Microsoft is launching a new line of peripherals specifically tweaked to go along with Windows 8. The new devices include the Wedge Touch Mouse, Wedge Mobile Keyboard, the Sculpt Touch Mouse, and the Sculpt Mobile Keyboard. All of the peripherals use Bluetooth and are designed with the mobile user in mind.
“It’s an exciting time for the whole company for lots of reasons, but this is something we’re thrilled about and we can’t wait to see people’s reactions,” says Brett Kelleran, general manager of Microsoft Hardware.
The Microsoft Wedge Mobile Keyboard will sell for $79.95 and is designed to work with the tablet while offering a full-size keyboard for comfort and typing speed. The keyboard has Windows 8 hotkeys, media keys, and includes a durable cover to protect it and the tablet from scratches. It also features a cover that doubles as a stand for your tablet.
The Wedge Touch Mouse will sell for $69.95. It has four-way touch scrolling and navigation, uses Bluetooth, and has Microsoft BlueTrack technology inside. The mouse also includes a backpack mode that allows it to power down to save battery power when the computer or tablet it’s paired to powers down.
The Microsoft Sculpt Touch Mouse will sell for $49.95 and is tuned for use with Windows 8. It features four-way touch scroll strip for navigating up and down on web pages as well as left and right. It also supports gestures for swiping through windows and documents.
The Sculpt Mobile Keyboard will also sell for $49.95 and is designed to be portable. The keyboard weighs just over a pound and features the Microsoft Comfort Curve design to position the hands naturally and for comfortable typing.
The final new accessory is the Microsoft Touch Mouse, which will sell for $79.95. This mouse has been updated specifically for Windows 8 with finger swipes and movements to make for easier navigation and for easier switching between apps.