The Microsoft Surface Team on Friday announced that next week they will be releasing the Microsoft Surface 2.0 SDK and other tools for developers to start developing Surface applications for the next generation Surface device - the Samsung SUR40.

Starting on July 12th, the SDK will be available for download free to anyone who wants to start developing new Surface applications from the Microsoft Download Center.

Back at CES earlier this year, Mike Angiulo (Corporate Vice President of Windows Planning, Hardware, and PC Ecosystem) lifted the covers off of Microsoft Surface 2.0 during the keynote. Mike showed off the Samsung SUR40 which is a 4-inch thick 40-inch HD LCD screen with a Windows 7 PC built in. It can be used as a table or mounted to a wall.

Microsoft Surface is built upon a new technology that enables thin LCD screens to "see" without the use of cameras.

Created in partnership with Samsung, the Samsung SUR40 for Microsoft Surface incorporates all the key features of the original Surface product - a massive multi-touch experience, the ability to recognize fingers, hands, and objects - as well as a new technology that has enabled a more flexible form factor.



One other cool thing about the Microsoft Surface 2.0 SDK worth taking note of is that you can use it target apps for both Microsoft Surface hardware and Windows 7 touch-enabled PCs too.