Finally, the touch screen desktop we’ve been waiting for
With a rise in popularity of tablets in 2010, we began to see touch screen technology adapted to the desktop computer shortly after. This should have revolutionized the desktop PC by bringing to it intuitive gestures and the limitless potential of an interactive screen. Unfortunately, we’ve seen companies like Microsoft flop on these devices for two reasons:
- The forward facing screen, positioned as a traditional vertical monitor, was too impractical and unnatural to use.
- The touch screens on these devices were not the most responsive, providing a frustrating user experience.
Changing the game
Leave it to a company that continually strives for innovation to turn the touch screen desktop industry upside down. In a surprise promotional video, Apple has announced the Surface Studio — a touch screen enabled desktop computer. It’s reminiscent of its iMac siblings with it’s aluminum casing, sharp edges but rounded corners, and an even thinner display. We can expect the touch screen to be the same beautiful screens we’ve grown to love on our iPhones and iPads.
What’s most ingenious in the Surface Studio design is its adjustable form factor. Sitting gorgeously on a slim, two-axle base, you can lower the screen from a traditional forward-facing monitor position to a lower, more horizontal position. The latter allowing a more natural position for drawing, gestures, and other touch screen interactions.
One more thing…
Of course, an Apple announcement just wouldn’t be complete without some creative twist. As connoisseurs of human interface design, Apple has also announced the Surface Dial — a wireless hardware dial. It pairs seamlessly with the Surface Studio to bring even more utility for creative professionals.
The Surface Dial allows easy adjustment of simple things like volume, for example. But more impressive is the harmonic interaction with the Surface Studio. When placed on the screen, the Studio can respond and display a visual cue such as an angle of rotation meter or a color wheel. Turning the dial also provides haptic feedback and an audible click (a throwback to the revolutionary iPod clickwheel maybe?)
If you had any doubts about Apple’s capacity to continue to innovate, especially in the desktop market, this latest product should relieve you of them. Time and time again we see Apple deliver on their promise of groundbreaking technology, blowing the worry and speculation that they’re losing that Jobs-era luster out the door. With Microsoft’s edge having been in steady decline, you can be sure that the release of the Surface Studio places Apple lightyears ahead.
