REDMOND, Wash., July 5, 2000 — Less than a year after introducing the world’s best-selling optical mouse, Microsoft Corp. continues to up the ante, today unveiling the second generation of the award-winning Microsoft® IntelliEye™
optical technology. The improved optical technology is 33 percent faster than the current version and will be integrated exclusively into Microsoft’s family of optical products later this year.
Microsoft’s IntelliEye technology, unveiled at COMDEX/Spring ’99, was the most radical computer mouse technology and design advancement in the 30-year history of the mouse, eliminating the mouse ball and mouse pad, as well as the need for regular cleaning. The innovative technology works by rapidly capturing digital images as the mouse or trackball is moved. While a current IntelliMouse optical mouse takes 1,500 images per second, Microsoft’s second-generation IntelliEye takes 2,000 images per second, delivering unprecedented precision and speed.
“Since our launch last year, consumer response to IntelliEye technology has been so phenomenal that stores have been known to sell out of their entire shipments the day they arrive,”
said Christine Kerr, product manager for the mouse line at Microsoft.
“So we are putting our latest technology into the palms of our customers in time for the holiday season.”
An Optical Mouse for Everyone
The new IntelliEye technology will be available exclusively in the Microsoft family of optical mouse products and trackballs later this year at a wide range of styles and prices. The line includes the following:
-
IntelliMouse
®
Explorer. Five buttons, including a wheel, and sleek design for $74.95 ERP* -
IntelliMouse Optical. Five buttons, including a wheel, and ambidextrous design for $55.95 ERP*
-
Trackball Explorer. Five buttons, including a wheel; finger-operated trackball and sleek design for $64.95 ERP*
-
Trackball Optical. Five buttons, including a wheel, and thumb-operated trackball for $44.95 ERP*
-
Wheel Mouse Optical. Three buttons, including a wheel, and ambidextrous design for $34.95 ERP*
Microsoft Hardware Group
The Microsoft Hardware Group employs innovative engineering, cutting-edge industrial design and extensive usability testing to create products of exceptional quality and durability that improve the software experience and strengthen the connection between users and their PC.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.
* Prices are estimated retail prices. Actual prices may vary.
Microsoft, IntelliEye and IntelliMouse are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
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