Swiftpoint TriPed: A Different Kind of Mouse June 23, 2008
The Swiftpoint TriPed is a gadget that allows you to get mouse functionality without lifting your hands up from the keyboard. There are different versions of the TriPed. One is designed primarily for Tablet PCs and multi-touch tabletop surfaces. It is the Slider version of the Swiftpoint TriPed that looks like it could make websurfing much faster for those using a regular keyboard.
Gizmag reports that a new 3D mouse that can be worn as a ring may be the path towards a Minority Report style of web navigation system.
MagicMouse, a three-dimensional ultrasonic computer mouse designed by a team of five WPI undergraduates, is one of 10 inventions honored with the inaugural PopSci Invention Awards, the cover story in the June 2007 issue of Popular Science.
Developed by seniors Christian Banker (Norwich, Conn.), Michael Cretella Jr. (Monroe, Conn.), Jeff DiMaria (Prospect, Conn.), Jamie Mitchell (Worcester, Mass.), and Jeffrey Tucker (Nottingham, N.H.), the mouse is designed to permit a computer user to control and manipulate items on a computer screen just by pointing at the monitor. The mouse uses an array of receivers to track the motion of a tiny ultrasonic transmitter worn on the index finger like a ring.
The MagicMouse is a true 3D mouse. Users can move the cursor about the screen simply by pointing and moving their index finger. Zooming is achieved by moving the hand nearer to or farther from the screen. Since both actions can be done simultaneously, the mouse makes it possible to work easily in three dimensions to pan and zoom through 3D maps, for example, or manipulate objects in computer-aided design (CAD) drawing packages. The mouse could also make game play more realistic and interactive, much as the novel 3D remote on the new Nintendo Wii game console has done. For more routine applications, like word processing and web surfing, the WPI students note that controlling a computer with hand gestures should make computer use more intuitive and less intimidating.
The device uses standard mouse protocol to communicate with the PC - so it doesn't need any additional software, and is plug-and-play through its USB interface.
The 3-D aspect of the mouse works by using "time difference of arrival (TDOA)" which is how GPS also works. There are obviously numerous commercial aspects for this project. The students who came up with the MagicMouse are very worthy of the PopSci Invention Award and the cover story in Popular Science. A news release can be found here.
Engadget reports that they found a mouse from Japan's Elecom via Impress that works for both left and right-handed users by allowing the left and right-click functions to be reversed with the flick of a switch.
Nobody cranks out quirkier mouse designs on such a regular basis than Japan's Elecom. This 800dpi mouse packs the somewhat useful novelty of being suitable for either left or right-handed people -- flick the switch to reverse the left and right-click functions. Just remember to leave the mouse on the correct side of the keyboard to avoid any confrontation with your partner.
In case you were unaware there are also many mice designed specifically for left-handed users -- see left-handed mouse products here and here.
The Glow Company is selling some glow mouse mats that glow in the dark.
These glow mouse mats are incredibly original & available in 2 cool designs
They illuminate the funky design using tiny LED lights embedded in the mouse mat
Highly original designs
USB powered - simply plug in
Auto switch off when your computer is off
Cool to the touch
PC or MAC
Optomises mouse performance
Fantastic price!
This really isn't worth buying unless your computer room also has a lava lamp in it.
Zspire has developed a sharp looking bluetooth mouse. Gizmodo calls it the mouse of the future and it certainly looks futuristic.
It performs at 800dpi but isn't recommended for any major gaming habits you may have. The Zspire has a metal base and top, with plastic buttons and battery cover. If you want your mouse customized, you can actually design your own from several options, but remember, it's not going to be easy to return after that-and for $119, that may be something to consider.
On the Zspire Blog they are addressing some of the issues being discussed in the blogosphere.
1. Shape: Well, you can interpret it in many ways - we have heard "coffin" (seems pretty popular), we have heard "stealth", we have heard "diamond", we have heard "Tron" (?????). It's unique, it's different, it is NOT for gaming. This comes more from the Bluetooth side than the mouse itself.
2. Weight: It's not as heavy as it sounds - heavier than those junky plastic pieces that everyone has on their desk, but no unmanagable - try it - really!
3. Style/Ergonomics - We actually did research on this - while it appears that may be uncomfortable, our usage has shown comfort, because your fingers are put into a nice easy position. Also, the couple of points (which are not that sharp) are actually along acupuncture points that make it feel nice. The back fits very nicely into the cleft of the bottom of your hand.
4. Coldness: Well - it is what is is. Maybe a little in the morning (probably shouldn't keep it out in the cold anyway :) ) - it's style - it's also yours. And it's art - unique.
We can see where people had the coffin idea -- maybe a futuristic coffin.
There is also a copper version of the Zspire mouse.
Apple's new mighty mouse was discussed everywhere last week. Engadget offers a review that says Apple has some wrongs to right with the new device. Other mighty mouse comments on Mighty Mouse here, here and here. More blog posts about the new Apple mouse can be found on
Technorati. If you aren't interested in the Apple Mighty Mouse you might take a look at the USB 2.0 Mouse Pad, which the Gadgetry Blog is discussing -- it contains multiple USB 2.0 ports.
A new DVR device records one full week of British television.
United Keys has developed keys for a keyboard that allow programmers to change both the key's function and the picture on the key's LCD display. Double Viking explains.
Boing Boing describes some new battery powered road flares.
Motorola has teamed with Oakley for the bluetooth enabled Razrwire sunglasses that hold a clip-on cell phone.
Engadget reports that do-it-all Gizmondo device has been delayed until October.
The Zboard ia a game-specific keyboard. GamersGame.com describes a World of Warcraft Zboard.
Gizmodo likes the Zen Vision portable video player. The Register has a longer piece on Zen Vision.
The FLY pen is a pen that's also a computer ClickZ explains:
The FLY pentop computer is an electronic pen that uses special paper to input what's written with it. The pen can play music, schedule appointments, translate words to other languages, and play games. LeapFrog will begin selling it online in the fall, with retail to follow.
Gizmag 
Engadget 
The Glow Company is selling some 
