Microsoft Visitors Center Exhibits and Displays

My big brother happens to be one of the smartest computer geeks, I’m mean tech-heads, at Microsoft’s World Headquarters in Redmond, Washington. My wife and I finally had the opportunity to visit with him this past week and tour the Microsoft Visitors Center and Company Store. Below are some pictures of the Visitors Center and a few exhibits that can be found within. My favorites were, in order of importance.

1. MSN Search Engine Computers – I was quite stunned to find that all four computer stations had Smash Hit Displays on their computer screen. I didn’t know we had such big fans of our company at Microsoft!
2. We See a Future Leader / Web Cam Stations – There are 3 Web Cam stations where software recognizes a face and then overlays an image. All of these overlays tie into Microsofts marketing message. “Our mission is not just to unlock the potential of today’s new technologies. It is to help unleash the potential in every person, family, and business. “. You can view some of these related commericials on the following page.
3. Minority Report / Seattle Area Map – In an earlier post I discussed how a projected image could be manipulated by hand with IO2 Technology. At the visitors center they have a map that can be moved by sliding your hand across the screen. It’s kind of like holding down the left mouse button on you mouse and moving a map around in Google Maps except the mouse cursor is you hand.
4. Pocket PC Wall – What happens when you take 160 Pocket PC’s and displays them on a wall? You get an ever changing video that really speaks to the power of one of these mobile computers.

All in all the it was really neat to see all the cool stuff that Microsoft was involved with, however, the best part was seeing how happy, talented, respected, knowledgeable and yes geeky my big brother has become. I’m pround of you Bro.

For those of you who want to learn a little more about what my brother does at Microsoft you can visit his blog at Windows Media Center Blog.