It would seem my post on how incredible multi-touch screens would be was right on point. Yesterday Microsoft released news of their new interface called “Microsoft Surface”. Following this link you can see videos of the device in action, but non coincidentally, it looks a lot like the device by Perceptive Pixel I wrote about previously. Apparently some people are having problems viewing Microsoft’s Surface page because it requires too high a version of flash, so I’ve done a screen capture of the page for all to view which you can access through any of the photographs below.
Basically, Microsoft Surface is a table-top like 
device, about the size of a coffee table, which has a multi-touch screen display on top. All input is performed on the surface of the ‘table’ by both hands or the user, or in the case of multiple users, everyone’s hands. One can only imagine the collaboration which would occur if everyone seated at a large conference table had access to all of the photographs or documents displayed on this ‘table’ so that Sharon could work on digitally editing a photograph or Word Document, then, just as she would a paper document, pass it over to John sitting across the table from her for review and further editing.
This usage of the multi-touch display technology would revolutionize office environments, fostering truy collaborative work in the same room; as opposed to the current method of everyone working on something from their own cubicle.
As for lawyers, imagine having one of these screens dislayed on its side, so it looks much like the television or projector screen we typically place in front of the jury. Now, instead of being limited to a slideshow presentation or Sanctions display controlled by someone at counsel’s table, the attorney could present and control everything from the display. Resizing documents by touching them, highlighting areas by running his finger across the display. This immediate interaction would be invaluable to the trial attorney, especially a solo-practitioner.
Of course, due to the initial price of the device, $5,000 to $10,000 per unit if it were available to consumers, this is something you will most likely see first in retail and commercial settings like Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Harrah’s Entertainment and T-Mobile. According to Pete Thompson, general manager of Microsoft Surface Computing, these devices will start to be seen in the above-mentioned facilities in November 2007.