Dell announces 'smart desk': Gallery

During Dell World 2014, Dell unveiled its "smart desk", a multi-touch LCD screen that is aimed at giving users an interactive workspace that will work in conjunction with a user's monitor.

The smart desk is not aimed at replacing the mouse or the keyboard, but users have the option to bring up an augmented-reality version of their keyboard, as well as calculator. Users also have the option to shrink or enhance the size of icons that sit on the smart desk, based on importance or what the user wants to see.

Aimed mainly at professionals in design, architecture, or even analysts, the smart desk can be drawn on using the stylus. There's also the option to add colour, which can be chosen using the totem tool.

The totem-based tool can also help enhance the Google Maps experience, which means that users no longer have to spend time figuring out their orientation.

Users also have the option to bring regularly used features of their applications onto the smart desk for easy access, while the monitor can still retain the main screen for viewing. At the same time, users can swipe their smart desk to hide or show a second page of commands and menu. This will give professionals the option to keep one page specifically for work and make the second page a personal one.

Dell said it expects the smart desk to be installed with a number of third-party applications, which will be focused with the expected users in mind.