Coming in at just 60.9 x 53.6mm it’s a very small device indeed, but it is supposed to be made with ergonomics in mind, so we’ll have to take Microsoft’s word for it that it fits to the user’s hand well. The Wedge uses Bluetooth to communicate, adding it to that ever-growing list of wireless mice. Microsoft say that it’s been built from the ground up and optimised for Windows 8. However, for those that aren’t so keen to adopt the new OS, it’s still compatible with Windows 7, as well as Mac and Android devices.
Working on AA batteries, Microsoft has helpfully acknowledged that Bluetooth devices lose battery quite quickly, especially with mice. Many users will keep their mouse’s Bluetooth on, even if the computer it off. That’s where the Wedge shows off a little: it turns itself off when the paired device is off or sleeping, pretty handy.
For computers that don’t have Bluetooth, you’re stuck. The Wedge doesn’t have any USB functionality – completely Bluetooth only. Wonderful of course if you’re on a tablet or notebook and don’t want to use up a precious USB port. Not-so if your device has no Bluetooth.
As for actually using the Wedge, it has two buttons and Microsoft’s BlueTrack technology with the laser to, as they claim, have very accurate tracking on almost any surface. That’s not all, though, as it’s not called the Wedge Touch mouse for nothing. Instead of having a scroll wheel on the mouse, Microsoft have added support for swiping to scroll. Four way scrolling is supported (that’s up, down, left and right) with just the brush of a finger along the touch surface, without pressing the buttons though.
It’s hardly a competitor to Apple’s Magic Mouse, however. Despite Windows 8 having support for very advanced touch gestures, these are lacking in the Wedge mouse. It doesn’t offer the ability to switch applications or access some of the Windows 8 facilities.
The Microsoft Wedge Touch Mouse will be available later this year for around £65. It will be interesting to see how it fares when the tablet market increases its range, and more notebooks offer multi-touch trackpads. Watch this space.
Source: http://www.imediamonkey.com
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