Microsoft BlueTrack. Better than Optical. Better than Laser.

Despite the fact that details on BlueTrack have been leaked since the end of August 2008, Microsoft has continued to keep mum on the technology and to stick to the initially announced September 9 launch deadline. Yesterday, the Redmond giant announced two new mice from its hardware division, namely Microsoft Explorer Mouse and Microsoft Explorer Mini Mouse. Both products will be available this fall and will feature the Microsoft BlueTrack technology, which the company claims to be superior to both optical and laser.

“Research shows that people aren’t sitting at a desk all day, but they’ve gone mobile. In fact, 72 percent of PCs sold are notebook PCs, and consumers need a mouse that can go with them anywhere. BlueTrack Technology excels in areas where optical and laser technologies were falling short. Laser mice, for example, have a difficult time working on some common home surfaces, including granite and marble,” explained Mark DePue, platforms engineering manager at Microsoft and co-inventor of BlueTrack Technology.

According to Microsoft, the Explorer Mouse will come with a price tag of $99.95, while the Explorer Mini Mouse will be offered for $79.95. Both will feature the BlueTrack technology under the hood, and will hit the shelves in November 2008.

Following the introduction of the optical mouse in 1999 and that of the High Definition Laser Technology in 2005, Microsoft is yet again rising the standard when it comes down to computer peripherals. The new product line-up featuring the BlueTrack technology is guaranteed to work on a variety of surfaces with the exception of glass and mirrored materials.

“Laser technology is also sensitive to dust and dirt accumulation during travel, which can lead to poor tracking performance. With BlueTrack Technology you can rest easier about where your mouse will or won’t track - it works just about everywhere, just like you,” revealed David Bohn, Microsoft senior engineering architect and BlueTrack Technology co-inventor.
Microsoft Unveils World’s Most Advanced Tracking Technology