Logitech launches mouse into thin air

A new Logitech mouse allows users to point, select and play media files with a flick of the wrist

Logitech has unveiled its MX Air Rechargeable Cordless Air Mouse, a laser mouse that works on a desk and in the air. 

The device combines Logitech's Freespace motion control, gesture command and wireless connectivity to allow users to point, select and play media files with a flick of the wrist.

The patented Freespace technology is based on a combination of micro-electromechanical sensors, digital signal processing and radio frequency wireless technology.

This allows the user to hold the mouse in any orientation and point it in any direction.

Algorithms distinguish between intentional and unintentional hand movements, effectively cancelling the involuntary tremors everyone experiences when holding a device in the air.

The MX Air employs gesture-based commands allowing users to change the volume, for instance, by pressing and holding the volume button and moving the device to the right or left to increase or decrease volume. 

A small circular motion to the right activates the skip track command, while a circle to the left repeats the song.

In place of a traditional scroll wheel, the MX Air features a touch-sensitive scroll panel. A swipe of the finger across the surface enables the inertial scrolling mechanism, which adjusts its speed according to the speed of the finger swipe.

"The MX Air mouse offers a radically new way for people to control their PC entertainment," said Rory Dooley, senior vice president and general manager of the Control Devices business unit at Logitech.

"It is for anyone who has listened to music on their PC and been frustrated by having to return to the desk to change songs or volume, or who want to share vacation photos with friends and family without being tied to the desk.

"It is for any of the millions of people using the internet to browse and watch videos on sites such as YouTube or Grouper, or people with a living-room computer or media PC who want to navigate their media content on their terms."

The Logitech MX Air Rechargeable Cordless Air Mouse is expected to be available in the US and Europe beginning in August and will retail for around $150 or £100.