As pointed out by Engadget, Microsoft has quietly introduced two new inputs devices, the Modern Mouse and Modern Keyboard, matching the latest Surface models closely in design and finish. The Modern Mouse costs US $50, while the Modern Keyboard is for US $130, and both devices are “coming soon”, with no specific date of release.
The Modern Mouse features a smooth, rounded aesthetic, almost invisible buttons and a metal scroll wheel. With support for Bluetooth 4.0, Microsoft claims it offers “exceptional precision”, an exact PPI rating is not yet known. It runs on a pair of AAA alkaline batteries and is compatible with almost all popular operating systems and devices that support Bluetooth 4.0. Below is the official promo video:
Microsoft’s Modern Keyboard features “chiclet-style keys” and aluminum frame, much like Apple’s keyboard. There is also an integrated fingerprint sensor located between the Alt and Ctrl keys. It comes in a silver and gray finish, and works both wired and wireless with automatic pairing via Bluetooth 4.0. It has a built-in rechargeable battery and works with Windows 8-10, Windows 10 Phone, Android and macOS.
Here’s the official promo video for Microsoft’s new Modern Keyboard with Fingerprint ID:
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Looks good, but I don’t think the fingerprint key is “hidden” – it has a picture of a fingerprint right on it. It’s no more hidden than the letter “A” key is. Maybe the word you’re looking for is “integrated”?
Thank you 🙂
I agree with your comment although, in the video, Microsoft calls it “Hidden fingerprint sensor” at the 5 second mark.
I noticed that. But I don’t think we need to parrot back their description if it’s wrong. We can say “hidden” in quotes to show that we are just repeating what the press release said. We need to think for ourselves and not just repeat all the drivel the marketing departments put out.
It’s hidden in the sense that it’s ‘hidden inside a key’. If you’ve ever owned a keyboard with a fingerprint sensor, you’ll know they are all exposed.
I think Apple has made it normal to integrate a fingerprint sensor into a button – the iPhone’s home button. I don’t recall anyone describing it as “hidden”. After reading the description of it being “hidden between the control and alt keys” I watched the video looking to see how that was done and then seeing that it wasn’t hidden at all – it was an entire key with a fingerprint icon on it.
why is MS making a mouse without a back/forward button
It has them, they just aren’t physical buttons.
They’re touch buttons? It’s now shown in the video
Is it compatible with iMac?