DIVISION is developing a
slim wireless keyboard that
will make it easier for users
to access Windows Live
services and features in its
Windows Vista OS.
Dubbed the Ultimate Keyboard,
it will be announced
later this year as part of a
desktop package, says a source familiar
with Microsoft’s plans. The system will
come with a wireless laser mouse, the
source said.
A Windows Live Call button will provide
one-touch access to a list of Windows
Live Messenger buddies online to initiate
a videoconference or chat session. Pressing
the button will automatically log a
user into Windows Live Messenger and
open a list of contacts currently online.
A Gadgets button will provide similar
access to Gadgets in Windows Vista, miniapplications
that appear on the computer
screen to display things such as news,
sports and weather information. The ergonomic
keyboard includes a round button
at the bottom—below the space bar--that
initiates the Start menu of Vista or Windows
XP, the source said. It supersedes
the Start menu buttons traditionally
found next to Alt buttons on a keyboard.
Ultimate Keyboard’s keys will be
backlit, and their illumination will be
adjusted based on surrounding light
and proximity of users, the source said.
The keys will light up if the room is dark
or if a user is close by.
A dock will be included with
the desktop package to
charge the keyboard and
mouse simultaneously from a
computer’s USB (Universal
Serial Bus) port. The keyboard
and mouse will come
with built-in batteries. The
cordless keyboard and mouse
will communicate wirelessly
with a computer within a 30-foot range
using Bluetooth technology.
Microsoft is developing a stable of
hardware products to promote the use
of Windows Live services. The company
has already launched two videoconferencing
webcams, LifeCam VX-6000
and LifeCam VX-3000, to ease
videoconferencing with Windows Live
Messenger and create photo blog
entries on Microsoft’s Windows Live
Spaces community site.
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