Microsoft has revealed its new Surface computer technology which turns a tabletop into an interactive tool that responds to touch.

Microsoft Surface computers use a screen embedded in a tabletop that can recognize physical objects such as a paintbrush or a cell phone, and allows users to directly manipulate content such as images, music and maps.

The surface can also be used to read bar codes, ID cards, download photos from digital cameras, play digital board games, or as a remote control for your TV.

The new technology will initially be available to corporate customers only, and will start to appear in retail and entertainment settings later this year.

The equipment it uses is currently too expensive to sell to consumers, but Microsoft believes that eventually this technology will find its way into schools, workplaces and then our homes.