Puzzles

The cool thing is that the puzzle pieces were a video that kept
playing even when it was in it's seperate pieces.

Playing with pictures

Multi-touch

MS Surface

This is the initial screen which entices users to come use it.. Has
cool ripples effect when u touch it.

Microsoft Surface

As part of my "Immersive Media and Intensely Interactive Environment" (phew!) class, we had a field visit to see the Microsoft Surface at Manifest Digital. Founder Jim Jacoby was kind enough to show us what they are doing with the surface. It is a very interesting product - essentially a Windows Vista machine with 4-5 cameras that capture any gestures (optical vs. capacitive like iPhones) with a form factor of a table. The idea of the table is to be able to get people to collect around it and interact with each other (Here are some FAQs from Microsoft about the surface)

We were also shown a demo of some stuff that Manifest Digital created to show at an IxDA conference. Neat stuff.

It did get me thinking about the business value /business driver for a company to adopt this technology (atleast in its current format). I asked Jim and he too was not sure. His thought was that the technology is so new that we will have to wait for some more user research to figure how best to use it. The surface has been installed at hotels, ATT stores and some bars/casinos. I guess it works for those locations but other than the wow factor, unless it drives up business or increases brand affinity /loyalty, I suspect this technology might just remain cool....I will post some pics tomorrow of the surface....

What is Kem Cho!

Just occurred to me that if anyone were to read my blog (not counting my family), they might not know what Kem Cho! means....Well "kem cho" is a Gujarati phrase that means "How are you?"
Now what language is Gujarati you ask? Its one of the many official languages of India and happens to be my mother tounge.

Recruiting and such

Recruiting is in full swing at school...Decent showing this year considering the state of the economy though it seems /feels like the companies are not necessarily coming to pick up students full time.
I am going to have to work the connections and do some cold calling to get myself an interesting gig.

Seems like the time is ripe for companies to do some innovating (for cheap) to bolster the revenues or strengthen their position in the market. My suspicion is that companies that continue to do interesting things in these troubled times will definitely come out of the recession in a better position. For example - look for ways to better serve your customer -- they are going through bad times and if you can provide good service, then you (hopefully!) have a loyal customer who is going to recommend your services.