Today, Microsoft is announcing two new mice designed specifically for Windows. These are the first mice from Microsoft to include a Windows button on them, giving you quick and easy access to specific features in Windows – and, in the case of the Sculpt Comfort Mouse, more advanced functionality in Windows 8.
Sculpt Comfort Mouse
The Sculpt Comfort Mouse is a perfect companion to the Sculpt Comfort Keyboard Microsoft announced last fall. The Sculpt Comfort Mouse has a touch-sensitive blue strip on its side called the Windows touch tab that makes it easy to navigate Windows 8 with just the touch or swipe of a finger. When pressed, it of course takes you to your Start screen, just like the Windows buttons on keyboards, PCs, and tablets.
But it does more than just take you to your Start screen. If you swipe up on the blue strip, it cycles through all your open Windows Store apps in Windows 8. And if you swipe down, it will reveal all the open apps (on the left side of your screen) for you to select the one you want. You don’t have to worry about a tiny USB transceiver since the Sculpt Comfort Mouse uses Bluetooth to connect to your Windows PC or tablet. It also has a comfortable ergonomic design and our BlueTrack technology to be used on pretty much any surface.
The Sculpt Comfort Mouse will be available in June for an estimated retail price of USD 39.95.
Sculpt Mobile Mouse
The Sculpt Mobile Mouse is the latest evolution of the Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500 – with a Windows button which works great on Windows 7 or Windows 8.
Like the Sculpt Comfort Mouse, it also has four-way scrolling – meaning you can scroll sideways by tilting the scroll wheel to the right or left in addition to the vertical scrolling you’re used to. This makes navigating the Start screen in Windows 8 or apps that scroll horizontally a breeze. The Sculpt Mobile Mouse has a compact design, a tiny wireless USB transceiver, and BlueTrack technology.
The Sculpt Mobile Mouse will be available in May for an estimated retail price of USD 29.95.
Genius has just released the X-G510, an ambidextrous gaming mouse specially designed to give gamers an edge. Offering unparalleled precision, comfort and functionality, this six-button gaming mouse has the features gamers need to excel in battle, but with a straightforward look.
Offering unique aesthetic customization options, the X-G510 features backlighting brightness and pulsation style that can be tuned to your liking. Enhancing the gaming atmosphere during low-light situations, the X-G510’s breathing-like lighting system gradually brightens and dims during game play.
The X-G510 is now available in the U.S. and Canada for the suggested retail price of USD 34.99.
Logitech has expanded its universal remote control lineup with the Logitech Harmony Ultimate and the Logitech Harmony Smart Control. Both products feature Logitech’s Harmony Hub and Harmony Smartphone App to enable closed-cabinet control and one-touch entertainment access to game consoles from your universal remote or smartphone. The Harmony Hub takes personalizing your activities a step farther into home control with the ability to program your Philips Hue lights to the desired brightness and color with a tap of the Logitech Harmony Ultimate.
The Logitech Harmony Ultimate and Logitech Harmony Smart Control are compatible with more than 225,000 home-entertainment devices and more than 5,000 brands. Both include the Harmony Hub, which uses Bluetooth wireless technology to power on game consoles such as the Sony PS3, Nintendo Wii, and Wii U. The Harmony Hub also, controls infrared devices inside closed entertainment cabinets and without the need to point at them. Each also comes with the Harmony Smartphone App, which anyone in the house can download to turn his or her smartphone into a personal universal remote.
Able to control up to 15 devices, the Logitech Harmony Ultimate is a fully featured remote with a 2.4-inch color touch-screen that enables no-look control over television programs, movies, and music by using simple swipes and taps. It also introduces the ability to program Philips Hue lighting systems with entertainment activities allowing you to adjust the room’s lighting as easily as changing the volume of your television. Other exclusive features include vibration feedback so you know it received your touch-screen commands, tilt sensors, and buttons programmable for both short and long presses, doubling the available functions.
The Logitech Harmony Smart Control and Harmony Smartphone App turn your iOS or Android phone into a universal remote, giving you personalized control of up to eight devices from anywhere in the house using the smartphone you already own. Plus, it includes a simple remote control for when your smartphone isn’t handy.
These new products join the Logitech Harmony Touch to complete the Logitech Harmony remote lineup. The Logitech Harmony Ultimate is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe in April 2013, for a suggested retail price of USD 349.99. The Logitech Harmony Smart Control is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe in May 2013, for a suggested retail price of USD 129.99. The Logitech Harmony Smartphone App will be available for download from the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Gigabyte’s Aivia Neon combines the functionality of a wireless mouse with the versatility of a wireless presenter, saving professionals the need to carry two separate devices. Lifting the Aivia Neon off any surface will automatically activate air-mouse mode. While in air-mouse mode pressing the air-mouse key will allow you to move the mouse cursor intuitively. Alternatively, double click the air-mouse key to keep the cursor active. Placing the mouse back on a surface will de-activate air-mouse mode.
Aivia Neon is equipped with a high density lithium-ion battery for long lasting continued use. Recharging the battery is quick and easy, simply open the battery cover and attach to the USB nano-receiver. An indicator light will start to blink to show that the battery is charging.
The company did not give out pricing or availability information.
Genius has just announced the enhanced Ring Mouse 2. With the same full mouse functionality as the previous Ring Mouse, Ring Mouse 2 allows business travelers, education users, and i-users to click, drag, and 4-way scroll on their PC or Mac from their fingertips.
The five buttons of the Ring Mouse 2 re-imagines the computer mouse and provides a new way to surf the web with a unique, flexible rubber design that fits securely on your finger or in your pocket, so it is ready to go wherever you are. Teachers and other education professionals can now easily navigate webpages or documents when lecturing or giving presentations, while business professionals now have an easy-to-use and portable alternative to laptop trackpads in confined spaces when traveling. With using worry-free 2.4 GHz technology, the Ring Mouse 2 ensures a solid connection every time from a distance of up to 30 feet.
The Genius Ring Mouse 2 has a rubber ring design giving more comfort and a better finger grip. The ring also serves as a storage unit for the USB pico receiver when moving from place to place. The outer appearance has also been updated giving it a more modern sleek design. For users that want to match color with style the Ring Mouse 2 is available in two colors: silver and titanium.
This tiny in-air cursor controller has a rechargeable design and uses an ultra-slim Li-ion battery that not only saves money on frequent battery changes but also helps the Ring Mouse 2 keep a slim profile. The smart battery indicator flashes blue when a recharge is needed.
The Ring Mouse 2 is now available in the U.S. and Canada for the suggested retail price of USD 49.99.
Logitech has announced its brand new lineup of PC peripherals, the Logitech G line. This lineup includes six mice, two keyboards, and two new headsets.
The lineup includes:
Logitech G700s Rechargeable Gaming Mouse
The Logitech G700s Rechargeable Gaming Mouse is a wireless gaming mouse with the report rate of a wired gaming mouse. In fact, it maintains a consistent report rate, whether over 2.4 GHz wireless or connected by USB, up to eight times faster than a standard USB mouse. If your game goes long, you can keep playing and recharge the mouse simultaneously by switching seamlessly to a data-over-cable connection using a standard Micro-USB cable. The mouse has a durable hydrophobic coating on the palm area that helps keep your palm from sticking to the mouse, and dry grip on the sides ensures a steady hand. You can elevate your in-game skills with 13 programmable controls that let you program single actions, complex macros with multiple keystrokes, repeating and user-defined delays, when you download Logitech Gaming Software (LGS). The Logitech G700s Rechargeable Gaming Mouse is expected to be available for a suggested retail price of USD 99.99.
Logitech G500s Laser Gaming Mouse
For FPS gamers, the Logitech G500s Laser Gaming Mouse packs a gaming grade laser for precise cursor control on a wide variety of surfaces and a hyper-fast dual-mode scroll wheel. It also features a durable hydrophobic coating to help keep your palm from sticking and dry grip for a steady hand. It has up to 27 grams of customizable weight and center of gravity adjustment, meaning you can tune it to your preferred play style. You can switch from pixel-precise targeting at 200 DPI to lightning-fast maneuvers at up to 8200 DPI with two buttons sitting in easy reach near your index finger. The Logitech G500s Laser Gaming Mouse features 10 programmable controls, which require LGS. The optional software can also be used to reassign game commands or multi-command macro. The Logitech G500s Laser Gaming Mouse is expected to be available for a suggested retail price of USD 69.99.
Logitech G400s Optical Gaming Mouse
The Logitech G400s Optical Gaming Mouse pushes the high standards set by the Logitech MX518 Optical Gaming Mouse and Logitech Optical Gaming Mouse G400. This full-feature gaming mouse is built specifically for FPS games and includes Logitech’s exclusive Delta Zero sensor technology for high-accuracy cursor control. It also has a hydrophobic coating to help keep your hand from sticking, as well as soft-touch grip areas and fingerprint-resistant coatings on the primary buttons to resist fading. With LGS, you can customize the eight programmable buttons, and the mouse also features primary mechanical microswitches rated to a 20 million-click lifespan. The programmable buttons allow you to shift through multiple DPI settings to quickly select on-screen options, scan the game map, pull off 180-degree flick-shots at 4000 DPI or downshift for pixel-precise FPS sniper targeting or RTS unit selection at 400 DPI – all conveniently located above and below the scroll wheel. The Logitech G400s Optical Gaming Mouse is expected to be available for a suggested retail price of USD 59.99.
Logitech G100s Optical Gaming Mouse
The Logitech G100s Optical Gaming Mouse is simple to use and specifically crafted for your favorite RTS and MOBA games. Built to extend the powerful legacy of the Logitech G1 Mouse and the Logitech Gaming Mouse G100, it features buttons designed for heavy clicking and the Logitech exclusive Delta Zero sensor technology for accuracy at any hand speed. While a typical mouse cannot withstand the rigors of intense gaming, the ultra-durable Logitech G100s Gaming Mouse has upgraded primary mechanical microswitches rated to a 20 million-click lifespan. The mouse also has a durable hydrophobic coating on the palm area to help keep your hand from sticking, and the primary buttons have fingerprint-resistant coating to prevent fading. Whether using claw grip or conventional, with small hands or large – the ambidextrous inverted trapezoid shape encourages a sure grip through long sessions. The Logitech G100s Optical Gaming Mouse is expected to be available for a suggested retail price of USD 39.99.
Logitech G19s Gaming Keyboard
The Logitech G19s Gaming Keyboard feeds you a steady flow of intel, including vital stats, game specific apps, and customizable information panels, all in full color on an integrated, adjustable GamePanel LCD. With custom-color backlighting, you can choose from 16 million shades and assign a specific color to every profile and profile mode in the same game. The keyboard also features advanced surface materials for durability and comfort. A hydrophobic coating on the palm rest helps keep your hands from sticking, while the durable double UV coating gives keys extra long life. With LGS, you can configure the 12 programmable G-Keys with up to 36 different functions across three different modes with three macros per key. Two High-Speed USB 2.0 ports let you transfer data to and from accessories – such as MP3 players and flash drives – while also charging battery powered devices. The keyboard also includes anti-ghosting over 26 keys so you can perform multiple complex actions without interference or ghosting. The Logitech G19s Gaming Keyboard is expected to be available for a suggested retail price of USD 199.99.
Logitech G510s Gaming Keyboard
To make complex actions simple, the Logitech G510s Gaming Keyboard provides 18 programmable G-keys, which allow you to configure up to 54 different functions across three different modes, with three macros per key, when you download LGS. In addition to custom-color backlighting it features a backlit GamePanel LCD, so not only can you stay informed with real-time game stats, system information and VoIP communication data, you can also develop or add community-created applets to work with your GamePanel. It also has a hydrophobic coating on the palm rest to help keep your hands from sticking, and a double UV coating on the keys for extra durability and long life. The Logitech G510s Gaming Keyboard is expected to be available for a suggested retail price of USD 119.99.
Logitech G430 Surround Sound Gaming Headset
Similar to the Logitech G35 Surround Sound Headset and Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930, the Logitech G430 Surround Sound Gaming Headset is powered by Dolby Headphone technology to create an immersive 360-degree sound field that gives you the advantage of hearing what you can’t see in a game, from footsteps to sirens. With Dolby Headphone 7.1 surround sound, you’ll hear up to seven discrete channels of audio data plus a Low Frequency Effects channel. Similar to the Logitech G230 Surround Sound Gaming Headset, this headset also provides washable ear cups that offer a soft, comfortable fit for long gaming sessions. When you want to be heard, the noise-canceling mic can be adjusted to pick up your voice alone. When the mic is not in use, you can easily fold it up and out of the way. The Logitech G430 Surround Sound Gaming Headset is expected to be available for a suggested retail price of USD 79.99.
Logitech G230 Stereo Gaming Headset
The Logitech G230 Stereo Gaming Headset delivers high-quality stereo sound by using 40 mm neodymium drivers to keep you immersed in the game from start to finish for FPS, MMO, or adventure-type games. And because marathon gaming yields heat and sweat, the new headset features ear pieces covered with washable performance-sport cloth for a comfortable, soft touch even after hours of use. With a flexible, noise-canceling folding mic, sound is focused on your voice, practically eliminating background noise for better audio quality. In-line audio controls for volume and microphone mute are within easy reach on the connection cable. The Logitech G230 Stereo Gaming Headset is expected to be available for a suggested retail price of USD 59.99.
Each of these products is expected to be available in the U.S. beginning in April 2013 and in Europe beginning May 2013.
Corsair has just announced the Vengeance K70 fully mechanical gaming keyboard. The new Vengeance K70 gaming keyboard is built on a rugged, brushed, aluminum chassis and features highly responsive Cherry MX Red mechanical switches under every key. The high performance switches combined with the keyboard’s 100% anti-ghosted matrix, 20-key rollover, and 1000 Hz reporting rate provide fast, accurate input for gaming.
The Vengeance K70 gaming keyboards are available in two color schemes: silver aluminum with blue backlighting, and anodized black with deep red backlighting. Overall backlighting can be adjusted to four levels of intensity and each key is individually backlit, enabling the lighting for each key to be independently enabled or disabled. The key-by-key lighting customization allows users to highlight just the keys they need to emphasize and then save the setting directly to the K70’s onboard memory. In addition, the Vengeance K70 comes with alternate colored, contoured keycaps for the WASD and 1-6 keycaps to allow additional customization.
The Vengeance K70 also features dedicated multimedia controls to allow users to play, stop, pause, skip tracks and adjust volume. An extra USB connector is provided for attaching to USB devices such as a Vengeance gaming mouse or headset. A removable soft-touch wrist rest provides comfort for long gaming or typing sessions.
The Corsair Vengeance K70 will be available in April at suggested price of USD 129.99.
Razer has announced a partnership with Riot Games to produce official collector’s edition peripherals for League of Legends, the world’s premiere PC gaming title.
The Razer Naga Hex mouse features six large, mechanical thumb buttons, a custom League of Legends logo, and detailed rune script on its scroll wheel. Gamers can pair the mouse with a League of Legends-branded Razer Goliathus mouse mat designed to enhance swift movements during the fast-paced lane wars across the Summoner’s Rift. Both products come with an in-box code to unlock one of the game’s champions and skin.
About the Razer Naga Hex League of Legends Collector’s Edition:
Six MOBA/action-RPG optimized mechanical thumb buttons
11 total programmable buttons
Special switches in buttons for 250 clicks-per-minute
10 million click life cycle
Ergonomic curved design
Razer Synapse 2.0
5,600 dpi Razer Precision 3.5G Laser Sensor
1,000 Hz Ultrapolling/1 ms response time
Approximate size : 116 mm/4.57 in. x 78 mm/3.07 in. x 42 mm/1.65 in. (l x w x h)
Approximate weight: 134 g/0.30 lbs
Price: USD 89.99
Availability: March 2013
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About the Razer Goliathus League of Legends Collector’s Edition:
Slick cloth weave for unbridled speed
Anti-fraying stitched frame extends mat durability
Pixel-precise targeting and tracking
Rubber base for a secure grip on smooth surfaces
Approximate size: 355 mm/13.98 in. x 254 mm/10 in. x 3mm/0.12 in. (l x w x h)
Genius has just launched its new gaming mouse, the Genius X-G510 (part number 31010164101). The product comes with a rubber coated grip that fits in both hands in order to offer comfort for gamers who like to play for hours on end.
It has a size button design and can be customized to conquer any gaming challenge, so one is always playing at a level above the competition. The dpi button instantly shifts multiple sensitivity levels between 500 and 2,000 dpi. In addition, one can toggle rapidly between buttons using the profile switch and always know immediately which settings are being used.
On board memory prevents game blocks for three different profiles, and one can customize up to 21 macro keys. The 1.8 meter braided USB cable provides a stable and smooth signal connection when engaged in combat.
Genius has announced that its KMH 100 is now available in the U.S. and Canada. This 3-in-1 GX gaming series combo brings together some of the elite products of the GX Gaming Series: Maurus Black gaming mouse, Imperator gaming keyboard and Lychas gaming headset.
Featuring numerous customizable features, Maurus gaming mouse gives gamers a personalized experience. The Scorpion UI (User Interface) lets you set up and save up to 21 macros, giving you a competitive edge in the heat of battle. Maurus’s buttons, with default settings of left, right, middle with scroll, next page, and last page are programmable, giving gamers even more customizable control. Additionally, the over-clocking SG Core i engine lets gamers adjust the dpi to four different levels (450/900/1,800/3,500) directly from the mouse. Its non-slick rubber coating ensures a firm grip when moving the mouse violently back and forth.
With six programmable keys under three game profiles, Imperator gaming keyboard allows gamers to assign up to 18 macros. The included UI makes it easy to manage and customize your macros. Once programmed, gamers can cast spells or execute specialized commands in a single keystroke.
When not gaming, users can take advantage of the seven easy access media keys, including instant mute for simple control of movies, videos, and audio. Imperator gaming keyboard has an optimal 3.8 mm key travel distance resulting in perfect elasticity. During long gaming sessions, the palm rest support helps gamers stay comfortable.
Ideal for LAN parties and competitions because of its individual ear cup volume control, Lychas gaming headset is easy to carry around with its swivel ear cups and foldable design. When the volume is turned up in both of the ear cups, this GX Gaming headset not only provides clear and accurate audio for a tactical advantage in any combat situation, but the large 50 mm drivers also prevent distraction from background noise.
The in-line control box lets gamers easily tweak the master volume and mute the microphone in-game. Mounted on the left ear piece, the omni-directional microphone can be simply rotated out of view when not in use. And the adjustable headband fits comfortably on any gamer.
The KMH 100, 3-in-1 GX Gaming Series Combo, is now available in the U.S. and Canada for the suggested retail price of USD 129.99.
Razer has just announced the re-release of its peripheral lineup for Blizzard Entertainment’s StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm expansion, the highly anticipated next installment of the acclaimed StarCraft franchise. The entire suite of StarCraft II peripherals, designed specifically for the prestigious real-time strategy (RTS) game, is available once again. The line includes the Razer Spectre StarCraft II Gaming Mouse, the Razer Marauder StarCraft II Gaming Keyboard and the Razer Banshee StarCraft II Gaming Headset.
Razer Spectre StarCraft II Gaming Mouse
The Razer Spectre StarCraft II Gaming Mouse has five buttons designed to provide precision and control for RTS gamers. The Razer Spectre features the newly developed APM Lighting System with a multicolor LED that provides real-time performance feedback through changing lighting hues and adjustable mouse button force settings for optimal mouse click speed and control. Equipped with a powerful 5,600 dpi Razer Precision 3.5 G laser sensor and a 1,000 Hz Ultrapolling/1 ms response time, the Razer Spectre StarCraft II Gaming Mouse gives gamers exactly what they are looking for in an RTS mouse. It is priced at USD 59.99.
Razer Marauder StarCraft II Gaming Keyboard
The Razer Marauder features a multi-color backlit keyboard with an APM Lighting System that provides real-time performance feedback through changing color hues to complement the gaming experience. Enhanced with elevated keys for rapid command input and improved gaming performance and a dedicated on-the-fly macro recording system, the Razer Marauder is built with a gaming-optimized design inspired by the StarCraft universe. It is priced at USD 99.99.
Razer Banshee StarCraft II Gaming Headset
Designed for StarCraft II, with a focus on maximum performance, comfort, and sound isolation, the Razer Banshee StarCraft II Gaming Headset features a newly developed, multi-color APM Lighting System that provides real-time feedback on player performance. The Razer Banshee is equipped with a configuration utility for customized adjustments of equalizer, pitch and volume. Other special features include a detachable microphone boom for easy transport and a comfortable circumaural construction, all in a gaming-optimized design inspired by the StarCraft universe. It is priced at USD 89.99.
Razer StarCraft II Zerg Edition Messenger Bag
The Razer StarCraft II Zerg Edition Messenger Bag features artwork from the game and is designed to protect gaming gear in style. It is priced at USD 79.99.
Logitech has introduced the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard mini, a slim protective keyboard cover designed to enhance the iPad mini experience.
Attaching securely with the click of powerful integrated magnets, the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard mini has a slim aluminum cover that matches the iPad mini and brings durable protection to it with minimal weight. When you’re ready to use it, flip the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard mini around to reveal its built-in Bluetooth EasyType keyboard, offering a traditional typing layout in a small seven-inch form factor, plus iPad mini function shortcut keys for the commands you use most often, such as copy and paste. It also doubles as a hands-free view stand so you can use your iPad mini without having to hold it.
The Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard mini has an instant On/Off feature, which means your iPad mini automatically wakes up when you open the cover and switches to standby when you close it. The keyboard itself has a three-month battery life (based on usage of two hours per day).
The Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard mini is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in February 2013, for a suggested retail price of USD 79.99.
Roccat has announced the availability of the Raivo High-Velocity Gaming Mousepad. Based on the design of the Sota Mousepad, Raivo integrates a new flex-support structure and revised surface design to enhance stability and precision.
Additional features that cement Raivo as the ideal gaming mousepad solution include a non-slip rubber backing for worry-free warfare even in the most hectic battle moments, easy to clean dirt resistant coating, and durable materials built to last for eons of marathon gaming sessions.
With the Raivo, Roccat adds another high-end gaming mousepad to its portfolio. The Raivo is available in three different colors: Lightning Blue, Midnight Black and Stealth Black.
The Raivo High-Velocity Gaming Mousepad is expected to hit the shelves this week, with a suggested retail price of USD 29.90.
Razer has announced the Sabertooth Elite Gaming controller for the Xbox 360. The product comes with six additional remappable buttons – two at each shoulder of the controller and two removable rocking switches at the bottom – that allow gamers to re-bind any choice of buttons on the controller for easy access. A built-in OLED screen is also included, which allows customization of the controller’s many features. Gamers may remap the multi-function buttons, adjust the analog stick’s sensitivity and save profiles; the display visualizes their modified preferences.
Because of its customizability, users are able to reconfigure controls found elsewhere on the device to the multi-function buttons ergonomically positioned at their fingertips. Overall, the design of the Razer Sabertooth increases actuation speed, reduces fatigue, and encourages natural hand posturing for a more precise and comfortable gaming experience, giving console players the competitive edge they crave.
The Razer Sabertooth Elite Gaming Controller is priced at USD 79.99.
Razer has announced an updated version of its popular DeathAdder gaming mouse, originally released in 2006. The new Razer DeathAdder’s optical sensor was upgraded from 3.5 G to a cutting-edge 4 G infrared sensor with improved performance and precision.
The right-handed ergonomic shape in the DeathAdder has been retained; however, it has been further enhanced with built-in textured rubber side grips for better mouse control and grip.
Like its predecessor, the new Razer DeathAdder features Synapse 2.0 support for effortless syncing of settings and profiles automatically with the cloud. Razer Synapse 2.0 is innovative proprietary software that intuitively functions as the Razer DeathAdder’s brain – automatically syncing the gaming mouse to a remote server to download driver and firmware updates, as well as saving individual game settings.
