1. Integrate a power pad/ power mat recharging station within the Surface, either as a fold-up extension/leaf, or a section of the margin area. A user is moving photos on the Surface, his battery gets low. A red aura forms at the visible surface area surrounding the device, with an indicator or flowing trail towards the charging pad. He then lays the device there to charge and continues with other projects. The device aura turns green when ready to use.
2. Utilize QR codes to take advantage of the visual reader… use this for iTag or RFID bonus items, coupons, redemption rebates, etc., from the Surface owner venues, such as bars. Another way to utilize the QR code is via a Kindle or Nook or other e-Ink device.
3. Create an affiliate marketing channel specific to retail items within proximity of the Surface (similar to Massive billboards in gaming apps). A convention center might use an affiliate CTA structure for galleries, retail stores, or services sold within a convention or conference.
briancrouch says:
@MSSurface good to see you at #SMCSea . 3 ideas for Microsoft Surface: http://www.briancrouch.com/2009/12/three... $MSFT
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8th December 2009 at 12:57 am
MSSurface says:
@briancrouch Excellent. I will check them out.
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8th December 2009 at 10:24 am
anon says:
With respect to the second idea, are you proposing that the Surface read QR codes (exactly as it currently reads MS’s proprietary Identity Tags), or are you proposing that the Surface display QR codes for other devices to read?
Both are quite neat ideas with interesting possibilities, although in the former case it’s not clear to me whether the visual resolution would be high enough to accurately read such codes: are you aware of any proof of concept work here?
8th December 2009 at 8:37 am
Brian Crouch says:
There hasn’t been proof of concept, these were ideas I jotted down after a networking function in which I met Eric Havir from MS Surface. He and I also talked about the QR Code idea, and he did mention that the optical scan of a mobile device was a challenge for a backlit device such as Zune or iPod.
A Kindle or another ebook reader should not have that problem, as a generated code would be as clear as one printed on paper.
8th December 2009 at 9:05 pm