AT&T demos Microsoft Surface 'table'

AT&T has demonstrated Microsoft’s Surface, prior to the US network operator’s rollout of the futuristic table into several stores later this month.

Can't see the video? Download Flash Player from Adobe.com

In a YouTube video, an executive places Samsung’s BlackJack II handset onto the 30in table. Information about the phone pops up around it and, when a Blackberry Curve is also put onto Surface, two windows appear on the table that let potential customers compare the features available on both handsets.

Windows, which can be rotated, flipped and adjusted by the user’s finger tips, pop-up to display lots of cross-sell opportunities for AT&T accessories that match both handsets.

The exec also demonstrates how music can be played through Surface and ways that the users can view maps of US cities, adjusting the view and level of detail shown with their fingertips.

Surface demo units will appear in stores across four US cities, including Atlanta, from the 17 April – and possibly in more cities if customers take to the device. An official consumer launch date for Surface still hasn’t been given, but it’s expected to be before 2011.