Microsoft Future Vision

Every so often Microsoft make ‘Future Vision’ videos, and while both of the ones I have posted here were produced some time ago, I stumbled across them again recently so I thought I’d share them for anyone who hasn’t spotted them yet.

The basic concept is for the Office division to imagine where productivity will be in the next 5-10 years, without having to actually create the products today. Both of these videos have a similar feel (I actually prefer the 2011 video) and the technology in them is smart and subtle. Some of the technology is even starting to become real.

It’s these kinds of concepts that really connects me to the modern Microsoft design language, including Metro on Windows Phone and Windows 8.

2009

This video has gone!

My favourites from the 2009 video have to be the smart school room, and the flexible newspaper display. Fantastic ideas.

2011

This video has gone!

There are so many parts of the 2011 video I like, but most of all I like the way the devices work together. The taxi windows and hotel room computers become personal once hooked up to the smaller devices. A very powerful concept.

You can watch a few of the Microsoft Future Vision videos on the Office YouTube page, but I don’t think we’ll see a new one until next year.