Microsoft Research’s new “sphere” display, is being shown today at Microsoft’s Faculty Summit, according to the Seattle P-I.  It is purely a research development, not yet envisioned as a product.  See the article for a video demonstration.

The idea is to see what the technology can do, and how people will use it.  People can touch the surface with multiple fingers and hands to manipulate photos, play games, spin a virtual globe, or watch 360-degree videos.

“It’s really an exploration of ideas,” explained Hrvoje Benko, the Microsoft researcher spearheading the project, during a sneak preview Monday afternoon.

Sphere is a “cousin” of the Microsoft Surface tabletop computer, already being used in some retail and hospitality settings.