Metro problem solved: Microsoft introduces new mice

31 Jul 12 17:41 by in category General computer hardware

We’ve been reporting about Microsoft’s upcoming OS release a lot, Windows 8, due in October has been a popular subject of us and many other websites and industry insiders. The main criticism is about Metro, the new GUI that Microsoft introduced in Windows 8. Besides replacing our beloved Start Menu it also seems to be more targeted towards touchscreens than using it with a mouse and keyboard. It seems that last point means, a mouse as we know it. Microsoft has now introduced new myce (phun intended) that should solve the Metro problem.

With the release of the Microsoft Sculpt Touch mouse, Microsoft seems to address the problem most users currently have when using the Windows 8 Consumer Preview Release in conjunction with a mouse and keyboard as the mouse has support for Windows 8 gestures. Microsoft already had a touch mouse before and markets this mouse as an update for it.

The following gestures are supported: one finger swipes to move  up and down,  Two finger movements to switch through open apps and show app commands. Three fingers let you zoom in and out and thumb gestures navigate backward and forward through apps.

The mouse also comes with BlueTrack technology, which allows you to use it on pretty much any surface, according to Microsoft. The mouse connects to your PC with BlueTooth and requires two AA bateries to run. The estimated retail price in the US will be about $79.95. The mouse can be accompanied with the Sculpt Mobile keyboard, which has Windows 8 hot keys that let you search, share or access your devices, settings and Windows Start screen.

Besides the Sculpt Touch mouse, Microsoft also released the Wedge Mobile keyboard,  a new keyboard that also has Windows 8 hot keys and is specifically designed for tablet users. And with the Wedge keyboard also comes a Wedge mouse, a very specific shaped mouse, which also supports touch scrolling but more limited than the mouse described above. More information can be found on the Microsoft website.

18 Comments on Metro problem solved: Microsoft introduces new mice

Kerry56
Posts: 14416
Posted on: 31 Jul 12 18:04
? So, not only do I have to learn a new interface in the operating system, but also a new type of input device? That is SO appealing Microsoft.

Plus the fact that this mouse costs more than upgrade version of Win 8.

I see a big flaming crash in your future.
darkalien74
Posts: 21
Posted on: 31 Jul 12 18:14
WTF? Now we have to buy a new device to take full advantage of a SO? What are you thinking Microsoft?
DukeNukem
Posts: 1606
Posted on: 31 Jul 12 18:26
I think Micro$oft invented Metro to sell new hardware. FAIL.
coolcolors
Posts: 6487
Posted on: 31 Jul 12 19:24
Quote:
Originally Posted by DukeNukem View Post
I think Micro$oft invented Metro to sell new hardware. FAIL.
There are time I agree and disagree but I agree with DukeNukem this venture by M$ is in my grade book is a "F" for Failure....and needs to go back to pre-school....
Mr. Belvedere
Posts: 18833
Posted on: 31 Jul 12 19:53
I wonder how many of the people that don't like Windows 8 will actually end up having Windows 8. Don't like it either and the future of Android and similar consumer operating systems is looking pretty good.
Kenshin
Posts: 13160
Posted on: 31 Jul 12 20:21
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Belvedere View Post
I wonder how many of the people that don't like Windows 8 will actually end up having Windows 8. Don't like it either and the future of Android and similar consumer operating systems is looking pretty good.
Samsung already has some Windows 8 phones and tablets - not for Q3 release though. I will buy 500-ppi Windows 8 tablets as soon as they become available, but 256-ppi Android tablets will arrive before that.

http://www.theverge.com/2012/7/30/32...-retina-tablet

So far, that's an Android machine with the highest resolution. We are all going to use 2560*1600/6-inch phones soon.
ChristineBCW
Posts: 1301
Posted on: 31 Jul 12 20:30
From the title of this thread, I had an entirely different graphics-image in mind.

http://www.plumbingsupply.com/images...lushometer.jpg

This isn't exactly "fluid motion" but rather "fluid IN motion". Does that count?

What was that 'keyboard'? It looks like a footrest. Now, Hubby's the only human I've seen with tactile-toes - truly tactile. He can make them hop and dance, jump, do the splits (the Vulcan Hi-V sign), sway, etc.

And I've teased him about getting those things to type on a 2nd computer before... but NOW? HONESTLY?!! He'll actually put Win8 Keyboards under his tootsies and they'll actually TYPE?!! Frankly, I'm rather concerned - no telling what those Li'l Piggies might have to say!!
olddancer
Posts: 285
Posted on: 31 Jul 12 20:43
New unfathomable OS, new expensive Hardware to use new OS?

If any Meth Heads or Extacy Freaks are wondering why their local supply has dried up? It's all been shipped to Redmond!
olyteddy
Posts: 6565
Posted on: 01 Aug 12 03:40
After reading that article I just had to check my calendar...http://www.daysuntil.com/April-Fools-Day/index.html
DukeNukem
Posts: 1606
Posted on: 01 Aug 12 15:26
Quote:
Originally Posted by coolcolors View Post
... I agree with DukeNukem ...
Coolcolors agrees with me? Is it the Apocalypse already?
kfollett
Posts: 7
Posted on: 01 Aug 12 19:40
I agree it is all about dollars... that is how apple makes tons of cash....
break it up and sell it in pieces. The sum is greater than the whole.
We shouldn't be surprised lots of companies have been doing it for years, and now the younger generation doesn't think twice about plopping down more cash for a part that should have been included...

Just my thoughts
StormJumper
Posts: 12734
Posted on: 02 Aug 12 18:25
Quote:
Originally Posted by darkalien74 View Post
What are you thinking Microsoft?
They are thinking that since they are being so generous by lower the price for the upgrade to Windows 8 that everyone will now have the extra cash for the new hardware they have been working on which isn't just the new mice or keyboard, and if you want to use the full features and capabilities of Windows 8 you will need to spend the cash.
coolcolors
Posts: 6487
Posted on: 02 Aug 12 19:26
Quote:
Originally Posted by StormJumper View Post
They are thinking that since they are being so generous by lower the price for the upgrade to Windows 8 that everyone will now have the extra cash for the new hardware they have been working on which isn't just the new mice or keyboard, and if you want to use the full features and capabilities of Windows 8 you will need to spend the cash.
Like I didn't spend enough to go Windows7 and was able to save by using my hardware that still works. I am a joe smoe but heck I use the putts out of my computer and laptop and they still work. But go W8 and need to go tough screen that is a toss in the garbage heap. Desktop and Laptop came with keyboard and mice and will always have those. Touch screen goes only so far and when it fails what do you do-through the computer away to get another touch screen considering their cost that isn't something a rocket scientists needs to even do the math with.
coolcolors
Posts: 6487
Posted on: 02 Aug 12 19:26
Quote:
Originally Posted by DukeNukem View Post
Coolcolors agrees with me? Is it the Apocalypse already?
I think the Aztec 2012 calendar was predicting someone demise and sounds like M$ fits the bill....
coolcolors
Posts: 6487
Posted on: 02 Aug 12 19:35
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Belvedere View Post
I wonder how many of the people that don't like Windows 8 will actually end up having Windows 8. Don't like it either and the future of Android and similar consumer operating systems is looking pretty good.
I have to say those are two very different hardware requirements and operating environments. Androids and tablets aren't true computer in the sense you don't have a real keyboard and mouse and limited in what expansion they can do and software they can use. I think your first line my be a fallacy most have W7 and will probably stick with or go back to windows7 after finding they need to buy a touch screen which in itself cost more the a LCD screen and more to repair should it fail. XP just is now going to be finished off by W7 rather then Vista which was to replace XP. I took the dive to test W7 when it came out and yes got alot of headache since I hadn't used Vista to realize the change would be a hybrid of XP and Vista feature but it W7 was a cleaner setup and didn't have all those extra GUI icon or helpers that drove me up the wall. And I could see and work quickly without having to kill those helper icons. But that might have been from Office 2007 was so frustrating that after using W7 and figuring it quirks I find the setup good and going back to XP can be frustrating at best. I also did try out W8 and the metro didn't the least appeal to my as I am a keyboard mouse user and don't like someone else especially M$ telling me that I have to get all new hardware just to use their latest toy to play with. I rather wait for W9 before even going to a new O/S but then again if support and updates stay for W7 that is where I be staying for now.
_chef_
Posts: 30613
Posted on: 07 Aug 12 09:41
:-X

*** software sells hardware ***

:-X
DrageMester
Posts: 19885
Posted on: 07 Aug 12 10:00
The people at Microsoft probably heard users say that mice can solve their problems...
What users were actually saying is that "MyCE can solve their problems!"
ChristineBCW
Posts: 1301
Posted on: 07 Aug 12 14:04
DM. oh yes! Of course-! Well, "precise listening to user base" isn't exactly a hallmark of Microsoft anyway...

"Business as usual", in other words. ha ha

Or better yet, SNAFU.
Tell us, what do you think about

Metro problem solved: Microsoft introduces new mice

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