Microsoft "Mouse" - Could Redmond Beat Apple to Market Again?

The R&D deptartment over at Redmond revealed an interesting new device today, that oddly enough makes it device number 2 (here is Number 1 in case you haven't heard) that Apple has been "expected" to reveal but currently hasn't. Microsoft's spin on the mouse is to still keep the same traditional curved surface for your palm, but come the middle of the device go to a clear piece of curved glass. The rear of the device that holds the electronics, is going to be holding a camera to track what fingers actually get placed on the device. Hrmm, this camera technology seems to be a hot new thing for Microsoft, if history serves correct they currently have another really hot item to debut soon all based around a camera. But what does this say about the company, the company that far too many accuse of being sluggish, engineering, business, and not consumer oriented say? The Times They Are a Changing.

I can only hope Microsoft can live up to its own hype, as they have generated an insane amount of it with devices like Natal and Courier. Let's hope Microsoft can deliver all as promised, with minimal problems. Word on the street about Natal though, it appears that the so far few and rare cases in which Natal has to be calibrated is as simple as covering the camera with your hand for three seconds and then uncovering it. Brilliant. Obviously it'd be even cooler if you never had to do this, but I can handle such a short and painless calibration.

This mouse however is something that has been due out for sometime now, and finally coming to fruition. "Others imitate, Apple innovates," Steve Jobs once said. He failed to mention that their seem to be a few who imitate, and sometimes make better and far superior devices than the almighty fruit. Again, I can only hope this is the case. Check out the video.