Initial reactions upon hearing “Microsoft Hardware” range from blank puzzlement to outright, snap-the-finger realization – corresponding to the perception that Microsoft = software, and the realization at the other end of Microsoft’s Xbox consoles. Yet there’s another aspect of “Microsoft Hardware” that’s less well-known – peripherals such as keyboards, mice and webcams.

                                             Mr. Ian Tan, Marketing Communications & Partnership Manager of the Entertainment & Devices Division kick off the session.

Since this is Microsoft we’re talking about, these products are not your run-of-the-mill peripherals that can be had in Virramall for a few hundred pesos. That is not to say that their products will have large premiums on them, as pointed out during the recent Microsoft Hardware Launch last November 6, but rather means that they will be as far away from being “generic” products as possible. We were introduced to a couple of great-looking and great-performing products that made at least one of us (me, methinks) bemoan their long absence from this specific area of computer gadgetry.

                                             Spot the difference.

Not peripherals, gadgetry. Ever since their first blocky mouse designed to work with their own genre-defining Word program, Microsoft has pushed boundaries in what seems like a humble corner of the technological space, but considering that ubiquity is almost always precluded by a revolution of some sort or other, Microsoft has no reason to be humble. Their Sidewinder series keyboard the SideWinder X6 is a gaming keyboard that is as blocky and edgy as the competition is smooth and rounded. The result of countless feedback sessions and design trials, the SideWinder X6 continues Microsoft’s push outwards from peripheral mediocrity, seemingly also making up for their long absence from the hardware gadget business.

                                             The easy-to-detach numpadis also hot-swappable.

                                             Backlighting is very well done, with both surrounding areas around the keys and the key lettering.

The X6’s features are numerous – after listening to feedback, Microsoft has come out with a keyboard that includes a detachable numpad section which can be placed either on the right or left of the main keyboard, depending on the user’s preference. It’s an easy, snap-on snap-off process too, which makes this feature even more appealing. Back-lighting is de rigueur  for this type of gadget, and the X6 does not disappoint with dual-color lights that’s also adjustable in brightness through one of the knobs to the top right of the keyboard. Other features like multiple macro keys, a “Cruise Control” that repeats a key indefinitely and multimedia functionality joins up with Microsoft’s attention to quality to create a product that’s a must-have for all gamers and anyone else who appreciates a well-designed product.

                                             Mr. Tan pointing out the features of the Explorer Mini Mouse with BlueTrack technology.

                                             The Arc Mouse's distinctive shape is foldable.

                                            ...it's also about portability.

Two new pointing devices cover two of the more obvious requirements for mice – tracking capability and portability. Tracking has long been accomplished either through optical technology or through laser (let’s not talk about ball-mice), both having limitations, mainly the material the mouse is on – a limitation that’s been overcome by Microsoft’s latest BlueTrack technology, a technology that is much more flexible than previous tracking implementations. BlueTrack enables the user to mouse on many more types of surfaces than previous technologies, such as shiny granite slab, carpets, and other rough surfaces.

                                             The slim profile and the unique magnetic mounting capability sets the LifeCam apart.

Portability is important especially for the frequently mobile, which describes more than three quarters of business professionals. A regular mouse is no good – portability is after all an all-or-nothing fact when it comes to lugging a laptop around. Most portable mice gets the job done, but none does so with as much style as Microsoft’s Arc Mouse. It is aptly named – it follows the arch of the hand when it is cupped on a flat surface – an action usually done when mousing. The clincher is that it folds down to a tiny size while also enclosing the micro-transceiver it comes with. The result is a nearly full-size, fashionable mouse that still folds into a super-portable size when needed.

                                             The SideWinder X6 being demonstrated.

Webcams may not seem so cutting-edge as other input devices due to their ubiquity (there’s that word again), but the fact is, there’s a lot of room for improvement – resolution, looks, usability and features are all up for some primping-up. The demonstration during the launch of the LifeCam Show webcam was a revelation – the darkened conference room would have defeated an ordinary webcam, but not the LifeCam, with it displaying remarkably lag-and-smear free video even when panning around. Two megapixels webcams aren’t so uncommon these days, but webcams that back that figure up with actual performance are rare. What’s more, the LifeCam’s slim chassis, mirrored front, and silvered bezel spell “style”, while a clever mounting system makes for easy placement.

The LifeCam also boasts of a 3D scanning feature that enables the user to add video effects that move along with the user’s head, such as a cowboy hat, a beard, or sunglasses. Noise-cancelling microphone, pan and tilt functionality, a 5x digital zoom, and multiple software features add up to a webcam that defies the perception of a common product, one that exceeds expectations.

                                            SideWinder X8 - more specs than you can shake a stickat.

Other SideWinder products also made appearances, notably the SideWinder X5 and X8 gaming mice, the former being a budget version of the Microsoft’s earlier mouse, minus the weights and the LCD screen. The X8 is an upcoming product that’s an amalgam of SideWinder mouse design and BlueTrack technology – a certified high-tech piece of technology – in the shape of what is supposed to be a humble mouse. Microsoft Hardware is just starting to gear up, and if these initial product releases are anything to go by, we have many, many wonderful products to look forward to in the near future, products that will soon shift perception of Microsoft as just a software company to a company that is as hardware-centric as other, more established companies. More pictures to follow.

                                             We were also treated to a short history lesson.