Microsoft has announced new keyboards and mice to accompany the upcoming release of Windows 8.

The new hardware includes the Wedge Touch Mouse and Wedge Touch Keyboard, and the Sculpt Touch Mouse and Sculpt Touch Keyboard.

This new hardware is deigned to highlight the functionality and design of the company’s forthcoming Windows version.

“For 30 years, we’ve been creating products designed to light up features in Microsoft software and making it easier to get things done. It’s part of our DNA,” said Brett Kelleran, general manager of Microsoft Hardware.

“In that way, it’s fitting that we are showcasing our first set of hardware products designed and optimized for Windows 8. It’s the reason why our group was formed and, in these products, that’s shining through”.

In addition to announcing the new peripherals, Microsoft said that the currently available Touch Mouse has also been enhanced for Windows 8 operations, which caters for fingers swipes and movements for switching between apps and zooming.

Microsoft have said that it will also release an update for Windows 8 gestures for the Touch Mouse on 26 October.

For example, users will be able to swipe with two fingers to switch among open apps, use three fingers to zoom in and out, or a thumb gesture to go backward and forward inside apps.

Wedge Touch Mouse

Wedge mouse

The Bluetooth-enabled hardware devices are specifically designed for mobile computing, adapting to the trend of portability in the PC world.

The pocked-sized Microsoft Wedge Touch Mouse features BluTrack Technology, which allows it to work on a variety of surfaces.

The Wedge mouse also has “backpack mode”, which powers down the mouse when the PC it’s paired to shuts down.

Wedge Touch Keyboard

Wedge Keyboard

The Wedge Mobile Keyboard is designed for use with a tablet, although works as a full-size PC keyboard too. The keyboard features Windows 8 hot keys, media keys, Bluetooth connectivity and a cover.

The Wedge Mobile Keyboard cover can also double-up as a stand for your tablet.

Sculpt Touch Mouse and Sculpt Touch Keyboard

Sculpt touch mouse

The Sculpt Touch Mouse is built for use in Windows 8, with scrolling and navigation optimised for the new version.

The Sculpt Touch Keyboard weighs around one pound and is built for travel-purposes. It features Microsoft’s Comfort Curve design and battery-saving capabilities.

Sculpt keyboard

Source: Microsoft.com

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