IntelliMouse

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File:IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0 - 2014-04-27.jpg
IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0
File:Microsoft IntelliEye mouse 2.jpg
Microsoft IntelliMouse with IntelliEye optical sensor mouse

IntelliMouse is a series of computer mice from Microsoft. The IntelliMouse series is credited with a number of innovations;[1] Microsoft was among the first mouse vendors to introduce a scroll wheel,[2] an optical mouse, and dedicated auxiliary buttons on the side of the mouse. They use IntelliPoint drivers and its main competitor through the years has been Logitech.

History

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The original IntelliMouse was introduced on July 22, 1996, with its stand-out feature being a scroll wheel.[3] Its design was based on that of the Microsoft Mouse 2.0 from 1993.

In November 1997 Microsoft released the IntelliMouse TrackBall, using a finger-operated trackball to control the cursor and featuring the signature IntelliMouse scroll wheel.[4] In May 1998 the IntelliMouse Pro was released, a redesign of the original IntelliMouse that featured an asymmetrical shape (intended for right-hand use) with a more pronounced arch profile.[5]

The IntelliMouse Explorer was introduced on April 19, 1999, at COMDEX. This version featured IntelliEye optical tracking technology, eliminating the need for a mouse ball or mousepad.[6] It had five buttons (two on top, a scroll wheel that could be depressed, and two on the left side of the mouse).[6][7] It was asymmetrical and designed for right-handed users.[7] Microsoft called it the "most radical computer mouse technology and design advancement" since computer mice were introduced in the 1960s.[6] The Explorer was finished in silver, and featured a glowing red "taillight" to emphasize its optical sensor.[8] In May, the IntelliMouse Explorer was exhibited at E3 1999, touting the benefits of its optical sensor for accuracy and reliability.[9] It was released on October 4, 1999.[10] In 2005, PC World named the IntelliMouse Explorer to its list of "The 50 Greatest Gadgets of the Past 50 Years" as the first mainstream optical mouse.[11]

The IntelliMouse Optical was announced in January 2000 ahead of its April release. The IntelliMouse Optical had similar styling and features as the 1999 IntelliMouse Explorer, but used a symmetric, ambidextrous design to accommodate use by the left hand.[12] It had five buttons – two on top, the scroll wheel, and one on each side of the mouse.[7] The optical sensor and the plug-and-play USB connection led Microsoft to tout the IntelliMouse Optical as an ideal travel companion for laptop users.[13] The IntelliMouse Optical received an Industrial Design Excellence Award in 2001, and was included in the "Workspheres" exhibit held at the New York MoMA in 2001.[14]

New versions of the IntelliMouse Explorer and Optical were introduced in September 2001 alongside the first wireless variant, the Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer.[15] While the original IntelliEye sensor sampled images at 1500 frames per second (fps),[6] the new version sampled images at 6000 fps. In addition, finger grooves and an enhanced grip were added to the new IntelliMouse Explorer.[15]

The Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer for Bluetooth was released in 2002, both as a separate product and with a wireless keyboard in the Wireless Optical Desktop for Bluetooth bundle.[16] Updated versions of the IntelliMouse Explorer and Wireless Explorer were released in September 2003, featuring a tilting scroll wheel to enable horizontal scrolling; the new mice were also available in a variety of colors.[17] Two additional finishes, Cobalt Basin and Crimson Fire, were released for the Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer in July 2004.[18] The IntelliMouse Explorer was later discontinued, then re-released as the IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0 in August 2006 with a gaming emphasis, using a 9000 fps sensor.[19][20]

On October 17, 2017, Microsoft revived the series with the new Classic IntelliMouse, featuring a new dark look based on the IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0 design and featuring BlueTrack technology, allowing it to be used on glass surfaces.[21][22] The Classic IntelliMouse was released in June 2018 in the UK.[23] The ergonomic shape of the IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0 influenced many later mice, particularly gaming-focused models. The Razer DeathAdder, SteelSeries Rival, ZOWIE EC2-A and many others.

In May 2019, Microsoft announced the Pro IntelliMouse, which put an upgraded sensor in the Classic IntelliMouse body.[24]

Microsoft announced in April 2023 that the IntelliMouse would be discontinued alongside the rest of their non-Surface-branded peripherals;[25] it was not part of the designs licensed in early 2025 to Onward Brands subsidiary Incase under the branding "Designed by Microsoft".[26]


Microsoft IntelliMouse-branded pointing devices
Name Image Intro. Disc. Buttons Optical USB Serial Notes Ref.
IntelliMouse File:Microsoft IntelliEye mouse 1.jpg 1996 — 3 opt.[a] opt.[b] PS/2 or 9-pin First use of the IntelliMouse brand [29]
IntelliMouse Trackball 1997 2002 3 No No PS/2 or 9-pin Only IntelliMouse-branded trackball [30]
IntelliMouse Pro 1998 2001 3 No No PS/2 or 9-pin Intended to improve ergonomics with a refined shape and rubber side grips. [31]
IntelliMouse Explorer File:Microsoft IntelliMouse 2001.jpg 1999 — 5 Yes Yes PS/2 Adds two left side buttons (for right hand thumb). Upgraded from 1500 to 6000 fps sensor in 2001. [32][33]
IntelliMouse Optical File:5 Tastenmaus Microsoft IntelliMouse Optical Black.jpg 2000 — 5 Yes Yes PS/2 Two side buttons, one on each side (ambidextrous). Upgraded from 1500 to 6000 fps sensor in 2001. [34][35]
Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer 2001 — 5 Yes Yes No 6000 fps sensor; automatically adjusts illumination based on surface. Bluetooth version added in 2002. [36][37]
IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0 2006 — 5 Yes Yes No Re-release of the IntelliMouse Explorer branded as "3.0" with a 9000 fps sensor [19][20]
Classic IntelliMouse 2017 2024 5 Yes Yes No 1000 reports/second, up to 3200 DPI. [38]
Pro IntelliMouse File:Microsoft Pro IntelliMouse -- 1.jpg 2019 2024 5 Yes Yes No 16000 DPI maximum; PixArt PAW3389PRO-MS sensor. [39]
Notes
  1. ^ A version with IntelliEye was later released.[27]
  2. ^ A dedicated USB version was later released.[28]
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References

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