REDMOND, Wash. – March 1, 2013 – The future of work and play is on display at Microsoft’s reimagined Envisioning Center, the result of collaboration between the company’s Strategic Prototyping team and Office Labs. Visitors can work on interactive desks, talk with colleagues through digital walls, and cook in a Kinect-enabled kitchen. Microsoft expects thousands of customers to explore the new space each year.

“We want to excite customers about the direction we're heading in and show that we are constantly thinking about new scenarios based on trends and real work in Microsoft Research and the business groups,” says Jonathan Cluts, director of Microsoft’s Strategic Prototyping team. “These scenarios are based on reality, not science fiction.”

“We don’t imagine that we’re predicting the future,” says Anton Andrews, director of Envisioning in Office Labs. “But it’s a case of staying on the cutting edge of the conversation, and promoting that conversation.”

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Envisioning Center

March 01, 2013

The new Envisioning Center explores how technology will transform the way we live, work and play in the future.

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Natural Flow

March 01, 2013

Microsoft believes that working from anywhere will reach new levels of ease and sophistication. Create and move work freely across devices and displays using natural language, ink, touch and gesture.

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Interactive Workspaces

March 01, 2013

Interactive workspaces will let you bring your ideas to life naturally, easily connecting to the insights, information and expertise you need as you work.

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Team Collaboration

March 01, 2013

Workspaces that emphasize social activity help teams collaborate. Here, interactive whiteboards add smart assistance and remote participation to a brainstorming session.

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Team Problem Solving

March 01, 2013

In the workplace of the future, team meetings move from presentation and action items to real-time problem solving and execution. Technology in this action room amplifies the team’s ability to visualize projects, simulate real-time outcomes and make rapid decisions.

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Everyone Can Be a Chef

March 01, 2013

In the future, you will be able to explore new cuisines with recipes that adapt to dietary needs, and even get help cooking and learn a few new tricks from your personal, digital chef.

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Smart Stovetop

March 01, 2013

Ecosystems of devices and sensors will work on your behalf, helping you without getting in your way.

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Home Entertainment

March 01, 2013

With a 4k display and smart lighting, your living room can naturally transform from a movie theater to an art gallery to a personal chat with loved ones who live many miles away.

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Storytime With Grandma

March 01, 2013

In the home of the future you can stay connected with loved ones in new ways, like creating a storyworld with Grandma at bedtime.

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Augmented Retail

March 01, 2013

Retail in the future blends the best of online and brick-and-mortar to personalize your shopping experience on the fly. Experience augmented shopping and safely share information across public and private displays.

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