[Techtaffy Newsdesk]
Windows 8 is going to hit the stands soon, and with the dawn of this new avatar of Windows, comes a few sleek hardware launches from the Redmond giant.
In the coming weeks and months, the company will introduce two new Bluetooth-enabled keyboards and mice to the market – the Wedge Touch Mouse, the Wedge Mobile Keyboard, the Sculpt Touch Mouse, and the Sculpt Mobile Keyboard. Microsoft will also release updated Windows 8 gestures for the Microsoft Touch Mouse, to hit the shelves along with Windows 8 and Surface tablets this October.
The Microsoft Touch Mouse ($79.95) has also been updated for use with Windows 8 to incorporate finger swipes and movements that allow for navigation, switching through apps, and zooming in and out.
Here’s a sneak preview of the new devices:
Microsoft Wedge Touch Mouse: This is a pocket-sized $69.95 mouse with four-way touch scrolling and navigation. It’s Bluetooth-enabled, and features BlueTrack Technology, which lets it work on almost any surface. The mouse also has ‘backpack mode,’ which means it will power down and sleep along with the computer it’s paired to, saving battery life.
Microsoft Wedge Mobile Keyboard: Is a full-sized keyboard designed to be used with tablets. The keyboard features Windows 8 Hot Key, media keys, and Bluetooth. It comes with a cover for protection, which also doubles up as a a tablet stand. The keyboard will cost $79.95.
Microsoft Sculpt Touch Mouse: A $49.95 mouse for use with Windows 8, this one includes a four-way touch scroll strip for navigating up and down, left and right, and swiping through windows and documents. It also looks a lot like Apple’s magic mouse.
Microsoft Sculpt Mobile Keyboard: This keyboard is just over one pound and ideal for travel. It has a curved design to better position hands and wrists, and a battery saving sleep mode. This keyboard also costs $49.95.