This is the second version of this kind of interface I've seen in the past year. I doubt this is about to take over the PC Windows style interface we all know and love because I can't imagine doing a spreadsheet or writing a letter in this fashion - not until screens this large have 100dpi resolution anyway. It is however, a pointer towards a genuinely intuitive user interface, and that is a great step forward.

So if this is Bill's version, what was the other? It's here:

Is it me, or are there a few similarities here? :-)

Jeff Han is a research scientist for NYU's Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences. Here, he demonstrates — for the first time publicly — his intuitive, "interface-free," touch-driven computer screen, which can be manipulated intuitively with the fingertips, and responds to varying levels of pressure.

Now, Han's demonstration was recorded February 2006; The Microsoft Surface was first featured in the Wall Street Journal on 30 May 2007. I make no comment about the timing, but it would be a huge shame if Han's efforts were not at least noticed (and noted) in this advance!