Skip to main content

Microsoft reveals new accessories for Windows 10

microsoft reveals new accessories windows 10 mk bmm3600 blk otherviews02  1
Image used with permission by copyright holder
With Windows 10 finally available to anyone who wants it badly enough, Microsoft is introducing some promising new Windows 10-specific peripherals, according to WinBeta.

The Bluetooth Mobile Mouse 3600 brings portability on a budget, sporting the new Bluetooth 4.0 SMART technology, along with a four-way scroll wheel for both vertical and horizontal scrolling. “Compact and comfortable,” writes Microsoft news reporter Steve Clarke in a blog post, “it’s great for on-the-go computing.” The Mobile Mouse 3600 is set to retail on October 8 at $30 MSRP.

The Wireless Desktop 900 keyboard and mouse set, on the other hand, bears a minimalistic design, taking advantage of quiet-touch keys and “easy plug-and-play” wireless functionality over a range of 30 feet.

Recommended Videos

The ambidextrous mouse simplifies computing whether you’re right- or left-handed, while the accompanying keyboard brings single-click shortcuts for Cortana, OneNote, and the new virtual desktops feature. The Wireless Desktop 900, packaged complete with a full-sized keyboard and mouse, will set buyers back $50, or $30 for the mouse on its own.

Other updates to the current slate of Microsoft’s proprietary accessory lineup include slight Windows 10-centric renovations to the Wireless Desktop and Keyboard 800, Wireless Desktop 3000, and Wireless Comfort Desktop 5000, adding 50 to each model’s number.

Both the Wireless Desktop 850 and Keyboard 850  will launch on September 23 for $40 and $25, respectively. The Wireless Desktop 3050 will be available on October 7 for $60, while the Wireless Comfort Desktop 5050 will make its way to the Microsoft Store on October 7 for $70.

Lastly, the Sculpt Comfort Desktop 5050 bundles the ergonomic keyboard and mouse at a hefty $80 from the Microsoft Store, though it should be noted that this same package can be purchased from other retailers for a much lower asking price.

All in all, it’s a treat to see Microsoft revamp its accessory lineup for better compatibility with Windows 10 and, unexpectedly, without cashing in too much on marginal enhancements.

Gabe Carey
Former Digital Trends Contributor
A freelancer for Digital Trends, Gabe Carey has been covering the intersection of video games and technology since he was 16…
Windows gaming handhelds just got a huge new feature
Lies of P running on the Asus ROG Ally.

We love the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X, but Windows continues to be more of a hurdle on these devices than a benefit. Microsoft is beginning to make some progress here though, having announced an update to the Xbox Game Bar that would implement a new Compact Mode.

The Xbox Game Bar on Windows 11 has been more functional on larger monitors, where its extensive set of features could be easily accessed without overwhelming the user. However, in smaller devices, such as handheld gaming consoles or compact gaming laptops, the standard Game Bar interface feels cluttered and cumbersome. That is about to change.

Read more
It took Microsoft 30 years to change this Windows feature
The Surface Pro 11 on a white table in front of a window.

In 1996, Microsoft introduced the FAT32 file system as an update to the previous version, FAT16. At the time, Microsoft imposed a limit on the creation of FAT32 partitions, deciding that the maximum partition size would be 32GB. Now, 30 years later, the FAT file system supports partitions of up to 2TB -- and Microsoft is finally getting rid of that arbitrary limit from Windows 95 OSR 2.

FAT32, which stands for the 32-bit version of Microsoft's file allocation system, is far from the go-to option in Windows. NTFS is what most people use, and exFAT is there to fill in for many other use cases. Overshadowed by its two more widely used rivals, FAT32 managed to slip under the radar for 30 years.

Read more
Microsoft backs off on pressuring Windows 10 users to upgrade
Windows 11 and Windows 10 operating system logos are displayed on laptop screens.

Microsoft has announced that it will ease up the aggressive add tactic to get Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11 after receiving negative backlash from users, as Windows Latest reports. There is no official word on whether stopping the full-screen multipage popups is permanent, but a plan to “share a new timeline in the coming months” was mentioned.

Windows 10 Home users saw these ads, but some Pro and Business users also saw them after rebooting their computers. Regardless of who saw them, the ads’ pause comes as the Windows 10 end-of-life date, October 14, 2025, approaches.

Read more