Microsoft has acquired Perceptive Pixel, a company engaged in the touch display technology. The acquisition will give Microsoft access to Perceptive Pixel’s software and hardware touch technology; including the 82-inch display panel with 100 simultaneous touch points.

Microsoft acquires Perceptive Pixel
 Perceptive Pixel has exhibited some cool multitouch displays in the past and Microsoft has been following they work. At the Windows 8 unveiling Microsoft even demonstrated touch integration in Windows 8 on Perceptive Pixel’s 82-inch prototype display.


Windows 8 demonstrated on a 82-inch display with 100 simultaneous touch points made by Perceptive Pixel, Picture source: Engadget

But Microsoft wants it all, it seems. They have now acquired Perceptive Pixel and will gain access to years of research, development and production of multitouch display technology.

Steve Ballmer calls Perceptive Pixel’s technology “fairly revolutionary” but also says that a lot of work has to be done before consumers can get their hands on this kind of technology at reasonable prices. The 82-inch screen is described as a white board and video conferencing system but Microsoft also says that Perceptive Pixel’s large touch displays will enable “powerful Windows 8-based PCs and open new possibilities for productivity and collaboration”. Let us see where this takes us in a few years from now.