Microsoft Research in Redmond, a personal tour - On The Verge

Summary

In this engaging video, the host visits Microsoft's Redmond campus to explore their innovative research projects. From augmented reality systems to testing chambers for sound and webcams, the tour offers a fascinating look into cutting-edge technologies. The host also experiences anechoic chambers that challenge sensory perceptions, while learning about product design and development, including a quirky visit to the Microsoft model shop. With moments of humor and insightful discussions, this journey through Microsoft’s world highlights both the futuristic and practical aspects of technology.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker visits Microsoft campus to explore cutting-edge research and technology.
• 😀 The campus includes unique features like an anechoic chamber for testing sound products.
• 😀 The speaker is introduced to Steve Clayton, who gives a tour and discusses Microsoft's innovative work.
• 😀 There's a humorous discussion around the famous Microsoft executive Steve Ballmer and his reputation within the company.
• 😀 The speaker interacts with augmented reality technology, where a camera tracks movements and overlays virtual objects.
• 😀 A Connect camera is used to create a new type of video chat, which captures and manipulates people's movements in real-time.
• 😀 The anechoic chamber experience is disorienting, with some visitors feeling nauseous due to the sensory deprivation environment.
• 😀 Microsoft conducts extensive testing on products such as webcams, headsets, mice, and keyboards within the anechoic chamber.
• 😀 The tour includes a visit to Microsoft's model shop, where product prototypes like Xbox designs are created and refined.
• 😀 The design process for products like the Ark Mouse is discussed, highlighting the importance of early-stage prototypes and user feedback.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the visit to Microsoft’s campus?

The main purpose of the visit is to explore various research projects and innovations being developed at Microsoft, including augmented reality systems, sound testing technologies, and product design processes.

Who is Steve Clayton and what role does he play in the video?

Steve Clayton is the person who gives the host a tour of Microsoft's campus, introducing him to different research teams and explaining various technologies being worked on at Microsoft.

What is the augmented reality system demonstrated at Microsoft?

The augmented reality system demonstrated uses tablets and cameras to track images in the real world, allowing virtual objects to be rendered from the same point of view and overlaid on the background, creating an immersive experience.

How does the Kinect camera work with the augmented reality system?

The Kinect camera is hooked up to the augmented reality system, capturing real-time video of a person in front of it. This data is then used to interact with virtual objects on the screen in real time.

What is the Anaco Chamber and what purpose does it serve?

The Anaco Chamber is a specialized sound testing environment at Microsoft, used for testing audio-related products like webcams, headsets, and other devices. It helps characterize and identify sounds produced by products, such as buzzing or humming.

What is the significance of the Anaco Chamber’s disorienting effects?

The disorienting effects of the Anaco Chamber are a result of the chamber's design, which isolates sound and light, creating an environment that can cause discomfort or sensory deprivation for some people.

What humorous moment occurred in the Anaco Chamber?

The host humorously imagines passing out in the chamber, joking about the possibility of being escorted out, and even envisions seeing Steve Ballmer napping in the chamber as a playful, surreal moment.

What is the Microsoft Model Shop and what happens there?

The Microsoft Model Shop is where the design and prototyping of Microsoft products, like the Xbox, take place. The team works on creating and refining physical models using techniques such as 3D printing and CNC machining.

What was the Ark Mouse and how was it developed?

The Ark Mouse is an award-winning product developed by Microsoft, initially conceptualized using foam core and hair bands. It was designed to be compact, lightweight, and foldable, making it easy to carry while providing a comfortable user experience.

Why did the host joke about Steve Ballmer’s involvement in product approvals?

The host humorously mentions that he didn’t check with Steve Ballmer for approval of early mouse designs, playing on the idea that Ballmer's involvement in every product decision at Microsoft might be an exaggerated myth.