Microsoft Updates Arc Touch, Outs Wired Xbox One Controller

News
By
published

On Tuesday, Microsoft’s Brandon LeBlanc updated the company’s Windows blog with news of an updated Arc Touch Bluetooth Mouse ($69.95). If you’re unfamiliar with this device, it looks like it belongs in the Star Trek: The Next Generation universe, sporting a curvy, bendable back and a touch strip in the middle for swiping, tapping and flicking across the Internet.

According to LeBlanc, users merely flatten the back to turn off the peripheral. The mouse also includes BlueTrack technology so that it can be used on most surfaces, such as the couch or the user’s leg. Other features include a new look and color, and Bluetooth 4.0 LE, which eliminates the need to use a USB nano transceiver.

The Arc Touch Bluetooth Mouse will be made available sometime this month.

Next up we have the Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500 Limited Edition ($29.95), which now includes three new designs for your clicking pleasure: Geo Prism, Bandage Stripes and Aqua Paisley. Like the Arc Touch, these three mice include BlueTrack technology and a plug-and-go nano transceiver that can be stored inside the peripheral. This series also promises battery life up to 8 months.

These limited edition mice will be made available sometime in September. The company is also still selling the Master Chief Edition too, which can be purchased here.

In addition to the mice, Microsoft has also introduced the wired Xbox One controller for Windows ($59.95). Gamers merely need to plug the peripheral into a free USB port using the provided 9-foot cable, and Windows will recognize the accessory.

“The Xbox One Controller is the best controller Xbox has ever made. It comes with over 40 innovations to the award-winning Xbox 360 Controller, redesigned thumbsticks, and an all new D-pad provide greater precision. You can also use the same controller to connect wirelessly to your Xbox One or also via the cable too,” LeBlanc said.

The Xbox One Controller will be available in November.

In a separate blog, Microsoft’s Suzanne Choney revealed a new Universal Mobile Keyboard ($79.95). This peripheral connects via Bluetooth, allowing it to work with Windows, iOS and Android via an OS switch. Features include a Chiclet-style keyset and a protective cover that turns off the keyboard when closed; open it back up and the keyboard switches on. The cover also has an integrated stand that can be removed.

The Universal Mobile Keyboard will be available in October.

Follow Kevin Parrish @exfileme. Follow us @tomshardware, on Facebook and on Google+.

Kevin Parrish
9 Comments Comment from the forums
  • knowom
    I hate xbox controllers that's all
    Reply
  • Achoo22
    I can't believe they are advertising the controller without a wireless dongle. Going back to a wired controller isn't going to happen, especially when the controller already has built-in wireless support. No way, no how, no thanks.
    Reply
  • Daniel Paiva
    I have the Xbox One controller for some months already... on my PC. How is it going to arrive in November??? It is the same controller from the console.
    Reply
  • I like this wired xbox one controller. I have the xbox 360 controller myself, it was more expensive than this, but even with the usb cable you needed a wireless receiver (I don't know why).

    I would buy this controller right away if the one I have now didn't work. A lot of people like to use the mouse and keyboard, but not me. I play to relax, on easy most of the time. I find a controller much more relaxing.

    I don't really care for the other products mentioned.
    Reply
  • alidan
    I like this wired xbox one controller. I have the xbox 360 controller myself, it was more expensive than this, but even with the usb cable you needed a wireless receiver (I don't know why).

    I would buy this controller right away if the one I have now didn't work. A lot of people like to use the mouse and keyboard, but not me. I play to relax, on easy most of the time. I find a controller much more relaxing.

    I don't really care for the other products mentioned.

    the usb cable did not carry data, it was power only, so when you had the controller hooked up to usb, it was running wirelessly too... yea, love that logic...

    i may get it just because of the better d pad, but i'm also looking into getting a universal adaptor for the old consoles so i can get the best of the best.
    Reply
  • thequn
    Lol
    Reply
  • ferooxidan
    Lol it's just the xbox one controller + cable. Lol I use my phone cable,duh. Why not make a driver to enable wireless on it?
    Reply
  • Innocent_Bystander
    I don't know about this one... The XBOX One controller as a whole just feels cheaper than the old 360 pads. Maybe it's just me but I really didn't like the feel of the sticks when I picked it up in a store.
    Reply
  • clonazepam
    “The Xbox One Controller is the best controller Xbox has ever made. It comes with over 40 innovations to the award-winning Xbox 360 Controller, redesigned thumbsticks, and an all new D-pad provide greater precision. You can also use the same controller to connect wirelessly to your Xbox One or also via the cable too,” LeBlanc said.

    The Xbox One Controller will be available in November.

    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16874103347

    I picked this up for $65 minus a $20 gift card. This controller is awesome. It's replacing my old xbox 360 controller. I can actually parry now in Dark Souls (the 360 controller was really getting worn out, especially the left stick's movement, and the right stick's grip).

    I wish it didn't cost as much as a brand new game but it does feel absolutely awesome.
    Reply