14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is adding a new product to its line-up of NUI (natural user interface) PC peripherals, the Explorer Touch Mouse. According to the specifications offered by the Redmond company, the new Explorer Touch Mouse is capable of delivering up to 18 months of NUI goodness on just 2 AA batteries.
At the same time, the latest addition to the Microsoft Hardware touch line comes packed with a range of features, including the company’s new BlueTrack technology, which enables customers to use the mouse on virtually any surface, with some exceptions such as glass or mirrors.
“With this new mouse, we have taken touch strip technology to the next level by delivering a strip with both vertical and horizontal navigation, allowing you to swipe your mouse in any direction,” revealed a member of the Microsoft Hardware team.
“In addition to easy navigation, the scroll wheel also allows for three speeds of scrolling: slow speed for precise movements, medium speed to advance a page or two, or hyperfast speed to flick quickly through a long document. And with advanced haptic technology, it’s easy to feel and hear how quickly you are scrolling.”
BlueTrack Technology and scrolling enhancements aside, I’d like to mention two features that make this mouse a must have in my opinion.
I have been using wireless peripherals for years now, and while keyboards are not energy hogs, mice generally are.
One of my old peripherals required me to change batteries once every few weeks or so. To have the Explorer Touch Mouse work almost a year and a half on the same 2 AA batteries is simply a key benefit of this product.
I’ve also owned wireless devices that had bricks for their transceivers. Well, in all fairness, not actual bricks, but this is the way they appeared when I switched to nano transceivers. The Explorer Touch Mouse sports a plug-and-go Nano Transceiver, another aspect that’s worth praise.
“Holding true to its name, the Explorer Touch Mouse lets you explore beyond the confines of your desk with BlueTrack Technology for seamless scrolling on everything from your carpet to your couch to your pant leg. And it’s also Microsoft’s first mouse to offer up to 18 months of battery life. The Explorer Touch Mouse will be available in September for $49.95,” the Microsoft Hardware team member said.
Here are some additional features of the Microsoft Explorer Touch Mouse:
“Imaging Rate - Dynamically adaptable to 8000 frames per second
X-Y Resolution - 1000 points per inch (39.4 points per millimeter)
Tracking Speed - Up to 72 inches (1829 millimeters) per second Wireless Technology
Wireless Frequency - 2.4 GHz frequency range
Wireless Range - 15 feet (4.57 meters) typical
Mouse Button Features - 5 buttons including 3 button areas on touch strip
Right, Middle, & Left Button Life - 3,000,000 actuations at no more than 4 actuations per second
Touch Strip Button Life - 350,000 actuations at no more than 4 actuations per second
Mouse Scrolling Features - Touch strip enables digital vertical and horizontal scrolling for precise or fast scrolling
On/Off Switch Life - 4,000 actuations at no more than 30 actuations per minute.”
