New handsets running Windows 7.5 mobile are getting ready for their launch and Microsoft of course has a huge interest in seeing them successful and viable competitors to Android and iOS. To bring focus to the devices being launched, and generate interest, Microsoft set up a giant, three story tall “mobile phone” at NYC’s Herald Square.
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Nokia Shows Its New Windows Smartphones
Nokia took a big hit in the face of onslaught by iOS and Android devices, and Microsoft’s Windows Mobile platform wasn’t doing much good either. So a while back, the two got together and announced a collaboration for new Nokia phones that would be based on the Windows platform. Their work now seems to have borne fruit in the shape of these brand new Nokia mobile phones running on Windows.
Microsoft’s New System Turns Any Surface Into A Touchscreen
For a while now, we have been seeing concepts that use projection technology to virtually turn any surface into a touchscreen. Desirable as these systems are, they have always been something out of reach, not quite ready for production. Things for such systems now seem to be looking up with the entry of Microsoft into the arena.
Kinect Graffiti provides scrumptious feasts of eye candy
Kinect Graffiti project initially took off as a tool that made use of Microsoft Kinect’s camera for graffiti styles. As you can see, it can be a lot more, providing an endless dose of eye candy. Some creative use with this thing could go a long way.
Via Core77
Microsoft shows new official steering wheel for the Xbox 360
Microsoft has gone wireless for its new official steering wheel for the Xbox 360. Apparently made specially for Forza 4, Microsoft claims the wheel will work with all titles. Due to hit market shelves in October, the wheel is priced at $60.
Via: Gizmodo
Microsoft creates wireless mouse series with artists
Microsoft teamed up with artists to launch the creatively titled series “Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500 Studio Series Artist Edition.” The super creative name aside, the series had participation of six artists, each making a mouse the work of art with different patterns and striking uniqueness. Each of the mice have the artists signature at the bottom and are proclaimed to have a battery life of 8-months on a single AA battery. The mice are priced at $30.
Via: ChipChick
Microsfot stylus is whatever you want it to be
It isn’t quite attractive to look at, but the stylus from Microsoft Research can be quite a handy piece. Depending on how you hold it, the tool can be whatever you want it to be. The stylus makes use of capacitive multi-touch and orientation sensors to see how it is being held, and executes the corresponding function. Hold it like a pen, and it will work as a pen, hold it like an airbrush, and it will function like one. Hell, you could even play the flute or saxophone through this contraption.
Via: Engadget, Dvice
Nokia’s Windows Phone 7 concept mobile phone
Nokia and Microsoft have gotten cosy, Symbian’s been sent to its grave, and Windows 7 is now Nokia’s preferred OS. Yes, that was quite a bit of action, and apparently, these are the mobile phone concepts that Nokia may be creating based on Windows 7. So yes, Nokia and Microsoft have been working together, and it seems they may be able to do something right.
Via: Engadget
Microsoft InstaLoad will allow users to insert batteries in any direction
Putting batteries correctly is a minor chore that many gadgets and devices require. While it may be small work, some people do face problems with it, and well, the likes of us could do without checking the polarity before putting the batteries to work. Microsoft’s InstaLoad intends to do exactly that, make checking polarities of batteries obsolete. It is one of those solutions that make you wonder why no one ever thought of this before.
Microsoft’s Pinch-the-Sky looks great
If Microsoft Research’s “Pinch-the-Sky” project is, in reality, half good as it looks here, they are on the right track. The dome highlights multi-point interactions with data in all directions, and the video here focuses on astronomy, showing how well the idea is suited for freehand interactions. It also responds to voice, so it can be simply commanded to select a specified object. Of course, the interactions we see here are only a demonstration, and the project can have many other applications, perhaps it would create a literally immersive computer environment. Video after the jump.