Technology is going touchy-feely as more products appear which threaten to replace the humble mouse with finger-touch computing.

Touch technology has been around for decades and has found a role in many professions but only recently in the gadgets consumers carry around and use on a daily basis.  Today, it’s evident in both big and small devices, such as Microsoft’s table computer – Microsoft Surface, and Apple’s i-phone, which poses the question: “is it a case of watch, or touch this space? 

Microsoft Surface is an innovative surface computing platform that responds to natural hand gestures and to the placement of real-world objects on its large, 360 degree display screen.  The interactive coffee table’s appeal lies in its ability to respond and interact with multiple users, content and physical objects simultaneously - creating a unique gathering place that feels familiar, just like in the real world.  It does not require a mouse or keyboard. 

Microsoft Surface represents the next generation of customer digital interaction, and the technology can really help a business grow.  Many industries can reap the benefits.

For the retail sector, customers can use the technology to design their ideal living room or kitchen.  It’s already making waves in the motor and engineering industry, giving customers a tool to build a virtual car – allowing them to compare colours and options.  BMW has developed a touch sensitive showroom system – based on Microsoft Surface – that helps to guide buyers through the process of purchasing a new car.

For the financial industry, Microsoft Surface allows customers to have personal contact.  Rather than reviewing documents on a computer screen while a customer has to sit opposite a desk, the cashier and customer can use the technology as their meeting space, making for an increased personal feeling that is sure to help create customer loyalty, and enhance customer experience. 

With its price tag of up to £5,000, is unlikely to find a place in the home at the moment.  Instead restaurants, casinos and hotels are likely to snap it up, enabling customers to use it for ordering food, playing cards and browsing the web.  As prices fall, Surface is expected to move to the home, where it could be incorporated into furniture or walls.

So, does this spell the end for the keyboard and mouse?  Not just yet.  Microsoft’s innovative touch technology isn’t trying to replace the mouse completely, the challenge with any new input is to find devices that work together with the mouse - such as in the other hand.  With such potential, it seems touch technology could be the future for many industries, and will dominate the home computing environment within the next few years.