Game On! Microsoft and Razer Team Up to Rejuvenate PC Gaming Experience With New Peripherals

LEIPZIG, Germany Aug. 23, 2006 Today at the Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany, Microsoft Hardware and Razer USA Ltd. are turning up the heat in the growing PC gaming peripherals market by teaming up to design and develop next-generation computer gaming peripherals. Microsoft Corp. and Razer, creator of the world’s leading brand in high-end computer gaming peripherals, are introducing a new gaming mouse, the Microsoft® Habu™, a high-tech wonder that brings together the best of both worlds for PC gamers: more than two decades of cutting-edge innovation and comfort from Microsoft Hardware and industry-leading gaming technology from Razer.

Research has shown that the vast majority of PC games require a keyboard or mouse.1 Feedback has also revealed a growing need among PC gamers for ergonomic, right-handed performance mice. Microsoft Habu is the answer to those demands, melding Microsoft’s ergonomic design with Razer’s advanced technology.

Razer-Sharp Mouse

The Microsoft Habu gaming mouse allows gamers to experience PC gaming as never before, with innovative features and superior comfort in a gaming mouse. Low-sensitivity players require dynamic movement to enhance aim and tracking ability. Powered by Razer Precision™, the Habu’s data path was opened from eight to 16 bits and features an advanced 2,000 DPI laser sensor; the result is an ideal gaming mouse with virtually no skipping or pixel jumping or negative acceleration.

Additional features include these:

  • Interchangeable Side Button Panels provide gamers with two options for different hand sizes or preferences.

  • 2,000 DPI Laser Engine, Powered by Razer Precision, delivers super-fast response time.

  • On-the-fly DPI lets players adjust DPI for controlled sensitivity.

  • Always-On™ Mode Pioneered by Razer gives gamers virtually no latency.

  • High-speed motion detection lets gamers get their speed on with movement of up to 45 inches per second and 20G acceleration.

  • Seven programmable buttons with Hyperesponse allow gamers to program their button functions; Razer’s Hyperesponse technology reduces latency.

  • On-board profile memory enables gamers to store up to five game control profiles on the mouse.

  • Ultra-slick Teflon feet let gamers enjoy smooth and quiet gliding.

  • Ergonomic design features GlowPipe™ side rails and large, rubber-coated buttons.

  • Thin, flexible wire provides gamers with the speed of a wired mouse with the feel of a wireless device.

“We are thrilled to partner with Microsoft to combine form and function in order to deliver the best gaming products possible,” said Robert “Razerguy” Krakoff, president of Razer. “The Hardware Group stands out when it comes to comfort and design — and when we combine that with our years of experience in gaming power and precision, we will truly elevate the quality and overall gaming experience for our customers.”

“By partnering with Razer, we are building on our own legacy of developing innovative hardware solutions while taking advantage of Razer’s expertise in providing smart technology that elevates the PC gaming experience,” said Bill Jukes, product marketing manager for Microsoft Hardware at Microsoft. “We believe that Microsoft Habu specifically addresses the demands of today’s PC gamers, and its versatility, comfort and performance will benefit gamers of every genre.”

Pricing and Availability

Microsoft Habu will be widely available in October 2006 for an estimated retail price of $69.95 (U.S.).2 More information about the Microsoft Habu can be found by logging on to http://www.microsoft.com/hardware.

Stay Tuned

Microsoft Hardware and Razer plan to announce another co-branded next-generation gaming product soon. Stay tuned and game on!

About Razer

Razer™ is the world’s leading brand in high-end computer gaming peripherals. The company designs, manufactures and markets cutting-edge gaming peripherals that provide professional computer gamers with the competitive edge through a combination of technology, innovation and design. Razer’s research and development team collaborates with leading professional gamers to develop proprietary technology for next-generation gaming peripherals. Razer’s strong brand credibility in gaming peripherals stems from its ability to understand and conceptualize peripherals that gamers need and thereafter bring the product from drawing board to retail shelves. Razer™ — For Gamers. By Gamers.

About Microsoft Hardware

For more than two decades, the Hardware Group has employed innovative engineering, cutting-edge industrial design and extensive usability testing to create products of exceptional quality and durability that enhance the software experience and strengthen the connection between consumers and their PC. Microsoft Hardware leads the industry in ergonomic engineering, industrial design and hardware/software compatibility, offering consumers an easier, more convenient and more enjoyable computing experience. Microsoft IntelliMouse® Explorer, which launched in 1999, earned a place on PCWorld.com’s December 2005 list of “The 50 Greatest Gadgets of the Past 50 Years” as the first mainstream optical mouse that “brought gunk-free pointing devices” to a broad consumer base.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Visit the Microsoft Hardware Gaming Web site at http://microsoft.com/hardware/gaming.

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