It seems like the multitouch features are the next big thing in technology. After Apple has introduced last year its already iconic iPhone it seems like everybody is rushing to integrate similar technologies into their products. And Microsoft is no exception.

During their joint interview, Ballmer and Gates have decided to show a sneak peek of what will be the main new feature of the next generation of Windows. In a brief demo, a Microsoft software engineer presented a new Windows interface with multitouch capabilities.

Actually, the multitouch effort is not new for Microsoft. One year ago, at the same event, the Redmond company introduced Microsoft Surface, a 30-inch display in a table-like form factor that users interact with through touch, natural gestures and objects placed on the surface.

The users don’t need a mouse or keyboard, they may interact directly with digital content - such as viewing, stretching, sorting and sharing digital photos by sliding their fingers across the surface.

Judging by the demo presented earlier this week, Windows 7 will be based on a similar concept, offering to its users a new way to interact with their computers. But while the Surface does not use a touch-sensitive screen, for the next version of Windows a touch screen will be required. In the demo, the new Windows interface is running on a Dell Latitude XT laptop with Tyco Electronics Elo touch monitor.

Microsoft’s ambition to revolutionize the way we interact with our computer is an interesting initiative, but there are a few obstacles along the way.

First of all is hard to say if indeed in the next few years the touch screens will become a common feature of the desktops and laptops, as Microsoft envisions. And without such a device, what is the point to have a multitouch-capable OS?

On the other hand, Microsoft noted that the new Windows will be based on Windows Vista, which is considered a real success. Apparently, that means that the minimum hardware requirements will be at least similar. So, in order to run, Windows 7 will need a quite powerful computer with a touch screen.

Also, there where rumors that Apple, which already has stared the “touch” frenzy with its iPhone, is working to create a MacBook with a touch screen. Of course, the company didn’t say anything official, but as we all know Apple is full of surprises.

Maybe Microsoft should concentrate on the other issues of Windows Vista instead of the multitouch features. Of course, time will tell if Microsoft’s idea is a winning solution.