Microsoft has long been predicting the demise of the traditional keyboard and mouse, but despite the efforts of many in the industry, we don't seem to be any closer to the virtual interfaces depicted in Hollywood blockbusters such as 2002 sci-fi thriller, Minority Report.
Yet, whilst the likes of Apple have made touchscreen interaction a mainstream technology, Microsoft's efforts have largely remained hit or miss. The promise of voice activation in Windows Vista was never truly realised, and the usefulness of touch in Windows 7 remains a question mark.
That isn't stopping the Redmond-based software giant from trying to innovate, however, and Microsoft's chief research and strategy officer, Craig Mundle, has this week been showing off a number of new "natural" user interfaces as part of the Microsoft College Tour.
Created at the hands of the Microsoft Research team - a division whose goals are "to enhance the user experience" and "invent novel computing technologies" - Microsoft's ideas for next-gen user interfaces include Star Trek-like voice controls, virtual gestures, transparent displays and eye tracking. Intrigued? Check out the video demonstrations below.
