A few years ago, when I looked into the Microsoft touch and gesture APIs (for Windows 7), I noticed that MS tried to find a market for Surface. But at the time, Surface was a software API and tables. You might have seen them in movies. Then, MS started selling tablets under the Surface brand.
Confusing, but apparently they liked the name and no one could afford a Surface table :). But, now, with the Surface Studio, WE are getting closer to the original Surface!! Great move MS. The dial is cool but is the only object you can put on the screen – at least for now. Really cool. I will look into the API as soon as I will get some time. For now, if you are curious to see it in action, check out the pics and vids!