Get ready: Blue is the new red, says Microsoft

Stephen Withers
Wednesday, 10 September 2008 10:54

Your IT - Home IT

BlueTrack is also said to be affected less by dust and dirt accumulation. While that was a bigger problem in the days of opto-mechanical mice, the tracking performance of optical mice can be degraded by a buildup of crud around the light and sensor.

BlueTrack "works just about everywhere," said BlueTrack technology co-inventor David Bohn, who is senior engineering architect at Microsoft.

The first mice to use the new technology will appear in November. The full-size Explorer with BlueTrack will cost $US99.95, while the smaller Explorer Mini will retail at $US79.95.

This month, Microsoft will ship the Arc Mouse, and the Wireless Mobile Mouse 3000, both using red optics.

Judging by the publicity photo, the Arc Mouse features a symmetrical, foldable design similar to a flip phone for portability. A carrying case is included, and the wireless dongle attache magnetically to the bottom of the mouse.

"It's very comfortable while open, and when you snap it shut you are reassured that it's off. If you need to make a quick exit, the collapsed form is a natural," said Monique Chatterjee, user experience designer at Microsoft.

Available in black or red, the Arc Mouse will retail for $US59.95.

The Wireless Mobile Mouse 3000 is based on the previous model and boasts an average battery life of six months. An indicator light turns red when the single AA battery is running low.

Yes, there is a colour choice! And how about some new webcams? Please read on.