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Everything You Need to Know About Microsoft's BlueTrack Mouse Technology
Posted 09/09/08 at 01:00:00 PM | by Norman Chan
The next-generation of Microsoft mice has arrived and – surprise! – this peripheral don’t feature any fancy lasers. The new Explorer mouse is the first that sports Microsoft’s new proprietary Bluetrack technology, something they’ve been hinting at on their website for the past few weeks. The big innovation is that a BlueTrack mouse will work on virtually any surface type, whether its granite, wood, or even carpet (glass and other reflective surfaces are this mouse’s kryptonite). We got some hands-on time with this handsome wireless mouse and were impressed by its tracking accuracy, stylish design, and mesmerizing blue glow. We also spoke with Mark Depue, the Platform Engineer Manager at Microsoft’s Hardware Group, to find out exactly how BlueTrack works.
More details:
The Explorer runs on 2.4GHz wireless technolgoy, which has a range of 30 feet. It comes with a charging station, and is powered by one recharage AA battery (which provides three weeks of use). The transceiver snaps into the mouse to offer extra portability as well. You'll be able to buy the mouse in November for an estimated retail price of $99.99.
Hit the next page for our technical interview
Comments Print Email Those pictures alone make me
Submitted by ifail on Sun, 2008-10-26 17:32
Those pictures alone make me want to buy the mouse - the functions seem to be flawless, would be kind of cool if there was a way to choose a specific color for the lights depending on something you click - like the HP Touch computer.
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Wired?
Submitted by Gailim on Tue, 2008-09-09 18:28
any chance they will come out with a wired version? i hate having to replace batteries in things like keyboards and mice.
I posted a comment here a
Submitted by sirphunkee on Tue, 2008-09-09 15:04
I posted a comment here a few hours ago, it appeared on the page, and now it's disappeared..??
I had just asked if Microsoft had provided any indication of what the power drain is with the Blue Track vs. regular optical/laser mice. I'm thinking about battery life here, especially if the dpi is cranked up to 4000
In the photos above it shows
Submitted by Keith E. Whisman on Tue, 2008-09-09 13:28
In the photos above it shows a blue glow eminating from under the mouse is that just for the pictures or is there really a blue glow showing from under the mouse all around the mouse like in the pictures. If so then I want one or I'll modify my Logitech G5 for that extra bling. Looks awsome if it has that blue glow.
Submitted by Queenof1 on Tue, 2008-09-09 13:19
Anything with blue lighting is cool in my book. From the picture, it looks like this mouse is left-hand compatible? Even cooler!
Submitted by brentster10 on Tue, 2008-09-09 11:20
If it worked on glass I would buy it immediately, but it doesnt, so I won't.
Submitted by xtianh on Tue, 2008-09-09 15:54
I have a mouse that works on glass, it's my 1999 Logitech wireless mouse... with that old ball underneath it works in ALL surfaces... hmm... nevermind, it doesn't work on carpet. Oh well. I guess I'll get this mouse to work on carpet.
Submitted by karnak on Tue, 2008-09-09 10:41
Aight I'm sold, I want one.
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