Direto do site do Surface:
Microsoft Surface represents a new category of computing. With capabilities like direct interaction, multi-touch, multi-user, and object recognition, Microsoft Surface computing is a unique and cutting edge platform for application development.
The Microsoft Surface platform goes beyond the capabilities of its core operating system foundation running Windows Vista SP1, yet it keeps the development process simple. The Microsoft Surface SDK 1.0 SP1 provides all the controls a developer needs to create innovative experiences on Microsoft Surface. And with the new capabilities that come with Service Pack 1, application development is easier than ever with new WPF controls and API enhancements that give developers more control, flexibility, and efficiency in creating applications.
Eu acho que seria mais sensato para alguns desenvolvedores experientes mexerem com o Surface SDK do que tentar fazer uma versão Linux fora disso ... Além disso, eu não espero que a Microsoft simplesmente deixe a comunidade Linux copiar e colar sua tecnologia . Eles investiram bastante dinheiro no desenvolvimento da plataforma, então eu acho que eles querem recuperar alguns desses investimentos antes de abrir suas ferramentas (e com razão).