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| Microsoft unveils table computer | Microsoft unveils table computer |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| Microsoft has unveiled a new touch-sensitive coffee table-shaped computer called "Surface". | Microsoft has unveiled a new touch-sensitive coffee table-shaped computer called "Surface". |
| Designed to do away with the need for a traditional mouse and keyboard, users can instead use their fingers to operate the computer. | Designed to do away with the need for a traditional mouse and keyboard, users can instead use their fingers to operate the computer. |
| Also designed to interact with mobile phones placed on the surface, Microsoft says it will initially sell the unit to corporate customers. | Also designed to interact with mobile phones placed on the surface, Microsoft says it will initially sell the unit to corporate customers. |
| These will include hotels, casinos, phone stores and restaurants. | These will include hotels, casinos, phone stores and restaurants. |
| So-called "multi-touch" interfaces - which allow the user to "gesture" with several fingers at once to manipulate data, rather than relying on a mouse and menus - have been making waves in tech circles for some time. | So-called "multi-touch" interfaces - which allow the user to "gesture" with several fingers at once to manipulate data, rather than relying on a mouse and menus - have been making waves in tech circles for some time. |
| One of the most hotly-awaited examples is Apple's iPhone, which is scheduled to be released in June. | |
| 'Multi-billion dollar category' | 'Multi-billion dollar category' |
| With a 30-inch screen, Surface will initially sell for between $5,000 and $10,000 (£2,525-£5,050). | With a 30-inch screen, Surface will initially sell for between $5,000 and $10,000 (£2,525-£5,050). |
| However, Microsoft said it aimed to produce cheaper versions for homes within three to five years. | However, Microsoft said it aimed to produce cheaper versions for homes within three to five years. |
| "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," said Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer. | "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," said Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer. |
| Microsoft has had a mixed record recently with new consumer products. | Microsoft has had a mixed record recently with new consumer products. |
| While its Xbox games console has been a success, its Zune music player continues to lag far behind Apple's iPod. | While its Xbox games console has been a success, its Zune music player continues to lag far behind Apple's iPod. |