Dan Costa wrote about the Microsoft Surface last year. He called it the "geekiest coffee table ever." Maybe it was, in the abstract. In the real world, geek has been replaced by chic, as Harrah's rolls out Surface technology in the iBar ultra-lounge at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in (Fabulous) Las Vegas.
Introduced through a video featuring a slinkily hot yet Microsoftily proper long-stemmed, high-heeled blond, this isn't the "guy who lives in his parent's basement," Surface. And it's obvious that Microsoft is not yet aiming toward bars with 25¢ wings nights.
Was I surprised to see no Vegas-type gaming in this iteration of the Surface? Yes, I was. Thanks for asking. It makes getting my opinion in a lot easier.
Microsoft and Harrah's have fashioned Surface into what's mainly a social networking tool with four main applications (though, considering it's Vegas, this will probably be the last time the word "applications" will be used).
Flirt Vegas style by adding a hip ultra-lounge vibe to the flirting experience. This application allows guests to create an exciting new way to chat and meet people from one Surface to another. Strategically placed video cameras at each Surface add even more energy to the action, allowing guests to interact with old friends, flirt with new acquaintances, and take and send photos across the lounge.
Mixologists are inspired to create and order their own signature cocktails for themselves or to send to that special someone across the room using Surface and Harrah's intuitive food and beverage application.
Hip-notic describes how guests will feel when kicking back to find and view the latest and most popular online videos with their friends on Surface.
Head Games are taken to a whole new level with Harrah's creative suite of play-for-fun games. With the unique Surface interface, Harrah's adds an exciting new take on some old favorites such as High Roller bowling, Dissed multiplayer pickup pinball, and a Last Call musical memory game that encourage the whole group to play together. Leaderboards add excitement as guests compete with one another to see who can climb to the top of the scoreboard.
Microsoft has also built concierge functionality into the $10,000, 30-inch-square tables, allowing you to explore Las Vegas, get show and concert information, and probably find out where you get those Margaritas they strap around your neck on a rope.
Built on Vista, Surface might be the first use of that operating system to make anyone smile.
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June 13, 2008 4:34 PM
The table is a great idea an the touch screen adds a whole new playing field. The drink creation is a nice addition but the system has to be constantly updated with how much of a specifically liquor they have. I would like to use the flirting part to send messages to ladies across the room. There are a few questions that I have with the table, how thick is the glass if someone spills a drink? What is the life expectancy of the monitor? What happens if the Vista system crashes?