Microsoft’s new interface is a design feet

Microsoft’s two-day Tech Fest begins today, and one of the devices to be on display is the Step User Interface, a foot pad that would mimic certain keystroke or mouse functions.

The pad is color-coded, with different buttons performing different functions. To access these functions, the user taps or jumps on the buttons. The buttons are identified using arrows or other symbols.

The company has no official comment on whether the device will ever see the light of the retail store day. But the footpad, which resembles a Twister board more than a power strip, has intrigued many observers. It’s one of more than 150 concepts on display today and tomorrow.