Updated: We chat with nsquared about what they bring to the table.
We've seen Microsoft's new Surface table used for quite a few applications already, most notably in games and most recently shown at CES 2010. However, where the real excitement about the Surface lies is not in the hardware as such, but in the software. When we got wind of Microsoft's first strategic software developer in Australia, nsquared, we headed to their offices to have a little chat.
The Surface as a platform is definitely not your typical computer; rather, it brings together a bunch of different technologies to enable a new kind of computing. Externally it looks very much like a small table with a large screen built in, but internally it resembles something completely different. While the hardware that drives the Surface is "typical high-end laptop" quality, there are also five image-capturing cameras that each are mounted in the corners behind the screen, with one camera centrally.
These cameras analyse what the image projected on the screen should be, and calculate what objects are there - such as fingers, barcodes, pens - then feeding that information to the processor and displaying a change in what you see. A large number of individual objects can be tracked, though nsquared have placed a software limit of 52 ojbects that can interact with the screen at any given time. The result of this hardware and interface is a platform that is responsive, visually stunning and most importantly, intuitive enough for anyone to get into. But what use is a platform without any good software to run on it?
As the first partner with Microsoft in Australia, and indeed one of the more important partners in the world, nsquared have been working closely with Microsoft's Surface for the past 18 months. In that time they've helped to train 100 other partners on how to use and code for the Surface, and with the launch of the Surface imminent, they're shifting their focus slightly to the applications.
They're offering 17 as of the launch, each focusing on different qualities of the Surface, but sharing the same educational basis. From apps that form virtual breadboards on the screen and allow circuits to be built, to a chemistry app that allows the construction of molecules from individual atoms, and even basic word-hunting games - there is a lot here on offer. Not only have nsquared developed these apps, but they're also able to code their own for specific uses, though at a cost that varies depending on what the program needs to do. However, demand has been "off the hook", with many prospective clients "very interested" in the service. Interestingly, they also offer what they call a "zero defect guarantee"; and any bugs in the programming will be fixed free of charge.
As with any new technology in this day and age, piracy is a big concern for developers. While it was explained that those with a mind to circumventing the protections placed on the software could potentially get away with the software, contracts that purchasers of the software sign hold them responsible for any software leakage, which should hopefully keep it relatively minimal. Typically, access to the apps is only available in Administrator mode. Apps are installed via the network or with a special USB key, and can range in size from a few megabytes to even a few gigabytes - it really depends on what the app is supposed to do.
All the apps are coded in Microsoft-friendly languages, such as C Sharp (C#) and C++, and can also feature Silverlight support. The interface for apps is generally coded in Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) and XNA, the graphical subsystem built on DirectX that can offload work to the GPU for acceleration purposes.
As with any new concept in computing that could benefit many, the devs at nsquared hope to get the Surface as far-reaching as rural communities, and they're definitely passionate about their work. While the popularity and success of the Surface remain to be proved locally, it definitely seems like nsquared will be making apps right from word go.
Development of new apps continues even now.
Issue: 133 | February, 2012