Full FeedApple releases Magic Mouse, world’s first multi-touch mouse
Without much fanfare, Apple this morning announced the Magic Mouse, “the world’s first multi-touch mouse.” Taking cues from the iPhone and MacBook track pad, the Magic Mouse takes advantage of multi-touch technology to deliver much more control than was possible with buttons and a scroll wheel. Instead the seamless surface reads gestures of one and two fingers to provide functionality. Hold down the control key on your keyboard, and you’ll enable even more multi-touch commands.
From Apple’s website:
The Multi-Touch area covers the top surface of Magic Mouse, and the mouse itself is the button. Scroll in any direction with one finger, swipe through web pages and photos with two, and click and double-click anywhere. Inside Magic Mouse is a chip that tells it exactly what you want to do. Which means Magic Mouse won’t confuse a scroll with a swipe. It even knows when you’re just resting your hand on it.
Very cool stuff. The Magic Mouse also features laser tracking that Apple claims is “... far more sensitive and responsive on more surfaces than traditional optical tracking,” and connects to your iMac or MacBook/Pro via Bluetooth (secure connection of up to 33 feet). The mouse will ship with all new iMacs, but I’m betting a lot of MacBook owners will picking one up separately. I use an external keyboard with my MacBook at my desk, and I hate losing the multi-touch functionality of the track pad. The ability to get some of that back with the mouse will be awesome.
Via system preferences, you’ll be able to disable whatever commands you don’t like, and as with all recent Apple mouse devices, the Magic Mouse has 100% ambidextrous design. Lefties are just as welcome to the magic as are righties.
The Magic Mouse requires a Bluetooth-enabled Mac computer, Mac OS X v10.5.8 or later with Wireless Mouse Software Update 1.0, and existing keyboard and mouse for setup. It’s available now online for $69 with a shipping estimate of 5 to 7 business days. We’ll have a hands-on up at Appletell very soon, so be sure to check back with us.
Product [Magic Mouse]
Subscribe to keep up with the latest Apple news and rumors! - 
Subscribe to our feed
Black Friday 2009
Black Friday is almost here! Gadgetell's got you covered with all the latest news on who's offering the best deals. Dangerous crowds? You're on your own.
Our new podcast: Meet...
We know. Podcasts are so last year - but this one you won't want to miss. Whether it’s a rumor that won’t die, a new product announcement, or just a really good Macintosh or iPhone app find that we have to let you know about, we’ll make sure it’s covered on Appletellcast.
iPhone App Reviews
iPhone Apps. They were great when the App Store was first announced and we could all pick and chose what we wanted, but the number is now overwhelming. Here at Appletell, we'll detail the great iPhone apps we find, and steer you clear from those that aren't worth it even if they're free.
iPhone Game Reviews
As Apple turns the iPhone into one of the most popular gaming devices, the staff of Appletell--gamers and Apple fans alike--are here to help you get the most entertainment value out of your app store purchases.
Do we know how these are powered yet? Do they use a charging dock, or do they require batteries?
on October 20, 2009 at 01:04 PM - LINKApple says the Magic Mouse ships with two AA batteries in the box, so it’ll be battery powered.
on October 20, 2009 at 01:24 PM - LINKBattery life is supposed to be around three months. I’d prefer a wired option, actually.
on October 20, 2009 at 01:36 PM - LINKJust bought one. I’ve been needing a good mouse for my macbook for a while and now I’m so glad I waited, can’t wait to play with it!
on October 20, 2009 at 11:23 PM - LINK