Microsoft, the software giant, has just developed a new product in its hardware sector. It seems to be an upgrade for its Arc Mouse which is to be called the Arc Touch Mouse. This new multi-touch based mouse seems to be looking like one of Apple’s products.
This could be Microsoft’s answer to Apple’s Magic Mouse when it comes to its features and what it can do since they are pretty similar. Upon first glance, the Magic Mouse and the Arc Touch Mouse may seem to be really similar and with Microsoft’s anticipated launching this year, then Apple really has some competition on this area.
The original version of the Arc Mouse launched many years ago hence this new version is already an update of the first version. What is cool about this mouse is that it is shaped like an arc coming into contact only at the front and back, hence the name Arc Mouse.
It’s an attractive and portable little mouse and its design is probably one of Microsoft Hardware’s best. In terms of aesthetics, it comes in a cranberry colored and black colored version. The design also allows less friction in general and it also saves weight. However, since the point of contact is only the front and back, there is more pressure in those areas of contact. Using it would require a light touch but in general, it works just like an ordinary computer mouse and one would have no major problem in using it.
The updated Arc Mouse would surely be an improvement of the original one. Reports have said that the updated version would make the Arc Mouse touch-based. This rumor came from some information which spotted Microsoft registering a domain name from European retail sites called arctouchmouse.com last March.
From this domain name, it was rumored that the next Arc Mouse would be touched-based. So far this is the only evidence of such upgrade. The said new mouse would have a product code RVF-00003 according to the same source. It is also estimated that this new device would command a suggested retail price of around $70
Microsoft has denied saying anything about the issue. They have refused to say any available information as of the moment. When asked, they say that nothing is available yet which indicates that Microsoft is indeed cooking up something and will be made available soon.
This piece of news is very encouraging for all the techie people eyeing the latest development in Microsoft hardware. If this new device would be as cool or even cooler than the Arc Mouse, then it would surely be another good sell for Microsoft. Apple surely has found a good rival in terms of multi-touch functionality.
Well I guess the least we can do for now is to wait for the formal launching of this soon to be touchable Arc Mouse. We’ll just keep our eyes and ears open until something more substantial would reach our news lines.
