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Originally published at Internet.comPC peripherals maker Logitech this week launched its newest take on the stalwart computer mouse: A controller that enables users to move the PC cursor and perform other functions by simply gesturing in mid-air.
The new Logitech MX Air mouse actually offers two different ways for desk-less control: motion-sensing functionality (for mouse-like movements) and gesture recognition (for pre-configured functions, like changing speaker volume or skip to the next playing music track.)
Using the technology, a user can hold the mouse in any orientation, point in any direction, and (according to Logitech) "enjoy effortless, intuitive cursor control." The company added that the mouse automatically avoids involuntary hand motions for better accuracy.
In addition, the black-and-silver mouse works on a user's desk, in the traditional manner.
The mouse is reminiscent of both Nintendo's much-vaulted Wii game console controller and, to an extent, laser presentation pointers of old. But it's more directly associated, aesthetically, with television remote controllers. For instance, it offers backlighted thumb buttons that control media-related functions, like Play/Pause, Volume/Mute, Back and Select.
Using gesture-based commands, a user can press and hold the Volume button and gesture to the right to increase volume, or to the left to decrease it. For music applications, a small circular motion to the right activates the skip track command, while a circle to the left repeats the song.
"The MX Air mouse offers a radically new way for people to control their PC entertainment," said Rory Dooley, general manager of the company's Control Devices unit. "It's for anyone who has listened to music on their PC and been frustrated by having to return to the desk to change songs or volume. It's for people who want to share vacation photos with friends and family without being tied to the desk. It's for any of the millions of people using the Internet to browse and watch videos on sites such as YouTube or Grouper. And it's for people with a living-room computer or media PC who want to navigate their media content on their terms."
The mouse's core Freespace motion control technology is based on a combination of microelectromechanical sensors and digital signal processing technology. The mouse communicates with its PC-based receiver up to 30 feet away and using 2.4GHz signals.
The mouse also does away with the traditional scroll wheel, in favor of a touch-sensitive scroll "panel," and is rechargeable using a charging cradle.
The Logitech MX Air is slated to launch in August, and will carry a suggested retail price of $149.99.
Author: Christopher Saunders
Read article at Internet.com site