When I was told I would be able to discover Microsoft’s touch table and the applications designed by AFTER-MOUSE.COM, I had mixed feelings. I was excited to discover something new and fun but also felt nervous at the thought of being confronted with a marvel of high technology, what with being 89 years old and having worked as a French teacher with no technical training. I was afraid I would not be able to understand and feel outdated. When I saw the table, my first reaction was a small twinge of disappointment. I was expecting something closer to science fiction, something more surreal. My old age was playing tricks on me. Indeed, I immediately saw that this table was not as impressive as I had made it out to be. A table almost like any other. It does not take up a lot of space. To me, this instantly appeared to be a great asset. When I touched it, I also observed it was solidly built, when I believed it was fragile.
When I sat down, its fun – almost magic – side immediately appeared to me. I nearly experienced the same feeling as when my husband and I bought out first television set in the early 60s. I was a little intimidated by it. But then, as I listened to the explanations given by Nicolas Chaillan and one of his colleagues and watched them control the screen using only one finger, I was quickly reassured: it looked very easy.
And it indeed proved to be very easy. Even I, who obviously do not own a computer and who never purchased a more “modern” device than the Minitel, was very quickly able, without any help, to use the touch table and the applications of AFTER-MOUSE.COM. My fingers ran over the table and handled all of the options with incredible accuracy. I was immediately won over by the diversity of these applications. And most importantly, I quickly understood how useful they were by actually using them. Of course, it is all a lot of fun. Above all, though, it is efficient and practical. The teacher I used to be was immediately struck by these assets.
As regards Immo'Touch, I know that there now exist websites for the real estate sector which are apparently very well designed. But this application, with its intuitive and interactive aspect, is remarkably efficient. The shopping cart, the trash can, the detailed information sheets, the possibility of transferring your selections to your cell phone to better think it over with the family; it is all very clear, obvious, precise. And it is even entertaining. There is even a warm side to it, while everything having to do with the Internet and computers used to seem impersonal to me. In my days, it was much more complicated to find the house of your dreams.
My thoughts on Resto'Touch? Even an old lady like me can imagine the time it will save for each client, how much they will enjoy being able to look at the meals before they order and appreciate the possibility of changing their mind without it being a problem. And what to say of this virtual sommelier, with these pages of oenological history; it is surprising, amusing and informative. I also highly appreciated the cultural guide, the position determination technology and the possibility of making a future reservation. It all almost made me want to go back to the restaurant, with my walking stick and children in tow!
And Paint'Touch? At the age of 89, you can imagine that I am not about to start drawing on a table. But the mother in me could sense how relieving it would be for parents to have their children busy while they thought over their purchase. In addition, I imagine that all of today’s children will appreciate these little games. But the greatest asset of this application is that it makes it possible to create a genuine souvenir album that can be sent by e-mail. This will remain, as opposed to many a thing which get lost as people move to different homes and time goes by. I should know.
The 3D images also struck me. I appreciated the application devoted to the World War I museum. New technologies serving history, this is something that highly appeals to me. This could help future generations never to forget.
Following this short demonstration, Nicolas Chaillan assured me that AFTER-MOUSE.COM had several other applications in the works. That this technology could be used in infinite ways to meet demand. I am quite ready to believe this. This tactile era opening up is likely to deeply alter selling methods and vendor-client relations. Due to its revolutionary and innovative features, it reminds me of the start of the industrial era which changed everything in the 50s, or of the first computers in the 80s, which my children were so fussed about. I will probably never have the occasion to use the touch table and the applications “for real”. But at least, thanks to AFTER-MOUSE.COM, I was able to observe first-hand that the future really is now.
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