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October 6, 2009

Microsoft to launch multi-touch mouse?

Prototypes uses infrared cameras and optical sensors to detect movements

Carrie-Ann Skinner

Microsoft is developing a mouse with multi-touch technology.

The Applied Sciences Group has created five different prototypes, which they are calling Mouse 2.0, one of which that uses an infrared camera to detect finger movements, ensuring users don't have to invest in a touchscreen.

Microsoft said the camera extends the multi-touch area from just that of the device.

The group is also looking at the use of sensor that sits underneath the thumb and the forefinger, to detect when pinching movements are made, as well a device so small it lies under the palm and recognises taps made by the four fingers and thumb of a person's hand.

"Whilst multi-touch has been incorporated into many different form-factors - from tabletop to mobile phone - it has yet to find a place on our desktops. This may seem surprising, particularly given that for many computing tasks the desktop setting still dominates," the Applied Sciences Group said in a paper.

"Our goal is to enrich traditional pointer-based desktop interactions with touch and gestures."

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See also: Will Windows 7 touchscreens change the way you use your PC?

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