled to mass production. “So much work goes
into turning a prototype into a product that can handle the strain
and stress of everyday use,” Keam said. “For instance, when we
developed the T1 prototype, it couldn’t be moved without having to
recalibrate it. Now, obviously the product can easily be moved. To

Microsoft Surface today get Surface to where it is today, the code had to be rewritten from
the ground up.”

In early 2006, Pete Thompson joined the group as general manager, tasked with driving end-to-end business and
growing development and marketing. Under his leadership, the group has grown to more than 100 employees.
Today Surface has become the market-ready product once only envisioned by the group, a 30-inch display in
a table-like form factor that’s easy for individuals or small groups to use collaboratively. The sleek, translucent
surface lets people engage with Surface using touch, natural hand gestures and physical objects placed on the
surface. Years in the making, Microsoft Surface is now poised to transform the way people shop, dine, entertain
and live.

“Seeing Surface grow from a small germ of an idea to a working prototype and then to a full-fledged market-
ready product has been an amazing journey,” Wilson said. “This is a radically different user-interface experience
than anything Microsoft has done before, and it’s really a testament to the innovation that comes from marrying
brilliance and creativity.”

Beyond Surface — Surface Computing Tomorrow

Although surface computing is a new experience for consumers, over time Microsoft believes there will be a
whole range of surface computing devices and the technology will become pervasive in people’s lives in a variety
of environments. As form factors continue to evolve, surface computing will be in any number of environments

— schools, businesses, homes — and in any number of form factors — part of the countertop, the wall or the
refrigerator.

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Microsoft is a trademark of the Microsoft group of companies.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

For more information, press only:
Liz DeBord, Edelman, (206) 268-2210, liz.debord@edelman.com
Cindy Roeller, Edelman, (206) 268-2258, cindy.roeller@edelman.com



Microsoft Surface

Frequently Asked Questions

May 2007

What is Microsoft Surface?

Microsoft Surface™, the first commercially available surface computer from Microsoft Corp., turns an ordinary tabletop into a vibrant, interactive surface. The product provides effortless interaction with digital content through natural gestures, touch and physical objects. Surface is a 30-inch display in a table-like form factor that’s easy for individuals or small groups to interact with in a way that feels familiar, just like in the real world. In essence, it’s a surface that comes to life for exploring, learning, sharing, creating, buying and much more. Soon to be available in restaurants, hotels, retail establishments and public entertainment venues, this experience will transform the way people shop, dine, entertain and live.

How does Surface work?

At a high level, Surface uses cameras to sense objects, hand gestures and touch. This user input is then processed and the result is displayed on the surface using rear projection.

What is surface computing?

Surface computing is a new way of working with computers that moves beyond the traditional mouse-and-keyboard experience. It is a natural user interface that allows people to interact with digital content the same way they have interacted with everyday items such as photos, paintbrushes and music their entire life: with their hands, with gestures and by putting real-world objects on the surface. Surface computing opens up a whole new category of products for users to interact with.

What are the key attributes of surface computing?

Surface computing has four key attributes:

· Direct interaction. Users can actually “grab” digital information with their hands and interact with content by touch and gesture, without the use of a mouse or keyboard.

· Multi-touch contact. Surface computing recognizes many points of contact simultaneously, not just from one finger, as with a typical touch screen, but up to dozens and dozens of items at once.

· Multi-user experience. The horizontal form factor makes it easy for several people to gather around surface computers together, providing a collaborative, face-to-face computing experience.

· Object recognition. Users can place physical objects on the surface to trigger different types of digital responses, including the transfer of digital content.

How does Surface benefit consumers?

Surface breaks down the traditional barriers between people and technology, providing effortless interaction with digital content. Similar to the way ATMs changed how people got money from the bank, Microsoft is changing the way people will interact with all kinds of everyday content, including photos, music, a virtual concierge and games. Common, everyday tasks become entertaining, enjoyable and engaging, alone or face-to-face with family, friends or co-workers.

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This document is for informational purposes only. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT.

Microsoft and Microsoft Surface are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

For more information, press only:

Liz DeBord, Edelman, (206) 268-2210, liz.debord@edelman.com

Cindy Roeller, Edelman, (206) 268-2258, cindy.roeller@edelman.com

Microsoft Surface

Fact Sheet

May 2007

Name of Product: Microsoft Surface™

Category: Surface computing

Product

Overview: Surface is the first commercially available surface computer from Microsoft Corp. It turns an ordinary tabletop into a vibrant, interactive surface. The product provides effortless interaction with digital content through natural gestures, touch and physical objects. In essence, it’s a surface that comes to life for exploring, learning, sharing, creating, buying and much more. Soon to be available in restaurants, hotels, retail establishments and public entertainment venues, this experience will transform the way people shop, dine, entertain and live.

Description: Surface is a 30-inch display in a table-like form factor that’s easy for individuals or small groups to interact with in a way that feels familiar, just like in the real world. Surface can simultaneously recognize dozens and dozens of movements such as touch, gestures and actual unique objects that have identification tags similar to bar codes.

Surface will ship to partners with a portfolio of basic applications, including photos, music, virtual concierge and games, that can be customized to provide their customers with unique experiences.

Surface

Computing: Surface computing breaks down traditional barriers between people and technology, changing the way people interact with all kinds of everyday content, from photos to maps to menus. The intuitive user interface works without a traditional mouse or keyboard, allowing people to interact with content and information by using their hands and natural movements. Users are able to access information either on their own or collaboratively with their friends and families, unlike any experience available today. Surface computing features four key attributes:

· Direct interaction. Users can actually “grab” digital information with their hands and interact with content through touch and gesture, without the use of a mouse or keyboard.

· Multi-touch contact. Surface computing recognizes many points of contact simultaneously, not just from one finger as with a typical touch screen, but up to dozens and dozens of items at once.

· Multi-user experience. The horizontal form factor makes it easy for several people to gather around surface computers together, providing a collaborative, face-to-face computing experience.

· Object recognition. Users can place physical objects on the surface to trigger different types of digital responses, including the transfer of digital content.

Features: Multi-touch display. The Surface display is capable of multi-touch interaction, recognizing dozens and dozens of touches simultaneously, including fingers, hands, gestures and objects placed on the surface.

Horizontal orientation. The 30-inch display in a table-sized form factor allows users to share, explore and create experiences together, enabling a truly collaborative computing experience.

Dimensions. Surface is 22 inches high, 21 inches deep and 42 inches wide.

Materials. The Surface tabletop is acrylic, and its interior frame is powder-coated steel.

Requirements: Standard American 110–120V power

System: The Surface custom software platform runs on Windows Vista™ and has wired Ethernet 10/100 and wireless 802.11 b/g and Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity.

Availability: Beginning at the end of this year, consumers will be able to interact with Surface in hotels, restaurants, retail establishments and public entertainment venues.

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This document is for informational purposes only. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT.

Microsoft, Windows Vista and Microsoft Surface are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

For more information, press only:

Liz DeBord, Edelman, (206) 268-2210, liz.debord@edelman.com

Cindy Roeller, Edelman, (206) 268-2258, cindy.roeller@edelman.com

For Release 12:01 a.m. EDT

May 30, 2007

Microsoft Launches New Technology Category: Surface Computing Comes to Life in Restaurants, Hotels, Retail Locations and Casino Resorts

First commercially available surface computer from Microsoft breaks down barriers and provides effortless interaction with information using touch, natural gestures and physical objects.

CARLSBAD, Calif. — May 30, 2007 — Picture a surface that can recognize physical objects from a paintbrush to a cell phone and allows hands-on, direct control of content such as photos, music and maps. Today at the Wall Street Journal’s D: All Things Digital conference, Microsoft Corp. CEO Steve Ballmer will unveil Microsoft Surface™, the first in a new category of surface computing products from Microsoft that breaks down traditional barriers between people and technology. Surface turns an ordinary tabletop into a vibrant, dynamic surface that provides effortless interaction with all forms of digital content through natural gestures, touch and physical objects. Beginning at the end of this year, consumers will be able to interact with Surface in hotels, retail establishments, restaurants and public entertainment venues.

The intuitive user interface works without a traditional mouse or keyboard, allowing people to interact with content and information on their own or collaboratively with their friends and families, just like in the real world. Surface is a 30-inch display in a table-like form factor that small groups can use at the same time. From digital finger painting to a virtual concierge, Surface brings natural interaction to the digital world in a new and exciting way.

“With Surface, we are creating more intuitive ways for people to interact with technology,” Ballmer said. “We see this as a multibillion 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.”

The Human Touch

Microsoft Surface puts people in control of their experiences with technology, making everyday tasks entertaining, enjoyable and efficient. Imagine ordering a beverage during a meal with just the tap of a finger. Imagine quickly browsing through music and dragging favorite songs onto a personal playlist by moving a finger across the screen. Imagine creating and sending a personal postcard of vacation pictures instantly to friends and family, while still wearing flip-flops.

Surface also features the ability to recognize physical objects that have identification tags similar to bar codes. This means that when a customer simply sets a wine glass on the surface of a table, a restaurant could provide them with information about the wine they’re ordering, pictures of the vineyard it came from and suggested food pairings tailored to that evening’s menu. The experience could become completely immersive, letting users access information on the wine-growing region and even look at recommended hotels and plan a trip without leaving the table.

Surface computing at Microsoft is an outgrowth of a collaborative effort between the Microsoft Hardware and Microsoft Research teams, which were struck by the opportunity to create technology that would bridge the physical and virtual worlds. What started as a high-level concept grew into a prototype and evolved to today’s market-ready product that will transform the way people shop, dine, entertain and live. It’s a major advancement that moves beyond the traditional user interface to a more natural way of interacting with information. Surface computing, which Microsoft has been working on for a number of years, features four key attributes:

· Direct interaction. Users can actually “grab” digital information with their hands, interacting with content by touch and gesture, without the use of a mouse or keyboard.

· Multi-touch. Surface computing recognizes many points of contact simultaneously, not just from one finger like a typical touch-screen, but up to dozens of items at once.

· Multi-user. The horizontal form factor makes it easy for several people to gather around surface computers together, providing a collaborative, face-to-face computing experience.

· Object recognition. Users can place physical objects on the surface to trigger different types of digital responses, including the transfer of digital content.

Surface Puts People in Control

Surface will be shipped to partners with a portfolio of basic applications, including photos, music and virtual concierge applications that can be customized to provide their customers with unique experiences. Harrah’s Entertainment Inc., Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., and T-Mobile USA Inc. will be some of the first companies to provide their customers with Surface computing experiences. These first partners are exploring a variety of avenues for Surface, which may include the following:

· Harrah’s Entertainment. Guests at Harrah’s Entertainment’s Las Vegas properties, including Caesars Palace and the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, can explore the wide variety of dining, entertainment, night life and gaming experiences available at its network of area casinos. Using the interactive virtual concierge in Microsoft Surface, guests can reserve tickets to an Elton John concert, review the menu at chic eatery Bradley Odgen, take a tour of the world-famous PURE nightclub, book a luxurious spa treatment or redeem Total Rewards loyalty program credits for a broad range of merchandise. The virtual concierge can directly connect users to amenities available at any of Harrah’s seven Las Vegas casinos, allowing guests to “visit” multiple venues and plan their itineraries without ever getting up from their table. “When visitors to Las Vegas choose to stay at one of our casinos, they can enjoy the amenities at all of them,” said Tim Stanley, Harrah’s chief information officer and senior vice president of innovation, gaming and IT. “Microsoft Surface is a great way to help our guests get the most out of their trips to Las Vegas by putting all the offerings and experiences we make available at their fingertips.”

· Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. (NYSE: HOT) will initially launch Surface at Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Starwood’s largest and most global brand. Surface will help bring interaction, connectivity and play to Sheraton hotels’ new lobby experience, currently being rolled out in key cities worldwide. To provide guests with greater service, unique experiences and entertainment, Sheraton embraced Surface as a key component of its lobby transformation. Surface will enable guests to browse and listen to music, create their own playlists, send photos home, download books, and even order food and drinks — all with the drop of a credit card or their Starwood Preferred Guest loyalty card. “We are creating new and engaging ways for our guests to connect with their passions while away from home. Microsoft Surface puts us at the forefront of technology and allows guests to interact with each other and our hotel in a revolutionary way,” said Hoyt H. Harper II, senior vice president for Sheraton.

· T-Mobile USA. Customers in T-Mobile retail stores might place different cell phones on Surface’s interactive surface where product features, prices and phone plans would appear so they could be easily compared. “We are continuously working to build the greatest retail experience we can for our customers,” said Bonita Inza, vice president of Retail at T-Mobile USA. “They tell us they want more information about our products and services, but in a way that is easily accessible, at their own pace and with the amount of detail that they prefer. Surface is one example of how we’re turning our stores into a playground where customers can comfortably explore exciting new products in their own personal way.”

Surface will also be made available through a distribution and development agreement with IGT (International Game Technology NYSE: IGT), a global company specializing in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and sales of computerized gaming machines and systems products.

“Consumers now have an entirely new way to get the information they need, turning their everyday tasks into enjoyable and engaging experiences,” said Pete Thompson, general manager of Microsoft Surface Computing. “There are hundreds of thousands of restaurants, hotels and retail locations that are looking to give their customers the unique and memorable experiences that Surface will provide. In turn, companies have a new opportunity for generating additional revenue streams and increasing retail traffic.”

About Microsoft Surface Computing

Microsoft Surface Computing brings to life a whole new way to interact with information that engages the senses, improves collaboration and empowers consumers. By utilizing the best

combination of connected software, services and hardware, Microsoft is at the forefront of developing surface computing products that push computing boundaries, deliver new experiences that break down barriers between users and technology, and provide new opportunities for companies to engage with people. More information can be found at http://www.surface.com.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

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Microsoft and Microsoft Surface are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

For more information, press only:

Liz DeBord, Edelman, (206) 268-2210, liz.debord@edelman.com

Cindy Roeller, Edelman, (206) 268-2258, cindy.roeller@edelman.com

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft^® Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx.

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