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Microsoft details the Touch Mouse's upcoming support for Windows 8 gestures
We already knew that Microsoft would be upgrading its Touch Mouse to support Windows 8 gestures, but the outfit never confirmed which finger movements, exactly, would be built in. Now, Redmond is explaining it all, even though the mouse won't actually get updated until Win8 goes on sale in late October. According to the company, you'll be able to swipe two fingers to the right to toggle between open programs, and two to the left to expose those Charms. Sliding three fingers up and down will allow you to use Semantic Zoom. (Naturally, you'll be able to swipe from side to side to move through the tiles on your Start screen, but you probably already guessed that.) We have a Touch Mouse here at Engadget HQ that we're just itching to update, but until those drivers drop three months from now, it seems we'll just have to find something else to keep us entertained.
Microsoft intros Wedge Mobile Keyboard, whose case doubles as a stand
As we've seen, there will be no shortage of tablet / laptop hybrids on offer when Windows 8 starts shipping this fall. But since those keyboard docks will typically be sold separately, that means you're also about to see loads of third-party alternatives. Not to be left out, Microsoft just announced a Bluetooth mobile keyboard, along with its smallest-ever mouse -- both of which can be used with any Windows tablet. Starting with that Wedge Mobile Keyboard, it resembles Zaggmate's iPad case from 2010, in that it has a hard case to make it more travel-resilient. Here, though, the casing is made of flexible rubber, allowing it to double as a tablet stand. Putting it over the keys also turns the keyboard off, allowing you to conserve battery life. On board, you'll also find hotkeys specific to certain Windows 8 features, such as the Charms Bar. And, as the name suggests, the keyboard rises a bit in the back, thanks to the battery door on the other side (this takes two AAA cells, by the way.) One caveat: though you can use it with Windows 7, 8 and RT, and even Mac OS X, it's not compatible with Vista. Sorry, folks. In a similar vein, the tiny Wedge Touch Mouse has a matching soft-touch surface and is also Bluetooth-enabled. Like other mice in Microsoft's lineup, it has BlueTrack technology, allowing it to be used on a wide variety of surfaces. The mouse, which runs on a single AA battery, also shuts down whenever you power down whatever device it's paired with. These products will ship "soon," according to Microsoft, with the keyboard retailing for $79.95 and the mouse going for $69.95. For now, we've got a bunch of photos below for your viewing pleasure.%Gallery-161072%%Gallery-161098%
Microsoft outs Bluetooth-enabled Sculpt Touch Mouse, matching Sculpt Mobile Keyboard
Lots of hardware news coming out of Microsoft today. No, not that kind of hardware; just a lot of mice (and keyboards, too). In addition to that spiffy Wedge mouse and keyboard, the company just announced two products as part of a new "Sculpt" line. First up, there's the Sculpt Touch Mouse, which isn't all that different from this, except it works over Bluetooth, as opposed to a USB dongle. Unlike last year's Touch Mouse, which got a software update today, this doesn't have a full touch surface so much as a touch strip, so complex three-fingered gestures are out. Still, you can use it to swipe up and down, and from side to side. And, like other products in Microsoft's lineup, it has BlueTrack technology, which allows it to be used on almost any surface. Interestingly, you'll need Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows RT to use it, meaning Vista users are outta luck. Meanwhile, the Sculpt Mobile Keyboard is similar to last year's Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 5000, only this time around it has hotkeys specific to Windows 8. Both products will be available "soon," and will retail for $49.95.%Gallery-161070%
Microsoft Explorer Touch Mouse quietly revealed, touts BlueTrack and haptic feedback
Microsoft's Touch Mouse? Yeah, you've heard of that. But have you caught wind of its Explorer Touch Mouse? Nah, we didn't think so. In fact, neither had Pocket-lint, but they stumbled across this critter at the outfit's London Christmas in July event. It's positioned between the Touch Mouse and the Arc Mouse, boasting a blue hue, BlueTrack technology (for mousing on a pant leg) and the same kind of haptic scrollpad that's used on the aforesaid Arc. There's a grand total of five customizable buttons, which can be configured for left or right-hand use, and naturally, those good vibrations can be disabled if you simply aren't kosher with 'em. Microsoft didn't spill too many other details, but it's slated to land later this month (at least in the UK) for £69.99. Update: Our pals over at WinRumors managed to snag an official press shot, too.
Microsoft kicks out a pink mouse for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
If you've been following your NFL broadcasts, you'll have noticed an entirely unusual hue infiltrating your typically macho sport -- in most clashes this weekend players on both teams could be seen sporting pink paraphernalia alongside their usual uniform colors. This courageous act of pinkification was in aid of the US National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which Microsoft is also supporting in its own small way. That small way is called the Wireless Mobile Mouse 4000, which will retail from now until the end of September of next year for $40 and contribute a $4 donation per sale to the Komen for the Cure charitable fund. Hey, it's got BlueTrack if you need to feel manly while buying one! [Thanks, Andrew]
Microsoft Metro mouse leaks out, promises BlueTrack for $20
Not a ton of details here, but Russian website TheVista.ru has turned up some seemingly legit materials for a hereto unheard of Metro Mouse from Microsoft, which is apparently a new addition to the company's BlueTrack line -- and Microsoft's latest use for the "Metro" name. At just $20, it'd also be the cheapest in the line and, like some of the other models, it's designed to be used either left or right-handed. Assuming this leak actually pans out, you can look for this one to be available sometime in March. [Thanks, deeper2k]
Microsoft's Arc Touch Mouse revealed?
It's not official until Microsoft says it is, but the image above of the rumored Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse was just snagged off a German online store. Amazingly, the mouse arches its back for comfortable mousing before packing flat for easy transport. The mouse features touch-scrolling, a battery indicator, the ability to track on most any surface, and a 2.4GHz nano transceiver that no doubt plugs into your laptop's USB port. Yours soon for €69.99 ($69.95 rumored)... right, €0.99 more than Apple's Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad sells for in Germany. Ships in 5 to 10 business days according to notebooksbilliger so expect this to get official real quick. %Gallery-99705%
Microsoft throws a helping of vivacious onto Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500 line
What good is a BlueTrack mouse in only pink and gray? Not nearly as good as one splashed in every pastel you can think of, and especially not as good as a new trio of varied ones. Microsoft's Wireless Mobile Mose 3500 family -- announced earlier this year as some of the most portable BlueTrack mice this planet has ever seen -- just gained three new vivid members, and each of 'em are on sale now at Best Buy for a penny under $30. If we had to guess, we'd say these are perfect for the KIN demographic. Hey, stereotypes don't just form from thin air, you know...
Microsoft offers three new BlueTrack mice on the cheap
Microsoft's BlueTrack technology may have led to some pretty impressive mice, but they so far haven't dipped much under the $50 mark. That's now changed with the company's new Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500, Wireless Mouse 2000 and Comfort Mouse 4500, however, which all come in at less than $30, and promise many of the same advantages as Microsoft's pricier mice. As you can probably figure out, the three mice cover the cordless, portable, and corded bases and, with the exception of the gray-only Wireless Mouse 2000, are each available in a couple of different colors. All three are also available for pre-order starting today, with the Wireless Mouse 2000 and Comfort Mouse 4500 set to roll out next month, and the Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500 on track to ship in April.
Microsoft expands BlueTrack line with two new wireless mice, is fully prepared to track more blue
Microsoft's standing by its BlueTrack technology with two new wireless numbers, the Wireless Mobile Mouse 6000 and the Wireless Mouse 5000. The Mobile Mouse 6000 includes Microsoft's first "nano" transceiver, which sticks a mere 0.8 centimeters out from its USB port for continual ensconcement, but can also be stashed away under the mouse for safe keeping in the sake of a peripheral plugging emergency. The full-sized Wireless Mouse 5000 also features a snap-in transceiver, and like its mobile brother is ambidextrous in design. In June it'll be available in a Wireless Desktop 3000 package along with the Wireless Keyboard 3000 for $70, and both will be available separately for $40, with the Mobile Mouse 6000 bringing in the "high end" at $50. Microsoft is also announcing the LifeCam VX-2000, a $30 VGA webcam for all five of you who haven't bought a computer within the last five years with one built-in. You are loved.
Microsoft's SideWinder X8 BlueTrack mouse is sidewinding its way to retail this week
The benefits of BlueTrack over optical or laser mousing technology in gaming situations will probably be debated amongst our children's children, but if you've decided that Microsoft's latest and greatest is the one for you, the SideWinder X8 gaming mouse hits stores this week. Besides that 13,000fps image processing of BlueTrack and a user-configurable 250 to 4,000 dpi, the mouse is a 2.4GHz wireless number with "virtually no latency" and it includes a play-and-charge cable for upping the juice without dropping the action. It even has a decent hands-on under its belt, so if you've been holding out for this one there's nothing really stopping your unemployed self from heading down to a local big box and plopping down $99 for the privilege.
Sidewinder X8 gaming mouse with BlueTrack announced
Microsoft has announced the Sidewinder X8 Mouse with a 2.4GHz wireless connection, 30 hours of "active gaming" on a single charge and the company's new proprietary BlueTrack technology, which boasts an adjustable 250 to 4,000 dots per inch (dpi) sensitivity. Check out Maximum PC for hands-on with the device. Should we all still exist, hardcore PC gamers who need those extra DPIs can look forward to the X8 releasing February 2009 for $100. [Via BigDownload]
Microsoft SideWinder X8 gaming mouse gets official, examined
Apparently fearing it would get lost among all its other product announcements yesterday, Microsoft waited until today to get official with its new SideWinder X8 mouse, which boasts the same BlueTrack technology as the company's new Explorer mice but in a more gamer-friendly package. Those touches include a play and charge system to let you keep playing while your battery recharges, switchable DPI settings, interchangeable feet to suit your "glide preference," seven programmable buttons, and a dedicated macro record button, to name a few. Unfortunately, you're going to have to wait even longer to get your hands on this one, with it only set to be released in February, 2009 (for $100), but you can at least get a good idea of what's in store by hitting up Maximum PC's hands-on below.Read - Microsoft Press ReleaseRead - Maximum PC, "Hands-on with Microsoft's SideWinder X8 Mouse"
Microsoft Arc, BlueTrack mice get the hands-on treatment
Not satisfied by the polished press shots of Microsoft's new Arc and BlueTrack mice? Then you might want to head over to Maximum PC, which managed to snag each mouse for a quick hands-on look. According to the site, the Arc was unsurprisingly noticeably lighter and less solid than a standard gaming mouse, but that likely won't stop it from winning its share of fans among those more concerned with portability. As for the BlueTrack, Maximum PC was especially impressed by its tracking accuracy, which apparently delivers as promised, as well as its stylish design and, of course, its "mesmerizing blue glow." Be sure to hit up the links below for a closer look, plus some more technical details about Microsoft's BlueTrack technology.Read - Maximum PC, "Hands-on with Microsoft's Fashionable and Futuristic Arc Mouse"Read - Maximum PC, "Everything You Need to Know About Microsoft's BlueTrack Mouse Technology"
Microsoft's BlueTrack mice are here -- laser bids a tearful goodbye
Yeah, so we might have forced Microsoft's hand into announcing the fall Zune lineup a day early, but nothing can upstage the pure excitement of the Say Goodbye to Laser campaign -- awww yeah, the BlueTrack mice are official today. The new tracking tech uses a (surprise!) blue beam and wide-angle "specular optics architecture" to work on a wider range of surfaces than traditional optical or laser mice, including granite, marble, and even carpet. The new tech will debut in two new mice: a revised wireless Microsoft Explorer Mouse and that Microsoft Explorer Mini Mouse that we'd already spotted. Both will be available at Best Buy in November for $99 and $79, respectively.
Microsoft planning new Zunes and webcams on September 9th?
So we know that Microsoft is gearing up to launch those new "Blue Track" mice on September 9th, but Ars Technica says that there's a good chance we'll be getting new webcams and -- surprise! -- Zunes as well. Sadly, the new mice might still be the most exciting things on the ticket -- the LifeCam VX-5500 and LifeCam Show NX-8000 are pretty much just webcams, and we're not expecting anything Zune hardware-related beyond bumps to 120GB and 16GB and perhaps that blue flash number. Still, there's a chance we could be surprised by those rumored new software and service announcements, but Microsoft's going to have to reach deep into the wow box to steal attention from a certain black-turtlenecked raconteur who'll be taking the stage in Cupertino to announce some minor new PMPs that day as well. Let the games begin!
Microsoft's new "Blue Track" mouse spotted?
We're not really sure if Microsoft is peddling a revolution here or just the mousing tech flavor of the month, but we've got ourselves a much better idea of where things might be going. After that little "Say Goodbye to Laser" teaser turned our pointing device world upside down, a reader spotted this MS Explorer Mini Mouse with "Blue Track" technology over on Amazon.de. Coincidence? We're guessing no. We followed a bit more of the PI work done by our fine commenters and discovered Blue Track to be based on a blue LED combined with a wide-angle lens that's supposed to work on more surfaces than laser and optical. Microsoft only really seems to be aiming this at the portable spectrum, hence the wireless adapter and miniature size, so perhaps Blue Track isn't the end of laser after all.[Thanks, awesome commenters]Read - Amazon.de's Blue Track galleryRead - Blue Track explained... in Italian