Microsoft Believes in Launching Devices that Work Across Platforms

With the passage of time, consumers need improved versions of their products of daily use. There was a time when having a telephone was considered a luxury, but, with the onward march of telecommunications technology, it has become a necessity and has acquired ubiquitous dimensions. Then, we saw the advent of pagers, followed by heavy geometry-box sized & shaped mobile phones. In course of time, the still cameras were replaced by DigiCams and Handy cams by big sized moving/shooting cameras. The list is endless. But now the time of convergence has come when we can see the coming of multi-purpose devices creating a niche. According to the research conducted by MARC (Microsoft Asia Research Center) based in China, today’s consumers want devices to work across platforms. Keeping in mind the study, Microsoft unveiled a line-up of new hardware products set to deliver an unmatchable PC experience.’ VARIndia met Mohit Anand, Country Manager, E&D Division, Microsoft India, to get a better insight.

New 2007 Range of Hardware

Microsoft E&D Division India in its latest 2007 range of high-end input devices has launched mice, keyboards, lifecams and headsets. They are designed to offer incredible comfort and performance to the discerning PC user. The various models launched are:

® LifeCam VX-1000 – A Webcam with brilliant video and still photography (640x480 pixels) and a built-in microphone for superior audio performance.

® LifeCam NX-6000 ––It is a wired, notebook webcam that fully integrates with the new Microsoft Windows Live Messenger service to deliver a suite of features that make Web video calling simple, natural and seamless. Its first notebook webcam also delivers high-definition 2.0 MP video sensor and the highest-quality still photography available (7.6 megapixels interpolated). Designed for mobility and durability, the lens is fully collapsible and retracts inside the aluminium body of the webcam when not in use.

® Wired Headsets (LifeChat) LX 3000 – Optimized for Windows Live Messenger, this comfortable high quality stereo headset gives you the simplicity of USB installation matched with high quality digital sound.

® Wireless Laser Mouse 8000 – First rechargeable mouse, sophisticated design with 2.4GHz Bluetooth technology, Microsoft’s proprietary High Definition Laser Technology, brushed aluminium metal casing and smart navigation features. Its new Instant Viewer feature allows users to instantly view all open windows for added organization and productivity.

® Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 ––The Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 is the ultimate in ergonomic design and comfort. The groundbreaking design includes an elevated thumb scoop, which moves pressure off the carpal tunnel, and a rounded shape that more closely matches the relaxed curve of the fingers to reduce finger extension. The five-button wireless mouse offers a Tilt Wheel for smooth four-way scrolling, Instant Viewer to display all open windows at the touch of a button, and a Magnifier tool that makes it easy to enlarge and edit screen details. It also features Microsoft’s High Definition Laser Technology, which delivers more responsiveness, more precision and smoother tracking.

® Wireless Notebook Presenter Mouse 8000 – A 4-in-1 device that offers Bluetooth connectivity. Slide presenter, Laser and digital pointer and Media remote.

® Microsoft Habu – The ultimate gaming mouse with slip-resistant grip feature.–A 2,000 DPI laser engine and always-on laser gives gamers the control edge with a near-zero response time. Gamers can even adjust the DPI on the fly for precision targeting. To deliver the speed of wired and the feel of wireless, Habu comes with a thin, flexible wire and gold-plated USB connector, granting superior conductivity with minimum response time.

® Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 ––comes with a Comfort Curve Keyboard and Wireless Laser Mouse. “Our singular aim is to provide a superlative PC experience to the performance-driven PC user who wants to derive maximum value from the input devices he or she uses at work, home or on the go. We also take pride in sharing our entry into Integrated Communication Experience products like Webcams and Headsets giving our users richer communication experiences. Our new hardware line-up delivers exactly on this objective with some very great features that have been conceptualized and designed to trigger the new wave of digital computing experiences for our customers in India,” informed Mohit.

Pricing and Availability

The new product portfolio is attractively priced ranging from Rs.2, 010/- to Rs.10, 570/- and will be available through the Microsoft strong network of 9,100 resellers across 83 cities in India.

The new product range has been designed to provide a unique combination of revolutionary features, innovative technology and attractive pricing. The 4-in-1 Wireless Notebook Presenter Mouse 8000, Wireless Laser Mouse 8000 and Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 carry MRP of Rs.6,876/-, Rs.5,818/- and Rs.5,289/-, respectively. “High quality still photography” LifeCam NX-6000 and LifeCam VX-1000 are priced at Rs.6, 475/- and Rs.2, 001/- (MRP), respectively. The Wired headsets LX-3000 have an MRP of Rs.2, 119/- and Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 an MRP of Rs.6, 347/-. To this, Mohit added, “Microsoft believes in bringing the best products to the consumers. They are not the cheapest, but are the best value proposition.”

Target

Microsoft claims that these products are not catering to the needs of one specific market segment, but are targeted at any value-conscious and regular PC users. When asked about the attitude of consumers towards the laser technology, Mohit explained, “Any product passes through three stages – adopters, masses and laggards. Right now, the Scroll technology is with the laggards; Optical has reached masses; and Laser is in the initial phase, i.e. with the adopters.” He further informed that Microsoft’s first laser product was launched some eighteen months back and today there are in toto twenty products in the company’s kitty.

Lastly…

For more than two decades, the Microsoft Hardware Group has employed innovative engineering, cutting-edge industrial design and extensive usability testing to create products of exceptional quality and durability that enhance the software experience and strengthen the connection between the consumers and their PCs. In the end, ecstatic Mohit told Microsoft always completes its targets well before time. The target, which was meant to be achieved by 2005, was reached by mid-2003 and the target for 2006 by 2005. As of now, Microsoft aims to maintain its leadership in the market and win over the user’s confidence in absolute terms.’