Microsoft is a true pioneer when it comes to developing new technologies and implementing them. To showcase what they have created and how those creations will be be incorporated into our everyday lives, Microsoft built a futuristic full-scale model home in a building on its Redwood, Washington headquarters campus. Visitors are encouraged to explore this home to see the technological possibilities at work in a domestic environment.

Last week, Microsoft held an annual event for the press inside its home of the future which was remodeled to represent a future workplace environment. One type of technology that prevailed was a massive touchscreen, described as a hybrid of an iPad and a television set. These screens are based on designs by Perceptive Pixel, a company acquired by Microsoft last year. Perceptive Pixel’s screens, used for the electoral vote maps, were seen on national news during the election. The first large touchscreens that Microsoft sold were the Surface 1 and Surface 2, marketed as table-top touchscreens.

Touchscreens are becoming more prevalent in society and Teltek’s baltimore office has a less sophisticated version of this technology in the lobby of the Emerging Technology Center, courtesty of NV3, another ETC resident. When you enter the third floor of the Can Company, there is a receptionist at the front desk, but if she is unavailable, there is an electronic map of the office layout. You can touch the name of the business on the map and a pop up window provides details on that company.

The touchscreen map at the Emerging Technology Center

Microsoft believes touchscreen technology will become even more prevalent in future offices as tools to promote productivity and collaboration. Their vision is for these displays to replace whiteboards and transform the way presentations are delivered.

These large screens, which are available in sizes of 55 or 82 inches, also permit for more interactive video conferencing as well. The methods by which you interact with Windows 8, including swiping, sliding, typing and using the live tiles are said to be much easier on this larger scale because you can do this with your hand instead of your finger.

At this time, the screens are being widely tested and utilized within Microsoft’s own offices. In addition to testing, Microsoft is also working to bring down the cost of owning one of these displays, which is currently priced at $7,000.00 for the 55 inch model.

Is your office as futuristic as possible? Does it have everything in place to make your workplace efficient and up to date? If not, Teltek can help you integrate a few of the features seen in Microsoft’s version of the future workplace, including videoconferencing and touch screen technology. Give us a call today to explore the possibilities!

Since 1997, Teltek has become an established resource for nearly 2,000 client’s telephone systems, voice and data cable installations, and carrier services. As a Microsoft Certified Partner and Dell Registered Partner, Teltek has the knowledge and resources necessary to keep your computer network and IT infrastructure current and functioning efficiently with the personalized service Teltek clients have grown to admire. With office locations in Baltimore, Bethesda and Westminster, Maryland, we serve clients across MD, DC and VA.

Our longstanding goal is to provide our clients with a one-call resource for all of their business technology needs. IT outsourcing, remote back up and disaster recovery, helpdesk support, computer network relocations, security products and server/desktop virtualization are just a few of the services now available.