Joystiq impressions: HP's Misto
by Zack Stern 
{ Apr 12th 2007 at 9:29AM }
HP showed off another research and development project, Misto, at its recent game media event. Misto is basically a coffee table with a touch-sensitive display rigged underneath its glass. That's not to say it's not impressive for a coffee table or a display; we've just seen similar projects, and other creative, homebrew game tables.Misto's demos relied on a few simple applications to prove its touch sensitivity. I moved puzzle pieces around the screen. I browsed through photos. I looked at houses I couldn't afford; Misto is currently in-use with at least one realtor although not available for general consumers.
While a coffee table interface would be fun for certain games, Misto's current version misses big by only recognizing one touch at a time. Sure, there are technical reasons why it and many other devices can't juggle multiple users. But for the table to have the social gaming applications HP mentioned, that untouchability is a major oversight. If Misto ever makes it to market -- perhaps for virtual/actual Settlers of Catan or other social board games -- it needs to accept two or more touches at a time before we want one.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jack of No Trades @ Apr 12th 2007 9:46AM
Cool Stuff
Konny @ Apr 12th 2007 10:12AM
Thats as useful as the Internet Fridge from LG.
Vidikron @ Apr 12th 2007 10:16AM
I think that would cool to own. Would probably be too expensive to be worth it though.
Jonathan Tran @ Apr 12th 2007 11:02AM
It would be better to own a Pacman 2 player table unit.
McHoffa @ Apr 12th 2007 1:39PM
apple's multitouch would solve that issue, wouldn't it?
this could be really cool if done correctly...
Game Artist @ Apr 12th 2007 2:42PM
I've played with similar tables before at Siggraph. Very cool, and I can see opportunities for location based entertainment, but they are far too expensive for home use.