For those who were wondering whether Microsoft's Surface tabletop touch-sensitive computers were going to be anything more than retail sales tools, here's an update: The Surface is making its debut as a bar coffee table in Las Vegas today.
Microsoft says Harrah's has installed half a dozen Surface units in the iBar at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino. These are the first commercial units announced since AT&T began installing Surface units as customer service kiosks in its stores.
These are the first Surface units aside from the ones in AT&T retail stores, and Harrah's has created bar-appropriate applications for them. You'll be able to order drinks, check out promotional information about other Harrah's properties, and even flirt with customers at other tables. In the image below, for example, the women are checking out cheesy pickup lines (it's not clear whether they are sending or receiving these messages):
You can also play games with your friends on these Surface bar tables, although it doesn't appear that you can play gambling games.
