Cell Phone Hits! - Daily Phone Buzz

Microsoft hasn’t suddenly transformed its 30-inch, multi-touch Surface into a big-ass cellphone. It has, however, chosen AT&T to launch the world’s first Surface into retail. Shoppers in New York, Atlanta, San Antonio, and San Francisco will be treated to what amounts to the novelty (at least initially) of learning about a device (Samsung BlackJack II, pictured) by simply placing it atop the Surface. They’ll also have the ability to explore interactive coverage maps. Later, users will be able to drag ringtones, graphics and video and drop it into “the phones.” Note their use of “the” and not “your” phone in the press release.

AT&T wants to transform the way consumers shop for mobile devices, using Microsoft Surface touch and device recognition technology. Letting consumers interact with devices by touch, gestures and placement of the handset on the display, Microsoft Surface is a 30-inch table-like display that will allow them to:
- Review mobile device features by simply placing it on the display
- View interactive coverage maps at the national, state, local or street level, using touch and hand movement to scale and move the maps
- Drag and drop ringtones, graphics, video and more by “grabbing” content with their hands from a menu on the display and “dropping” it into the phone.

AT&T plans to unveil the new displays in stores located in New York City, Atlanta, San Antonio and the San Francisco area on April 17, followed by additional stores in other markets based on the success of the first phase of deployments.