Surface

Yesterday we ventured out to the AT&T Experience stores in San Bruno, CA to check out Microsoft's Surface table, which is now appearing in four cities across the United States. Set to become available in all AT&T stores nationwide within the next few months, the Surface table is already bringing eyes and lots of hands to the four AT&T stores where it is located. Thankfully, we had our pick from six different tables and wasted no time experimenting with its interactive features.

The giant 30-inch plastic-covered display screen on the Surface (they swear it's spill and dance proof), is totally touch-friendly, as your fingertips can move objects around and expand windows. By placing two cell phones (we suggested they should up this total) on the table, customers can read the features from each phone and decide which one better suits their needs . . . without having to deal with a salesperson. My thoughts? Actually my exact words. . . ."It's cool, but it has the potential to be cooler."

To find out more about my up close and personal account with Microsoft's surface, read more

Looks like Microsoft's high-tech interactive touch table won't be making its debut in Starwood hotels this Spring, but it will be available for the public to play with on April 17 in AT&T stores. According to Engadget, these $10,000 tables will initially be installed in NYC, San Francisco, Atlanta, and San Antonio AT&T stores.

AT&T is hoping that the tables will educate customers about all the handsets for sale (info about the phone is displayed when set on the table), and they'll also be able to purchase ringtones, graphics and videos directly from the table and drag them on their phones. Now that is something I can't wait to test out!

One of the most popular exhibits at CES this year was definitely the Microsoft Surface— a multi-touch interactive surface computer that is full of amazing features. Crave reports that the Surface was making its rounds at Caesars Pure Nightclub, with celebs like Jason Alexander and Shannon Elizabeth checking out its high tech functionality.

Set to be released by commercial partners like Starwood hotels this Spring, the Surface is already gaining lots of momentum. Not only is it receiving celebrity attention, but Firefly, the first game for Microsoft Surface has just been announced. By utilizing multi-touch, up to four players can collect colorful insects and put them into glass jars. The object is to be the first player to collect three fireflies of each color, while preventing opponents from doing the same.

To see players having some Firefly fun on the Microsoft Surface, as well as see a funny Surface video, read more

While hanging out in Hollywood for the TCA press tour my gal BuzzSugar got a chance to get up close and personal with Microsoft's newly-announced 'Surface' table, which is a multi-touch table that aims to change the way we interact with digital content. Buzz reports that the device is going to be on display in Starwood Hotels, T-Mobile stores and some other places soon, but it's still several years from home use. Oh course, it has a hefty price tag of $10,000, so you better start saving up.

The table looks like a regular coffee table at first glance, but it has cameras and touch sensitivity (iPhone style, but bigger) and you can do everything from organize photos to watch videos to drag and drop music into your Zune (of course it’s the Zune ...Thanks, Microsoft).

For additional photos and some of the coolest applications Buzz witnessed, read more

It is that time of year when folks move their workouts outside since the weather is so dang nice. If you have been running indoors on a treadmilll and are looking to move your runs outside there are a few things to take into consideration.

• The surface of the treadmill is more forgiving to your joints so suddenly shifting all your runs outside can be jarring to your ankles, knees and hips. Try just taking one run outside per week for 2 or 3 weeks. Then add one run outside every 2 weeks. If you are training for a road race it is really important to start planning ahead and hitting the streets.
• Running outside will have to run against wind resistance and the elements, which in the summer means heat, which requires more energy to run at the same speed as on a treadmill.
• Keeping your pace outside might feel really different since stride for stride, running on the road requires more energy output to propel your body forward since on a treadmill, you are keeping up with the treadmill as it moves under your feet. Plus, on a treadmill the machine keeps you running at a certain pace and now you will have to monitor your own pace. I suggest using a heart rate monitor to help you keep track of your heart rate and time.
• The smooth, flat surface of a treadmill is very predictable. Running on roads or trails trains your neuromuscular system to deal with unpredictable terrain like hills, banked surfaces, trails and uneven surfaces. Chances are high you will be looking down much more when running outside, especially if you are trail running.

Have fun taking your running to the streets. Remember, when running outside you need to be more aware of your surroundings since people, dogs, bikes and cars might be out on the road or trail too.