Kurt Shintaku's Blog

Okay, so it’s not entirely the Microsoft Hardware division… some of it is the Zune & Entertainment division but nonetheless, anytime you start seeing a lot of stuff get released from Microsoft about HARDWARE, y’know it’s time to wake up and pay attention.  For those of you scoffing at that, bear in mind that it wouldn’t be a stretch to claim that most innovations in keyboards, mice, joysticks, multimedia I/O, and other PC peripherals in the human interface genre, came from Microsoft Hardware:

• Camera-based optical mice?  Check.
• Laser mice?  Check.
• Natural keyboards?  Check.
• USB audio?  Check.
• Wireless joysticks?  Check.
• Mouse scroll wheel?  Check.
• etc.

So anyway, what’d we announce?

1. Microsoft Unveils World’s Most Advanced Tracking Technology
   Microsoft’s proprietary BlueTrack Technology sets new industry standard, surpasses optical and laser to track on virtually any surface.
   a) http://www.microsoft.com/
   hardware/mouseandkeyboard/tracklanding.mspx
   b) http://www.microsoft.com/
   presspass/press/2008/sep08/09-09BlueTrackPR.mspx 
   
2. Microsoft’s Latest LifeCams Bring Life to Video Calls With Versatile New Designs
   LifeCam Show and LifeCam VX-5500 debut fun new video effects and Video Messages.
   a) http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/
   press/2008/sep08/09-09VideoMessagesPR.mspx 
   b) http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/
   press/2008/sep08/09-09VideoMessagesPR.mspx
   
3. Microsoft Arc Mouse: Where Fashion and Technology Collide
   New Wireless Mobile Mouse 3000 offers fun design and colorful hues.
   http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/
   press/2008/sep08/09-09ArcWMMPR.mspx
   
4. Zune Takes Music Discovery to the Next Level With New Ways to Find and Access Digital Music
   Software update will enable Zune users to tag songs and buy music directly from FM radio and download and stream music on the go beginning Sept. 16.
   http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/
   press/2008/sep08/09-08ZuneFallUpdatePR.mspx
   
5. Hardware Group Extends Comfort Design, Sleek Finishes and Top Productivity Features Down Desktop Line
   Two new mouse-and-keyboard combinations provide more options for consumers to personalize and experience comfort at their workspace.
   http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/sep08/09-09WLDWMDPR.mspx