AT&T Will Use Touch-Sensitive Tables to Sell Wireless Phones

LAS VEGAS — With touch screens a hot trend in the wireless world, AT&T Inc. is announcing Wednesday that it is bringing Microsoft Corp.'s interactive tabletop technology to stores in a handful of cities, including Atlanta and San Antonio, Texas.

It is the first commercial use for Microsoft Surface, a coffee table-like computer that allows people to interact with a display by touching it and placing objects on the flat 30-inch top, AT&T said at the CTIA Wireless industry show.

The devices should appear in some AT&T stores on April 17. The carrier said it may bring the technology to all its stores after trying it in the four pilot cities, which also include New York and San Francisco.

AT&T said customers will be able to place wireless devices on the displays to get information about their features. The displays also will allow shoppers to compare phones and review wireless coverage maps.

AT&T is the U.S. carrier for the popular Apple iPhone, which has spurred interest in touch-screen technology.

Microsoft showed off its tabletop touch technology in January at the Consumer Electronics Show.

On the Web:

AT&T: www.att.com