Attendees can access a Bing Pulse from any device using any browser. Microsoft says the system requires low bandwidth, so millions of people can participate at the same time with no delay.
Photo: Leanna Rathkelly
Other technology displayed at the event included an interactive application called Swivel, by California company FaceCake Marketing Technologies, that uses Microsoft's Kinect for Windows and the Windows Embedded 8 platform to create a virtual dressing room. Guests could stand in front of a camera and digitally try on clothes.
Photo: Andrew Kelly
In another area an artist created live portraits of guests using the Fresh Paint app on a Microsoft Surface tablet. Images were displayed on a larger screen behind him.
Photo: Andrew Kelly
More than a dozen Microsoft Surface tablets were utilized during the silent auction, where guests could electronically peruse and view details of items that would otherwise be difficult to illustrate, including full runway outfits and destination vacation packages.
Photo: Jemal Countess/Wire Image
With assignments programmed into the Microsoft Surface tablets, guests could easily get their dinner table numbers. In keeping with the night's theme, a camouflage graphic was displayed on the home screen of each tablet.
Photo: Kevin Tachman
Staffers were specially trained to operate the Microsoft Surface tablets, and each table featured the new technology in which guests could peruse the auction items, learn more about the evening's honorees and the Amfar Inspiration Gala, and take photos to upload to social media platforms. "Our objective was to add value and enhance the guest experience with technology throughout the evening," said Ed Chase, Microsoft's group marketing manager.
Photo: Kevin Tachman
