Mouse meets remote control: Logitech release cordless air mouse

As part of a shift towards navigation devices that cater for the new digital media era where computers and home entertainment converge, Logitech have released a laser mouse that works in the air like a television remote as well as on the desk. The MX Air Rechargeable Cordless Air Mouse incorporates several different motion sensing and wireless technologies that enable the mouse to be held in any orientation and pointed in any direction, facilitating intuitive “flick of the wrist” cursor control and distinguishing between intentional and unintentional hand movements so that an involuntary shake wont result in stopping playback by accident.

To achieve intuitive cursor control the mouse features “Freespace” motion-control which blends MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) sensors, DSP (digital signal processing) technology and RF (radio frequency) wireless technology. Additionally, algorithms are used to differentiate between intentional and unintentional hand movements.

The device also enables gesture-based commands so that changing the volume for example, can be achieved by pressing the dedicated volume button and gesturing to the right or left to increase or decrease levels. For music applications, a small circular motion to the right activates the skip track command, while a circle to the left repeats the song.

The traditional scroll wheel is replaced a touch-sensitive scroll panel and media functions such as Play and Pause are accessed in the air by pressing the large, orange backlighted buttons with the thumb.

Though it may not impress your friends as much as a mouse you wear on your finger, the MX Air mouse looks pretty slick with its polished-black, semi-transparent top case, silver base and a contoured shape that helps it to double as a desktop device – where the fingers are placed on top – as opposed to a remote – where the thumb is placed on top and the fingers underneath.

The Logitech rechargeable MX Air mouse offers a range of up to 30 feet (10 meters) and will be available in the U.S. and Europe from August at a cost of US $149.99.