Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 is a product we’ve had an earlier acquaintance with here at NH, then it was in a mysterious advertising campaign by Microsoft for “the ultimate Vista keyboard”. Now the keyboard has been named and been officially launched. Microsoft has for the last couple of days launched a whole row of hardware products where we can see several mice and keyboards, but also web cameras and headsets. One of the more interesting launches is Entertainment Desktop 8000 though as it comes with a rich list of features for the office and not the least multimedia.
The keyboard has a somewhat futuristic design and has functions such as automatic backlighting. The keyboard senses how close you are to it and adjusts the background lighting accordingly. Also the surrounding affect the background lighting to save batteries and for the best possible usability. It also introduces a completely new recharge function we saw in Microsoft’s earlier advertising campaign.
“The Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 is also the first rechargeable keyboard that will allow users to power both the mouse and keyboard in one easy-to-use charging station and remain fully functioning while charging.”
The keyboard offers some tailor-made buttons for both Windows Vista and Windows XP;
The Windows Start Button offers one-touch access to the Windows Start Menu, with search functionality built in for searching the Internet or the PC.
The Gadget Button reveals or hides the personalized information consumers use most, such as weather and sports.
The Media Center Start Button allows users to instantly access media, including movies and music.
The Windows Live Call Button provides users with the easiest way to start an instant messaging session or a video call — it’s speed dialing for webcams.
Wireless Laser Mouse 8000 which comes with the keyboard use Bluetooth technology and can be charged on 90 minutes with the loading dock. The price for Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 will be $249.95 and should appear at the beginning of next year.
