Rio iBar First to Offer Microsoft Surface

The Vegas hotspot will be the first bar to wheel out Microsoft's Surface computers and let drinkers get geeky.

Finally making good on Microsoft Surface’s promise of combining computers and drinking, Microsoft and Harrah’s Entertainment announced Wednesday that the Rio iBar in Las Vegas would be the first bar to install the 30-inch multi-touch entertainment units.

The customized Surface computers will be outfitted with a range of software tailored to a lounge atmosphere. Mixologists, for instance, will let users create their own drink recipes on the Surface, then order them up for themselves or someone else. Hip-notic will deliver online videos, and Head Games will include bowling, pinball, and a musical memory game. Flirt will even let you mimic the experience of flirting through a webcam in your basement, but while embarrassing yourself in public and paying $10 a drink.

“People continue to be excited about the endless possibilities of Surface technology and how it can transform everyday scenarios, including the social and entertainment space,” said Pete Thompson, general manager for Microsoft Surface, in a statement. “With this latest deployment of Surface, we’re now bringing some of those possibilities to life and showcasing the breadth of opportunities Microsoft Surface provides to innovative businesses like Harrah’s.”

Microsoft launched the Surface computer at Harrah’s on Wednesday, and expects to fire up pilot programs in other venues throughout the year.