Expanding its lineup of nontraditional mice, Microsoft is unveiling two designer mice created by prolific design artist Philippe Starck. Starck has designed two streamlined, corded mice for Microsoft, one with an orange strip and one with a blue strip through the middle of a metallic body, according to photos of the mice on the Web site of an Italian Microsoft distributor. On the strip is a wheel for scrolling and the traditional two mouse buttons appear to have been hidden in the design.
The mice use optical technology and can be connected to either a Windows PC or a Macintosh using a USB cable, according to descriptions of the product on the Web sites of various retailers. Amazon.com already has the mice, called the Microsoft Optical Mouse by Starck, available for pre-order for $29.95. Microsoft has sent out teasers to the media advertising its partnership with Starck and that the "collaboration designed to inspire" will deliver "something truly unexpected." The announcement is set for July 8. A company spokeswoman declined to comment before then.
Starck's experience with electronics includes watches for Fossil and a baby monitor and scales for U.S. retailer Target. However, the French designer caters to many markets. His other designs include furniture, food packaging, luggage, vehicles, clothing, and hotel interiors.
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News source: PCWorld
