Logitech Launches Air Mouse

Logitech has introduced the MX Air Rechargeable Mouse, which can not only be used as a laser-based desktop mouse but features hand-based gesture support which allows end-users to control their PC based media in a manner similar to TV remote controls.

Logitech achieves this by use of Freespace motion control technology which is designed to provide accurate, responsive navigation. This technology is based on a combination of MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) sensors, DSP (digital signal processing) technology and RF (radio frequency) wireless technology. These combined technologies allow a user to hold the mouse in any orientation and point in any direction. The hardware also incorporates sophisticated algorithms that distinguish between intentional and unintentional hand movements which aids in canceling the slight involuntary tremors everyone experiences when holding a device in the air.

Additionally in place of a traditional scroll wheel, the MX Air mouse features a touch-sensitive scroll panel. A swipe of the finger across the surface enables the inertial scrolling mechanism, which adjusts its speed according to the speed of the finger swipe. Media functions such as Play/Pause, Volume/Mute, Back and Select can be easily accessed in the air by pressing the large, orange backlighted buttons with the thumb.

"The MX Air mouse offers a radically new way for people to control their PC entertainment," said Rory Dooley, Logitech senior vice president and general manager of the Control Devices business unit. "It's for anyone who has listened to music on their PC and been frustrated by having to return to the desk to change songs or volume. It’s for people who want to share vacation photos with friends and family without being tied to the desk. It’s for any of the millions of people using the Internet to browse and watch videos on sites such as YouTube or Grouper. And it’s for people with a living-room computer or media PC who want to navigate their media content on their terms."

The Logitech MX Air Rechargeable Cordless Air Mouse is now available in India, for a cost of Rs. 8995 from Rashi Peripherals.