Microsoft's "Pseudo-Transparent" and Fold-Up PCs

waderoush writes "At the CHI 2009 conference, which wrapped up yesterday in Boston, Microsoft researchers showed off two radical prototypes that push the boundaries of user interfaces. One was a 'pseudo-transparent' iPhone-like device called nanoTouch, which has a trackpad on the back rather than a traditional touch screen and gives visual feedback in the form of a simulated image of the user's finger (the effect is like looking straight through the device). The other was a folding dual-screen device called Codex that can switch automatically between landscape, portrait, collaborative, or competitive modes depending on its 'posture' or orientation. If Microsoft doesn't build such devices itself, 'somebody else will, so it's really important to understand what the issues are,' said researcher Ken Hinckley."

Comments

Re:Gorilla Arm for the 21st Century

[AKAImBatman]

If this had an apple logo on it you'd be standing in line to buy one.

An interesting troll, Mr. AC. (Who's apparently now a terrorist! :-P) Unfortunately, one that has made its way into the public consciousness.

Allow me to pose a question to you: If Apple is built entirely on hype rather than substance, then how did they manage to convert so many former Apple haters to their cause?

Maybe, just maybe Apple has earned support from the market by making superior products. Not everyone likes their products (true of any product), but a large enough segment to where their following is strong. Do you really think Apple would manage to remain the poster-child for innovation if their products started sucking? The correct answer is 'no'. They would go back to having a small niche following and a dire financial situation.

Customer loyalty only takes companies so far before customers leave for greener pastures. Just ask Palm. Or Nintendo and Sega five years ago. Or Commodore. Don't forget HP, Sun, and SGI. So on and so forth.