Microsoft has announced the next step in computer mouse technology. Most of you are probably accustomed to optical mice instead of the older ball mice. Most high-end mice on the market use a red laser for tracking but this is about to change. Microsoft has launched the BlueTrack technology that simply uses blue optics instead and Microsoft says that its new technology is better than both current optical and laser technology.
The biggest reason is that the BlueTrack beam is four times as big as normal laser beams. This paints a better picture of the surface and with better reflection it is possible to use the mouse on almost any surface, something that is not so easy with today’s mice.
According to David Bohn, senior engineering architect at Microsoft and BlueTrack Technology co-inventor, “Laser technology is also sensitive to dust and dirt accumulation during travel, which can lead to poor tracking performance. With BlueTrack Technology you can rest easier about where your mouse will or won’t track — it works just about everywhere, just like you.”
Microsoft has launched two models using BlueTrack technology, Microsoft Explorer Mouse and Microsoft Explorer Mini Mouse. Both use 2.4GHz wireless technology and the design early reveals the blue laser technology. The models will become available in November, but can already be found listed in numerous stores. Explorer Mouse is about $80 and Explorer Mini Mouse about $60.
