Harrah’s Launches Microsoft Surface at Rio iBar  July 7, 2008  Harrah’s Operating Company Inc., a subsidiary of Harrah’s Entertainment Inc., has partnered with Microsoft Corp. to launch Harrah’s first Microsoft Surface deployments at iBar ultra-lounge located at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

Harrah’s is the first company to deploy a suite of customized applications for Microsoft Surface and to install it in an entertainment venue, providing guests with personalized social experiences with the Surface units.

Microsoft Surface, its first commercially available surface computer, is a 30-inch, table-like display that individuals digital content that can be maneuvered by touch, gestures or objects from the real world.

There is no mouse or keyboard for this 360-degree user interface. With Microsoft Surface, iBar guests can, among other things: create new ways to chat and meet people from one Surface to another; create and order their own signature cocktails; find and view online videos; and play video games.

In addition, the Surface units feature a photos application and a virtual concierge application developed by Microsoft that Harrah’s has customized, so that guests can virtually tour Las Vegas attractions and other Harrah’s properties and take a virtual walk on the Strip.

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