My thoughts Exactly »

The always-insightful David Pogue on Microsoft’s hype machine — an even bigger presence than its coffee table. Link »

Overheard in the comments stream on Fake Steve’s Blog: “User request to place a hot mug on table without a coaster - Cancel or Allow?”

All Things D »

D5: All Things Digital was the mighty fount of announcements today:

• Microsoft announced Surface
• Palm announced Foleo
• Apple announced a bigger AppleTV with 160 GB of storage, and an AppleTV update that allows for YouTube streaming directly on the AppleTV
• Apple debuted iTunes Plus, their higher-quality DRM-free downloads (and opened a public portal to iTunes U).
• and, of course, Steve Jobs and Bill Gates had notable interviews and Q & A sessions.

I highly recommend a read-through of these overviews of:

• Steve Jobs’ interview in text »
• Steve Jobs’ interview in video (abridged) »
• Bill Gates and Steve Jobs appear jointly »
• Update 5/31: Video and Transcript of the Bill Gates/Steve Jobs appearance »

Diving In »

I mentioned Photosynth last month, and now there is a posted video of a TEDTalk about Seadragon and Photosynth. Amazing to see in action. Imagine how powerful this could be with a multi-touch surface! Link » (Thanks, Joel!)

PS: I love the chapter selector that pops up when you hover over the video! Nice work, TED folks!

I can almost taste it »

Apple has released iTunes 7.2 via software update. It promises the ability to use iTunes Plus, the apparent brand name for Apple’s previously announced DRM-free, high-quality download program.

Now, we just need the online store to update so that we can actually preview and buy “iTunes Plus” songs. Since the store did not update today on its regular schedule, it seems that there will be some sort of official unveiling Wednesday…

Update 5/30: It’s out now.

Very, very Cool »

It’s not often that Microsoft is the company that is implementing breakthrough technology, but take a look at their new surface computing initiative. It takes multi-touch surfaces and puts them into a tabletop. You have to see the video.

While multi-touch is certainly not new (see also: iPhone), the mind-blowing part comes from the absolutely seemless interaction the tabletop has with digital devices like cameras and cell phones.

Can’t wait until this is cheap enough for home use. Link »
(Hat Tip: Mac Rumors)

PS: Don’t miss this extra video on page 3, highlighting multi-touch interface technology itself.

Update 5/30: Microsoft has posted their official product site for Surface.

[Insert Mac vs. PC Joke Here] »

Yes, I can’t get away without plugging the “conversation” that will take place on the stage of D5: All Things Digital Wednesday night between Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. Can they really occupy one stage at the same time without annihilation? Press Release » See also:

• Presentation Zen comparison of styles »
• Steve Jobs vs. Bill Gates on CurrentTV »