Microsoft Surface vs. CNN's Magic Wall |
Connect with TechFlash on our Facebook page for all the latest technology news headlines and commentary, plus information and access to special events, photos from events, promotions and more.
Today On Techflash
- Can Microsoft overcome the smartphone app gap?
- Hey recruiters: Here's an R&D lab run by, and for, students
- Apps that waste your time (in a good way): Execs' addictions
- WTIA announces Industry Achievement Award finalists
- Analyst sees 7-inch iPad in Apple future
- Check out this app: Executives list the ones they use most
Mass High Tech
- Microsoft Build: Windows 8 preview a hit, but are investors unhappy?
- Build an app in a day at Mobile App Hackathon
- Beefed-up Skype for Windows; Indie author joins Amazon's 'Kindle Million Club'
- Only solution to Xbox 360 update error is new console
- Ballmer: Windows Phone update 'Mango' has over 500 new features
Microsoft Surface vs. CNN's Magic Wall
John McCain and Barack Obama haven't been discussing tech issues much, but this election season has showcased technology in a different way. Multi-touch, big-screen interfaces are all the rage among the cable news networks -- most notably CNN and its "Magic Wall," which even earned its own Saturday Night Live spoof. More recently, NBC got into the act by bringing in a Microsoft Surface tabletop computer, putting a high-tech sheen on its political coverage.
The concepts are similar, the implementations very different.
CNN's Magic Wall, from Perceptive Pixel, has a vertical orientation that makes for a much more natural feel on camera. In the CNN studios, John King looks like a professor at a very high-tech school. Microsoft doesn't yet offer a vertical Surface commercially, so NBC political director Chuck Todd is relegated to standing behind the horizontal unit, with the image duplicated on a vertical screen, and an overhead shot showing his hands.
However, Todd does get to put those cool chips on the tabletop to bring up different views on the screen. The Surface units can read basic codes on the bottom of those chips and follow preprogrammed instructions based on the codes. (The same approach is used to display information about mobile phones placed on Surface tabletops in AT&T stores.)
See videos from NBC and CNN below, to judge which approach implementation is best.
But the real question is, which network will get the Sphere?
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.
TechFlash Team
Recent Sponsor Posts
Who's creating today's energy efficient buildings? Find out at the BetterBricks Awards, Feb. 16
BetterBricks Awards salute the individuals leading the way for high performance commercial buildings with an emphasis on energy efficiency. Join us as we recognize these standout green building professionals.
Award categories include: Advocate; Architect/Designer; Facility Manager/Operator; and Owner/Developer.
Keynote Speaker: Kevin Kampschroer, Director of U.S. GSA's Office of Federal High Performance Buildings. Kevin leads the U.S. General Services Administration's efforts in building sustainability and accelerating industry adoption of sustainable principles across all aspects of a building's life.
Register here by February 10!
If you are interested in buying a table, email Monica Alquist or call her at 206-876-5404.
The Triple Door Presents: The Atomic Bombshells "J'ADORE!: A Burlesque Valentine"
Seattle's reigning Burlesque super-troupe delivers a gorgeous and glittering VALENTINE featuring some of the Bombshells' most exhilarating acts to date. J'Adore! promises to celebrate l'amour with good humor, style, and a healthy dose of dazzle! Bring a friend, a lover, a family member, or a secret crush, and celebrate with the Valentine's Burlesque spectacular that will leave you shouting: "J'ADORE......The Atomic Bombshells!" The incomparable Jasper McCann emcees with high style and charm.
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
The Triple Door Presents: Bob Mould – See A Little Light: An Evening of Reading and Music
"Bob Mould. Those two words are synonymous with integrity. From Husker Du in the last century to right at this moment, Bob is the real deal, writing and playing music for music's sake. He's a great songwriter and performer. I have been a fan of Bob's for thirty years now with no end in sight." -Henry Rollins
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
Why Choose BDO for your SOC (previously SAS 70) Reports?
BDO’s experience in providing attestation services (SAS 70/SSAE 16, AT 101, AT 201, AT 601, etc.) to a broad range of industries, and our team of skilled professionals distinctly qualifies us to serve as your company’s Service Auditor. By leveraging the BDO global network of control specialists, we are poised to provide global services in more than 1,000 offices and across 119 countries. Many organizations find that investing in reports on controls may result in benefits, including:
• Increased client confidence
• Improved competitive advantage
• Minimization of frequent audits
• Streamlined business processes and controls
• Enhanced risk management
For detailed information contact Paul Martini at pmartini@bdo.com.
