Microsoft teases new Arc Mouse

Posted on 6 Aug 2010 at 15:22

Microsoft has released secretive images of an up-coming product on Twitter which could represent a challenger to Apple's Magic Mouse.

Although the pictures" are hard to make out, and Microsoft's hardware division's Twitter feed is keeping quiet on the details, technology site Neowin.net claims to have word from "company insiders" that the images represent the next-generation Microsoft Arc Mouse.

Born from an internal project known as "Mouse 2.0," the new Arc Mouse will feature touch-sensitive features - just like Apple's Magic Mouse - designed to bring Windows 7's touch-screen functionality to those with traditional displays.

Lending weight to the claims is the existence of a research paper which contains images of prototype multi-touch mice, one of which bears more than a passing resemblance to the images posted by Microsoft.

Unlike Apple's multi-touch Magic Mouse, Microsoft's new Arc Mouse is thought to be single-touch only with no support for tracking gestures using multiple fingertips - at least, in its first incarnation.

Although details of the device are being kept strictly under wraps, an "insider" at the company claims that it will be launching in September at an as-yet unknown price point. With Apple's multi-touch Magic Mouse available for under £60, however, Microsoft will need to keep the price low if it wants to compete.

Author: Gareth Halfacree

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