New Touch NUI Peripheral Coming from Microsoft Hardware

Microsoft is preparing to unveil a new peripheral for Windows PCs. The Redmond company has engaged users in a guessing game via Twitter, where Microsoft Hardware is sharing a sneak peek of the new product, but revealing very little in fact. So far, the hardware division from the Redmond company indicated only that it is building a new device with some specific characteristics, such as flatness, and the fact that it will allow users to interact with it via touch.

“Here’s a hint for you: “Don’t be so touchy…flat is where it’s at.” We’ll share another glimpse of our upcoming product with you tomorrow,” a member of the Microsoft Hardware twitted earlier this week. Subsequently, Microsoft Hardware revealed the first of two pics which put together make up the image included at the top of this article. The company noted that the image was the second clue that was delivered, and also offered the following invitation: “Any guesses as to what it might be?”

The latest tweet from Microsoft Hardware reveals that there is more to come. Users are going to get another clue related to the upcoming peripheral, although the software giant failed to indicate a specific deadline as to when it will share new details. “Thanks for all of the guesses for today's sneak peek image. We'll release another image soon to give you a better idea of what's in store,” the company said.

Looking at the picture it is obvious that Microsoft Hardware will extend its peripherals product lineup. While the fact that the new device will be flat is bound to not resonate all that much with users, the touch reference is another thing altogether.

Since building Windows PC peripherals is at the heart of Microsoft Hardware’s business, with a focus on mice and keyboards ahead of anything else, the new touchy and flat device could in fact be an evolution to classic designs already available. In this regard, speculation already indicates that Microsoft could release a touch-capable mouse, as a keyboard is highly unlikely judging by the width of the device featured in the images made public so far. Of course, another possibility would involve a trackpad device. And considering Microsoft’s previous forays into the territory of Natural User Interfaces (NUI) and new interaction models, the new device is bound to sport multi-touch capabilities. Fact is that Microsoft Hardware could be gearing up to release a competitor to Apple’s Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad.

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