New Logitech mouse works on glass; “So what” asks Microsoft
Logitech has unveiled two cordless mice which can work on the smoothest of surfaces, even glass. But Microsoft has hit back by questioning whether that serves any purpose for most users.
The mice aim to solve a longstanding problem with cordless mice: while users don’t exactly want to be running them over corrugated cardboard, the mice can’t actually function on an overly smooth surface. That’s because they use imperfections such as bumps or stains in surface as reference points to track their movements and thus the intended location of the arrow on screen.
Logitech’s new mice use a system it’s dubbed Darkfield, which uses two lasers rather than one. On particularly smooth and shiny surfaces such as glass, the second laser illuminates the surface at an angle, such that the light is reflected back from inside the surface. This means it effectively appears as a black background to the main laser, making it much easier to detect even tiny imperfections such as scratches, or even pieces of dust.
However, Microsoft has responded to the launch by saying there’s no need for this technology for most users. It told CNET that in researching the market for its own enhanced mice sensor system, BlueTrack, it found that “93 percent of people admit glass is not a surface they encounter when using their computer.”
Logitech believes that’s underestimating the market: it carried out a survey which found that 40 percent of people questioned have a glass table (which sounds very high to me) and 47 percent of these (hence 18.8 percent of all people) use their notebook on the table at least once a week.
The firm also argues that glass is more of a benchmark than a main marketing target: it’s proof that Darkfield can work on pretty much any surface a consumer is likely to encounter.
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August 21st, 2009
“Microsoft has responded to the launch by saying there’s no need for this technology for most users.”
Microsoft certainly should know – after all, they have a great track record of foreseeing industry trends and meeting users’ requirements over the past several years, don’t they?
August 22nd, 2009
MS’s response is just an inferiority complex. In my experience, MS mice suck. I currently have a 5 button MS mouse for my lappy. It feels flimsy and buttons 4 and 5 that are used as back and forward buttons in a browser (and even in windows explorer) only work about 15% of the time.
Logitech have proven themselves time and time again. I just hope they don’t abuse their strong market position like some other businesses <..>
August 23rd, 2009
Follow the related link to the BlueTrack mice that Microsoft introduced last year… at the time, they seemed to think that everyone needed a mouse that would work on glass.
August 24th, 2009
I’ve been using Logitech mice since 1985. My first mouse lasted 12 years and was only retired as PS/2 ports were taking over (it was serial). For me, Logitech has always had better ergonomics (at least for right-handers) than the equivalent MS product.
I currently use the MX & VX Revolution mice and my wife uses a V220 (she has small hands) on her laptop & desktop.
Their software wasn’t always the best but the hardware has almost always been top-notch.
I’ve also been using the Logitech illuminate keyboard ( http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/keyboards/keyboard/devices/4740&cl=us,en ). Very handy when working in reduced-light conditions. Even under normal light, having back-lit keys is a nice bonus.
September 9th, 2010
lol, really MS…how many people use their mice on polished marble surfaces?? (like the sample surfaces they sent to companies like cnet to use for testing their BlueTrack system). Glenn is exactly right- this response is totally from an inferiority complex…it’s like an angry little kid yelling “so what!” out of jealousy haha. MS got beat at their own game…again, and can’t take it. I have several friends with either a glass top coffee table or work desk..I myself have BOTH, and am looking into this mouse for exactly that reason… forget a mouse pad, or having to find a magazine or something to put on the coffee table when I have my laptop out there. For me, this feature is definitely useful.