computer-mouse
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Sony patents vein reading system for accessible computers, toilets
In a sign of just how backed up our patent system is, Sony was finally awarded a series of claims for a vein-reading mouse it filed back in January of 2009. The idea is to use an image of the blood vessels in your index finger as an authentication system. But, instead of unlocking a PC, the identity would be associated with a set of preferences -- automatically boosting contrast and text size on a screen for the elderly. While the patented claims apply exclusively to computer mice, Sony envisions vein readers everywhere, personalizing and simplifying life for the aging... even in the bathroom. Another embodiment of the system involves scanning a persons finger as they turn the doorknob to the lavatory. Once authenticated, data is sent to the toilet which automatically lifts the seat, then adjusts the force and angle of the bidet based on your preferences. Once again, Japan proves why it's winning the race in toilet technology.
SPHERE 2 mouse turns the premium dial up to platinum, can hide in perfumeries
You can't have enough premium spherical mice, can you? OreObject is hoping not, trumpeting its "environmentally sensitive" sequel to the SPHEREtouch. Sure, the SPHERE 2 still packs all sorts of curves, but it's now been crafted from "surgical grade" stainless steel, with four-way navigation chops and a detachable, tangle-free USB cord thrown into the mix. It's the curious scroll wheel at the apex of the sphere that now furnishes the orb with four-way scrolling, and the peripheral will be available in three different finishes: titanium ($185), gold ($290) and platinum ($320). The one percent among us can sniff out the preorder form at the source link below. Or get the butler to do it.
Microsoft Touch Mouse unveiled, available for $80 in June
No, that's not Microsoft's Arc Touch mouse, it's just the Touch Mouse. Confusing, we know, but this one is more than just a mouse with a touch strip -- the entire top of it consists of a "matrix of capacitive touch-sensing electrodes," and naturally, it supports different multittouch gestures. Based on Microsoft Research concepts, the device will support a slew of gestures, including flicks, pinch-to-zoom, and panning. That all is best seen in the video below, but the sleek black mouse also packs Microsoft's BlueTrack technology, so it should work on carpets, wood, etc. Like most other 2.4GHz mice out there it has a small USB receiver -- sorry, no Bluetooth here. Undoubtedly, it looks pretty sexy, but according to the press release after the break it won't be available until June for $79.95. Updated: Microsoft has launched its Touch Mouse landing page and the mouse is up for pre-order now at Amazon. We'd wait for our hands-on impressions before pulling out the plastic, but that's just us. Update 2: We're back again. The Windows Team Blog has some more information on the gestures. We also stole a few of their pictures and put them in the gallery below. %Gallery-112891%
Smartfish Whirl Mini Notebook Laser Mouse review, now on sale for $50
Back when we first locked eyes with the Smartfish ErgoMotion Mouse at CES we knew there was something totally unique about it. No, it didn't have a touch strip or 18 buttons, but thanks to its "pivot system," it did tilt in every which-way. Created by a former chiropractor, the laser mouse tilts in all directions, but not with the aim of moving the cursor or controlling anything on screen as one would think. It wobbles for one reason and one reason only: to relieve arm tension and reduce the risk of Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI). Today the company's releasing a smaller, more mobile version of ErgoMotion, now called the Whirl Mini, for $49.95. So, is it what the doctor ordered? Or is it just another odd looking peripheral to add to the collection? We've been using it as our primary mouse for the last week, so you'll want to hit the break to find out. %Gallery-108053% %Gallery-108054%
Swiftpoint mouse review
It's no secret that one of our major gripes with some of today's laptops are their wonky and uncomfortable touchpads, and well, apparently Swiftpoint understands the pain. No, that tiny, oddly shaped optical mouse that your eyes keep gravitating towards up there isn't just any minuscule mouse -- it's designed to be used in place of a laptop's touchpad... on the palmrest itself. Wait, what? Yep, the idea is that you can still use your laptop anywhere -- on your lap while sitting on a couch or train -- but unlike other mobile or desktop mice, you don't need to find another surface to rest it on. It's certainly a creative and very futuristic-looking gadget, but more than that the $69.95 Swiftpoint has some other neat tricks up its sleeve – it latches onto a tiny USB stick to charge, can last for over an hour on a 30-second charge and you can tilt it to scroll. It all sounds extremely promising, and even took two years to finally make it to market, but is it at all comfortable to use? And more importantly, accurate enough to effectively navigate within Windows or Mac OS X? We've been using the Swiftpoint to push around the cursor on a number of laptops over the last week, so you'll want to hit the jump for those answers and more.%Gallery-99292%
OreObject SPHEREtouch mouse is a $155 ball of touch-enabled steel
Dare we say that circular-shaped mice are actually becoming a trend? Swooping in like a ball on Newton's Cradle is the OreObject SPHEREtouch mouse to knock the Jelfin mouse on its head. Though this time we've got to admit the pricey SPHEREtouch has us rather intrigued. Not only is the handmade mouse available in your choice of steel, titanium and platinum, but OreObject has shaken things up with a large horizontal scroll wheel and two touch-sensitive buttons. Mac and PC compatible, it all sounds interesting and looks very pretty until you realize that the steel version starts at $155 and that the platinum one will set you back $225. For that kind of money, we'd at least expect them to cut the cord for some Bluetooth. But hey, if you've always wanted at least one indestructible ball of steel that source link has your name all over it.
Jelfin ball-shaped mouse hand-on
Some wanted to call the Jelfin ball-shaped mouse a crapgadget, but that was until they wrapped their hands around the spherical mouse. We aren't saying the Jelfin is the best mouse in the world or that it makes you forget about your mouse-woes -- that's if you've even ever had them -- but the gel covered ball is comfortable. At first it was a bit odd to navigate our MacBook Pro 13's desktop with a ball in hand, but we got the hang of it. But while we like the feel of the buttons, which are differentiated with raised gel lines, they don't have enough give and we had to press too hard to double click. We also aren't thrilled that its got a long white USB cord, either. Chances are you'll be better suited by a Logitech for real productivity, but we did enjoy using a ball as a mouse more than we ever could have imagined. %Gallery-82516%