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New Hardware for Windows Vista Unleashed

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Microsoft has just announced the availability of three new pieces of hardware coming from MS Hardware later this year that will take advantage of Windows Vista functionality at the press of a button.

  • Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 – Available September 2006.

The Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 is the very first rechargeable wireless and backlit keyboard to hit the market. It was originally dubbed the "Ultimate Keyboard" a few months ago.

These new hardware set-ups also bring Windows Vista features right to your fingertips:

  • Windows Start Button: access the Windows Vista Start Menu
  • Windows Media Start Button: quick access to Windows Media Center in Windows Vista
  • Windows Live Call Button: make a call using Windows Live Messenger and Windows Live Call
  • Gadget Button: launches Live.com for quick access to your personalized Gadgets

We've also announced plans to make Windows Live LifeCams compatible with Windows Vista when it's launched in early 2007, so stay tuned.

Comments

  • Anonymous
    January 01, 2003
    Microsoft Hardware yesterday trotted out its offerings for the fall season:

    Microsoft Hardware Brings to Light First Rechargeable Wireless and Backlit Desktop
    Microsoft’s New Gaming Products Receive Rave Reviews (These had been previously announ..

  • Anonymous
    January 01, 2003
    I hope this still gets read, but there's no more recent Hardware post to ask this: What's the news on Samsung's 22" Vista-screen? A lot of people are planning to upgrade, and at least some basic info (1080i support, response times etc) would be welcome in the decision making process.

  • Anonymous
    September 14, 2006
    The comment has been removed

  • Anonymous
    September 14, 2006
    Hey tim_mac, I agree with you - I noticed the lack of fingerprint reader offerings in the new hardware.

    The current stand-alone fingerprint reader already out on the market by Microsoft currently does not work with Vista. I wonder if Microsoft intends to develop support for it on Vista in the future? Or are we seeing an end to Microsoft's Fingerprint Reader products.

  • Anonymous
    September 14, 2006
    I want to put in my vote in for continued support of the Microsoft Fingerprint Reader products.

    DigitalPersona is the company that supplies MS with the readers and the software. But since this is an OEM arrangement, it is up to MS to drive this support for Vista.
    One note of possible encouragement is that in the most recent Vista Upgrade Advisor, Microsoft, not DigitalPersona (as in previous versions) is listed as the vendor.

    Maybe someone can shed some light on this:

    I recall reading that the API for authentication devices had been totally rewritten for Vista. But I can no longer find this info. The names of things seem to be a moving target :)

  • Anonymous
    September 15, 2006
    Nice to offer new hardware - but it would be more helpful for a lot of people, if MS would support his own wireless mouse/keyboard combos under a Vista RC1.
    It seems that the most guys have problems with screensaver activation while the wireless desktop receiver is conntected.