Microsoft Surface is a multi-touch horizontal display that allows several users to manipulate different files in a visual manner. The following short video gives a pretty good look at its features.
The functionality and interface ideas are largely presaged in Sony's DataTiles prototype, which appeared in 2001. See Sony DataTiles Inspired By What SF Movie? for more information (and yes, the researchers named the sf movie that inspired their research).
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 5/30/2007)
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Illustrating Classic Heinlein With AI
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Deflector Plasma Screen For Drones ala Star Wars
'If the enemy persists in attacking or even intensifies their power, the density of the plasma in space will suddenly increase, causing it to reflect most of the incoming energy like a mirror.'