Microsoft Announces New Peripherals for Windows 8

Well, looks like the hardware team in Microsoft has been busy bees getting ready for the launch of Windows 8.

Today, Microsoft announced five new peripheral products that will place nicely with Windows 8. Products will be available “soon” online at the Microsoft Store and other retailers. Let’s jump into the mouse and keyboard products.

Wedge Touch Mouse – An interesting new mouse, the shape is something that might not look completely ergonomic at first, but may surprise us when we get our hands on one. The device is small and compact, clearly aimed at mobile users. It has four-way touch scrolling to make navigating Windows 8 a breeze. The Wedge Touch mouse doesn’t have a dongle, it’s got Bluetooth built in. Other features include BlueTrack technology to allow it to track on nearly any surface and “Backpack Mode” which will power the device down when the computer it’s paired to is asleep. The device will go for about $69.95.

Wedge Mobile Keyboard – Next up is the keyboard to complement the mouse we just saw, it’s called the Wedge Mobile keyboard surprisingly. On the keyboard you’ll find the new Windows logo as well as Hot Keys for the Charms in Windows 8 – Search, Share, Devices and Settings. Like the mouse, the keyboard is Bluetooth. Unique to this keyboard is it’s cover, which doubles as a stand for tablet devices. The price will be $79.95.

Sculpt Touch Mouse – Here is the second of two new mice from Microsoft, the Sculpt Touch Mouse. This device looks like a traditional mouse but also includes the four-way touch scroll strip. Bluetooth enabled and will go for $49.95.

Sculpt Touch Keyboard – The companion to the Sculpt Touch mouse, the Sculpt Touch keyboard is a rather plane looking mobile keyboard. The layout of the keys looks more ergonomic than the Wedge Mobile keyboard and should appeal to those who like curved keyboards. The keyboard includes a power saving feature where it will shut off after a period of inactivity to preserve battery and power on at a touch of any button. Bluetooth like the others and will go for $49.95.

Touch Mouse / Update Gesture Support – Not exactly a new product, but Microsoft’s Touch Mouse will be getting updated support for new gestures in Windows 8. One finger allows users to move side to side or up and down, traversing the content on the screen. Two finger interaction will allow users to mange apps, switching through open apps and showing app commands. Three fingers allow for zooming in and out. Thumb gestures allow users to navigate backward and forward within an app. The hardware still goes for $79.95.

Links: Press Release, Images via Facebook

Tags: sculpt, sculpt mobile keyboard, sculpt touch mouse, touch mouse, wedge mobile keyboard, wedge touch mouse, windows 8, windows 8 mouse