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March 29, 2006 7:56 AM PST
Microsoft extends licensing to mouse, keyboard
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The move to license its hardware-related intellectual property comes at a time when the software giant is facing greater antitrust scrutiny aboard, as regulators express concern that the company is not providing competitors with adequate information for interoperability.
The hardware licensing initiative will include Microsoft's U2, Tilt Wheel and Magnifier technologies, the company said Wednesday.
U2, an interface detection and switching technology, is designed to automatically allow a keyboard or mouse to determine whether it needs a PS2 or USB connection to a computer. The Tilt Wheel lets people position the scroll wheel horizontally or vertically, so they may move the cursor in fluid motions. Microsoft's Magnifier technology is used as an editing and viewing tool for input devices, such as a mouse.
"Most people think of Microsoft as solely a software company, but we've been a leading hardware innovator and supplier to the desktop peripherals industry for over 20 years," Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft's entertainment and devices division, said in a statement.
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Princess Leia, Star Wars IV, A New Hope
Is Microsoft planning to brand, and build, their own computer, just
like Apple? Are the software, and hardware going to be designed
to work together, from the ground up?!
If so, welcome to the 21st century, in the age of computing!
1 - Natural Keyboard series
2 - Mice, all of them
3 - SQL Server 2000
I have never used their joysticks, tough, so, maybe they would deserve a 3rd place.
Mac on White or Silver in 2-2 sizes.. OSX is great, tying it to Mac hardware has limited innovation and choice in hardware for Mac users.
I Wonder when Apple will join the 21st century and realize tying you OS to your Hardware is 1970's IBM thinking that keeps you from growing.