Predicting the future of computing is always challenging, but if Microsoft research chief Craig Mundie is correct, the computer could take a much more active role in everyday tasks. Mundie says that touchscreen technologies, particularly multitouch capabilities, will transform the PC from a desktop creation to a central control device. The company is working on drivers and software needed to integrate this technology into future computers.

As users become more adept at interacting directly with the computer screen, tablet PCs – which Microsoft has long been a proponent of – will become more mainstream, perhaps replacing the desktop in the form of tabletop and wall mounted “room” computers.
Windows 7, which is in the testing stages right now, will feature support for both touch screen and multitouch screen technologies. In addition, Mundie says that future computers will become more adept at accepting voice commands and control gestures, making them more accessible and easier to use.

What’s Beyond Windows?

In February, Microsoft hosted TechFest 2009, its ninth annual research preview, which allows company employees see the technologies that Microsoft is actively developing. This year, the company’s research arm showcased “natural user interface” technologies that enable users to interact with computers in their homes, offices and automobiles using touch and voice recognition interfaces.

Among the technologies that Microsoft is working on is a way to allow people to use their physical space to interact with computers. For example, a “keyboard” that is projected onto a tabletop or wall surface could enable users to enter information into the computer wirelessly and eliminate the need to keep keyboards around.

Microsoft is also working on technologies that will improve the teleconferencing experience, to make it more realistic and a more viable and cost-effective travel alternative.
Touch screen capabilities could be added to even small devices by using the space on the back of the device for input and control, rather than using the front face of the device. That could enable more natural interaction with portable game consoles, mobile devices, and even wristwatches with a touchscreen interface integrated on the wristband.

Gesture-driven devices and those with voice recognition could enable mobile users to have access to phones, email and other networked services in the car, and in other areas where strict operator attention is required. Although voice recognition and hands-free calling are available for drivers now, the new technologies improve navigation, control and recognition capabilities of the devices, enabling more natural interaction and increasing the number of voice- and gesture-controllable features.

Photo Credit: Ron Wurzer, Microsoft