# Surface Makeover Microsoft Spherical Surface Prototype By Ayman | Published 2008-03-06 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-spherical-surface References: [blogs.zdnet](http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=1243) [Microsoft's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-mesh) [Surface](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surface-pro-12) hasn't even rolled out yet, but the company is already lining up a spherical makeover for the touch-sensitive tabletop. According to ZDNet, Microsoft showed a spherical Surface prototype around Redmond campus. It would be interesting to see how Microsoft managed to stuff a rear projection unit and IR cameras into a sphere. And I am curious as to what the applications of such a model would be. Surface table makes sense to me (see video), a surface sphere not so much. Check out [Firefly](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bandpass-design), the first Surface game: ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.1/10 - Popularity: 6% | Activity: 19% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Spherical Surface Prototype:** Opportunity to explore innovative uses for a spherical touch-sensitive tabletop. - **Rear Projection Unit Integration:** Opportunity to develop new applications by incorporating rear projection units into unconventional shapes. - **IR Camera Integration:** Opportunity to create unique interactions and user experiences with touch-sensitive surfaces using IR cameras. ### Where This Applies - **Technology Hardware:** Opportunity for tech hardware manufacturers to develop spherical touch-sensitive tabletops for various industries. - **Gaming:** Opportunity for the gaming industry to create immersive experiences by incorporating spherical touch-sensitive surfaces into games. - **Architectural Design:** Opportunity for architects and designers to experiment with unconventional shapes and integrate touch-sensitive surfaces into building designs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Immersive VR Spheres](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eleven.md) - [Transparent Sphere Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sphere-vehicle.md) - [Retro-Futurism Computer Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tva-multifunctional-computer.md) - [Hyper-Realistic Holograms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solidlight.md) - [Panoramic Holographic Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holo-panorama-x.md) - [Augmented Reality Projection Laptops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spacetop.md) - [Floating Spherical Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alex-casabo.md) - [Interactive Virtual Meeting Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-mesh.md) - [3D Display Gaming Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uplight-game-console.md)