Surface developer tools coming this month

Microsoft's Mark Bolger demonstrates the Surface's multitouch user interface.

(Credit: Ina Fried/CNET News.com)

The long-awaited software developer kit for the Surface tabletop computer will be made available to those attending Microsoft's Professional Developer Conference at the end of the month.

Microsoft made that pledge on its PDC Web site, as part of a listing for a session focused on writing Surface applications.

"Hear about the unique attributes of Microsoft Surface computing, dive into vision-based object recognition and core controls like ScatterView, and learn how the Surface SDK aligns with the multitouch developer roadmap for Windows 7," Microsoft said, in promoting the session. "Attendees will receive access to the Microsoft Surface SDK."

Microsoft has been promising for some time to open up Surface development beyond the select group of companies that have been working with early launch partners such as AT&T and Starwood hotels.

The company has also promised multitouch will be a part of the Windows 7 interface, but has yet to detail how that will work.

[ServedUp]

A developer's toolkit for the Surface? Please.

With little to no demand and practically no consumer customer user base besides the three AT&T mini- stores who actually have it, why would any developer even bother when there's no clear incentive.

Looks like Microsoft hasn't the faintest clue what its good for either.

[krushyou]

Yeah, you should probably read the whole story next time...


"Hear about the unique attributes of Microsoft Surface computing, dive into vision-based object recognition and core controls like ScatterView, and learn how the Surface SDK aligns with the multitouch developer roadmap for Windows 7"

Its not just for Surface...

[ferARG]

ServedUp, what I think makes sense is that the SDk will work both for Surface application as well as WIndows 7, which would also support multitouch. That's why I think it makes sense, I am pretty sure they would not do it if it works only for Surface.

[Mr. Dee]

The Tablet PC has been out on the market since November 2002, yet I have not acquired such a form factor for many reasons: Not cheap, does not offer the same performance/features as a tradition notebook and the applications are no there to take advantage of it. I see touch computing just being another niche functionality that users will not if know is there or take advantage of. If they do own a touch enabled notebook or PC the nostalgia will die the next day.

[maverick_nick]

Remember when plasma TVs were first released? Do you remember how insanely expensive they were? Well businesses invested in them and demand began to grow until it became commercially viable - today, they're relatively cheap.

Besides all of the R&D from Surface goes into Windows, which goes into the hands of the regular consumer. As for the low sales and high cost of tablet PCs... I think that's going to change from Windows 7.0. Basically, all you'll need is a regular notebook with a swivel screen - you get the best of both worlds.

[dascha1]

Ah, the historical the dream of AllianceWall... but, please, help! I can't afford business travel these days so how can I participate remotely to continue working on all-in-wall for School Systems, Colleges and Churches? I understand that Claridge is traveling to the dry erase companies to demo these types of tools for the OEM's across the USA now so could Microsoft do the same? Thanks!

[Imalittleteapot]

Wonder if it's going to come with a platform simulator of some kind or I wonder if the programs you write with the SDK will run on XP or Vista. If they do run on Vista then there wouldn't be much point to Windows 7

However, if they don't then there won't be too many people writing programs with this SDK until 7 comes out. Cause if not you'd need surface or 7 to debug your app. Perhaps this is just for the big boys that own a surface until others can use it.