by Tony Chen

Remember how Windows blew away DOS? Get ready for Windows to be blown away by a new technology: surface computing. Microsoft just announced this technology that will change how we humans interface with computers. Instead of mouse and keyboard, it's touch-based. Think about that movie "Minority Report" and how Tom Cruise could manipulate multiple items with his fingers. Click here for a great video tour from popular mechanics - it's a a lot easier to understand it by seeing it in action.

Now, this isn't a healthcare technology blog and I don't pretend to understand anything technology. But I have to wonder what applications are possible in healthcare.

Radiology - quick manipulation of multiple images or 3D models could lead to faster, more accurate diagnoses.
Surgery - will this interface make it easier for surgeons to manipulate laproscopic surgeries of very delicate and intricate areas? Essentially, this enables physicians to be smarter.
EMR - maybe this interface helps physicians quickly (and more intuitively) enter, view, analyze data within the EMR. Less clicks and less typing.

More news on Microsoft's Surface:
Washington Post
ABCNews
Reuters