Touchscreen displays are a thing of the Past

Ever wondered what lies beyond the touchscreen technology? where will the future lead us after the touch concept begns to fade?...Let me put it in plain english, "The touchscreen has become obsolete", Welcome to the world of smart interactive displays

Steven Bathiche, Director of Applied Sciences at Microsft, explains in this Video, the concept of controlling the surface above the screen and he does so in a simple to understand manner.

Multi-touch screens can only see the things  that are in direct contact with the screen. To explore the area above the surface, a special kind of retro-reflective screen is used. Here comes the cool idea of  wedge optical component, which in reality, is a flat lens (but very special). It captures the movements above the screen.

I don't see this kinda technology coming to a smarphone near you, but for the near future, I can safely predict this tech. to be incorporated in the already brilliant Microsot Surface system . Such a setup, in a public place could attract reasonable attention from the hygiene concious people. At airports, Subway stations, bars, restaurants that have internet facitlity for their custormers, or ATM points, this could be a healthy way of interaction without touching the display, which could be loaded with bacteria or whatever you might not think of.

If you are not familiar with the Microsoft Surface Technology then watch the video below to get an idea.