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Apple unveils new wireless, multi-touch ‘Magic Mouse’

by Mihir Patkar / Oct 21, 2009 10:41:12 IST / Tags: Apple, Bluetooth mouse, wireless mouse, Mighty Mouse, Magic Mouse

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Apple Magic Mouse how it works

On Tuesday, as part of a major overhaul of its computer products line-up, Apple introduced the world’s first touch-sensitive mouse, called the ‘Magic Mouse’. The launch had previously been indicated by leaked reports.

Putting an end to the previous Mighty Mouse, the Magic Mouse is a wireless mouse with no mechanical buttons, no scroll wheels and no scroll balls: it works purely on multi-touch interaction. Users can scroll in any direction using multiple fingers, as well as use familiar finger-swipes (check out the image gallery below for an illustration of the different gestures).

Clicking the left and right buttons offers physical feedback, depressing the entire white polycarbonate surface of the mouse, says Gizmodo in its preview. The writer also notes that the mouse sometimes moved when trying to scroll – an ailment also experienced by the demonstrator, who had more time with the device.

“The other reason why Apple went with fewer fingers for swipe and scroll gestures, besides the issue of pointing already being taken care of by the mouse's table action, was because you need your ring finger to hold the mouse properly or the thing slides on your desk,” writes Gizmodo.

The Bluetooth mouse is powered by a set of AA batteries, which will last it for four months of battery life, according to Apple. Apple also announced a new MacBook, two new iMacs and upgraded the current Mac Mini. The Magic Mouse will come packaged with the new iMacs, or can be purchased separately for $69 (Rs. 3,200 approx).

Here’s the full press release:

Apple Introduces Magic Mouse—The World’s First Multi-Touch Mouse

Cupertino, California – October 20, 2009 – Apple today introduced the new wireless Magic Mouse, the first mouse to use Apple’s revolutionary Multi-Touch technology. Pioneered on iPhone, iPod touch and Mac notebook trackpads, Multi-Touch allows customers to navigate using intuitive finger gestures. Instead of mechanical buttons, scroll wheels or scroll balls, the entire top of the Magic Mouse is a seamless Multi-Touch surface. Magic Mouse comes standard with the new iMac and will be available as a Mac accessory at just $69.

“Apple is the Multi-Touch leader, pioneering the use of this innovative technology in iPhone, iPod touch and Mac notebook trackpads,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “Apple's Multi-Touch technology allows us to offer an easy to use mouse in a simple and elegant design.”

Magic Mouse features a seamless touch-sensitive enclosure that allows it to be a single or multi-button mouse with advanced gesture support. Using intuitive gestures, users can easily scroll through long documents, pan across large images or swipe to move forward or backward through a collection of web pages or photos. Magic Mouse works for left or right handed users and multi-button or gesture commands can be easily configured from within System Preferences.

The Magic Mouse laser tracking engine provides a smooth, consistent experience across more surfaces than a traditional optical tracking system. Magic Mouse uses Bluetooth wireless capabilities to create a clean, cable-free desk top and its secure wireless connection works from up to 10 meters away. To extend battery performance, Magic Mouse includes an advanced power management system that works with Mac OS X to automatically switch to low power modes during periods of inactivity. The wireless Magic Mouse is powered by two AA batteries which are included.

Pricing & Availability

Magic Mouse comes standard with the new iMac and is available at the end of October through the Apple Store (www.apple.com), at Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail price of $69 (US). Magic Mouse requires Mac OS X Leopard version 10.5.8 or later.