AT&T wants to transform the way consumers shop for mobile devices, using Microsoft Surface touch and device recognition technology. Letting consumers interact with devices by touch, gestures and placement of the handset on the display, Microsoft Surface is a 30-inch table-like display that will allow them to:

Photo: AT&T Stores Get Microsoft Surface Touch Recognition Tech Photo 2

- Review mobile device features by simply placing it on the display
- View interactive coverage maps at the national, state, local or street level, using touch and hand movement to scale and move the maps
- Drag and drop ringtones, graphics, video and more by "grabbing" content with their hands from a menu on the display and "dropping" it into the phone

"Microsoft Surface transforms the retail environment from a transaction destination to a customer engagement destination," said Robbie Bach, president, Entertainment & Devices Division, Microsoft. "With innovative and intuitive ways of accessing information and digital content on Microsoft Surface, consumers now have an entirely new, unique and personalized shopping experience. We're excited to have AT&T bring this to life and be the first company showcasing Surface in its retail locations."

AT&T plans to unveil the new displays in stores located in New York City, Atlanta, San Antonio and the San Francisco area on April 17, followed by additional stores in other markets based on the success of the first phase of deployments.

- AT&T Stores Get Microsoft Surface Touch Recognition Tech Photo 1
- AT&T Stores Get Microsoft Surface Touch Recognition Tech Photo 2