Microsoft’s new surface computing application is stunning. The application provides for a truly significant advance in the way people interact with media and information. The possibilities for new applications that make life easier, better, faster and lower cost make my head spin. Robert Scoble says that this will cost $5,000 to $10,000 and only be available to commercial customers (hotels, casinos, etc). (Note to self: Open hotel soon).

Here’s a video of the application in action

You can also watch another excellent demo of the video at on10.net. Around the 15 minute mark you can see how the Zune and surface computing can interact to share music and create a shared jukebox.

Microsoft’s description of surface computing

Surface computing breaks down traditional barriers between people and technology, changing the way people interact with all kinds of everyday content, from photos to maps to menus. The intuitive user interface works without a traditional mouse or keyboard, allowing people to interact with content and information by using their hands and natural movements. Users are able to access information either on their own or collaboratively with their friends and families, unlike any experience available today. Surface computing features four key attributes:

• Direct interaction. Users can actually “grab” digital information with their hands and interact with content through touch and gesture, without the use of a mouse or keyboard.
• Multi-touch contact. Surface computing recognizes many points of contact simultaneously, not just from one finger as with a typical touch screen, but up to dozens and dozens of items at once.
• Multi-user experience. The horizontal form factor makes it easy for several people to gather around surface computers together, providing a collaborative, face-to-face computing experience.
• Object recognition. Users can place physical objects on the surface to trigger different types of digital responses, including the transfer of digital content.