The future of mice arrives this year

It’s not every day that you see a mouse design that really makes you do a double-take. Truth be told, many mice do little to excite. While some performance-oriented gaming companies have debuted special mice with adjustable weighting, high accuracy scanning, and extra buttons; most mice look remarkably similar.

Among these modest mice department, as well as in gaming, Microsoft has long done quite well, with a solid line of utilitarian offerings. Now Microsoft is looking to go in a different, more radical direction, and is sending shock-waves through the peripherals market following its announcement of a wild new design.


A picture of the arc mouse in action -- the new mouse will be about standard size, with a hollowed out underbody, which will allow it to fold for storage. It will retail for $59.95. (Source: Microsoft)

Microsoft will release an unusual design appropriately titled the arc mouse. This wireless mouse features a curved form that is hollowed on its underside, allowing it to bend closed for ultra-compact storage. The new design will debut in time for the 2008 holiday season.

While the new mouse will likely operate in a pretty standard fashion, it's the look that really stands out. The design almost leaves one to wonder whether the mouse will tip or have balancing issues during use. However, if Microsoft can perfect its design, it may have the iPod of the mouse world ready for sale just in time for the holiday season.

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