This technology was first showed 2 years ago... Mainly based on what apple does with their I-phone...

I think interfacing like this is the future of computing interfacing (Together with voice recognition)

And actually its a wellknown company to us thats leading in the use of touchscreens. Korg has been using touch screens in their interfaces for years now...
Espescially with their new KAOSS_pad they have been setting the next step in touch screen design.
When you look at most Wersi video's you also see extensive use of the touch screen... same goes for Rolan's V-synth and AT900, they allready have a touch screen.
The Keyboard market is sctually leading in the world of ontegrated touch screen use.

Microsoft is just trying to catch up and overtake Apple with this interface.