(1) Microsoft Surface is a large multi-touch tabletop computer that responds to touch, gestures, and physical objects placed on its surface. It uses infrared cameras and light to track input.
(2) The first prototypes were developed in the early 2000s, with the goal of creating a device that seamlessly combines the physical and digital worlds.
(3) Key features include direct interaction, multi-touch input, multi-user collaboration, and object recognition capabilities. It allows users to grab and manipulate digital information with their hands.