End User

New Microsoft Products Announced Today

The mouse we have all been speculating about has been officially announced, along with quite a few new other products. The Microsoft Explorer Mouse (and the smaller Microsoft Explorer Mini Mouse) features new BlueTrack Technology, which allows the mouse to work on multiple surfaces, including granite countertops, carpets, and wood tables. This combination of optical and laser functionality uses high-angle optics to generate an accurate picture of the surface.

In addition to the Explorer Mouse, Microsoft also announced the Arc Mouse in both black and red. Featuring a cool new shape, this mouse folds to 60% of its fully expanded size for easy transportation and storage.

The Microsoft LifeCam Show brings new functionality to webcams. Featuring a complete attachment system that includes a desktop stand, laptop clip, and attachment discs, this camera was designed to work with a variety of computers and in multiple situations.

Click here to see all of Microsoft's new products.

New Microsoft Technology?

In the past few days, you may have noticed increased speculation in the blogosphere about Microsoft’s new ads featuring the "Say Goodbye to Laser" tagline. It’s believed by many that these ads refer to a mouse with new tracking technology launching on September 9. Designed to work on multiple surfaces, this mouse is rumored to go where no laser or optical mouse has gone before. While we can’t confirm or deny this mouse’s existence, we can encourage you to check back on September 9 to see what new products Microsoft has launched.

-- Lisa M.

An Inexpensive Alternative to Home Security Systems

I recently set up a few Logitech Wilife network cameras in my apartment so that I could keep an eye on my cats during a short weekend trip. The setup was pretty straightforward—you basically just plug the cameras into a nearby outlet and the video streams over your existing electrical wiring straight to your PC. Next you download the Command Center from the included disk and the software automatically detects the cameras using Universal Plug and Play (UPnP).

I had both a starter kit and the spy camera, and ended up using three cameras—two in various spots in the kitchen facing out into the living room and one in the second bedroom facing another angle of the living room. This gave a good overall picture of the main areas of my apartment. In addition, the starter kit included various options for adding the cameras to windows (for outdoor monitoring) and ceilings, but I didn’t end up using any of the attachments.

I tested out everything a few times before I left and it seemed to be working fine. In addition to the free remote streaming video, I also decided to sign up for the platinum plan to take advantage of the remote playback and storage option.  After watching the playback, here are some things I discovered.

The cats like to climb on the counters:

The majority of the time though, there is not much going on:

So, while the Wilife cameras didn’t catch anything super-exciting, they provided something that was more important to me, and that was peace of mind.

--Lisa M.

Netgear Releases a New Dual Band Router

If you're interested in upgrading to Wireless-N technology, but are worried about losing access to your older Wireless-G devices, then Netgear's new WNDR3300 dual band router might be for you. It creates two separate but simultaneous wireless networks, one that offers backwards compatibility with Wireless-G products and one that supports the newer Wireless-N products. It also offers improved range and speed, less interference from other wireless devices, and a "Push 'N' Connect" process that allows you to add new devices without having to remember a network key. Available now, the WNDR330 lists for $129.99. Read more about it here.

--Lisa M.

Microsoft Introduces Popular Mouse in New Colors

Tired of mice in the same old black and gray colors? Well now's your chance to brighten up your workspace. This week, Microsoft introduced five new colors of the popular Wireless Notebook Optical mouse. Color choices include pomegranate red, dragon fruit pink, aloe green, creme brulee gold, and chocolate brown.

In addition, the mouse is available in a previously-released winter blue shade. Check out all of the colors and preorder at Amazon.com.