Microsoft today unveiled its new Explorer and Explorer Mini Mouse, both of which employ a new “BlueTrack” technology that promises to combine the power of optical mice with the precision of laser mice. Specifically, BlueTrack uses a blue light beam sensor and specular optics architecture to work on virtually any surface.


Unlike the standard laser sensor, a product of Agilent Technologies licensed out to every mouse vendor, BlueTrack is entirely Microsoft-developed. So, if the technology can truly excel where others have failed (reflective surfaces) Microsoft might have a real winner here – whether they decide to license it to third parties or not. The Explorer Mouse will sell for $100 and the Explorer Mini Mouse will sell for $80 once they are released this November.