Microsoft: Walls will become computers of the future

Bill Gates talks of getting "everywhere"

By Ina Fried, 15 May 2008 16:24

NEWS

Speaking to a crowd of CEOs, Bill Gates, Microsoft chairman, showed off prototype technology he said will allow home and office walls to become computers.

While Microsoft's Surface computers are currently shipping for about $10,000, Gates said the hardware costs for such products need not be that high. Within a few years, it could be in the hands of individuals.

Gates said: "We're saying it will be absolutely pervasive. When I say everywhere, I mean the individual's office, the home, the living room."

What Gates showed yesterday was a four-foot by six-foot prototype called TouchWall.

Along with TouchWall, Gates demonstrated the software that accompanies it, known as Plex. TouchWall itself uses infrared and laser technology to sense touch input, Microsoft said.

Comments

There are 2 comments. Join the discussion

  1. 1. David King

    So when the computer goes wrong, it will be like talking to a brick wall?

  2. 2. anonymous

    The irony of not being able to use a wall as a Microsoft Surface computer, if it has Windows in it is not lost on me :-) ................

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