Microsoft has developed a new accessory kit that promises to make the company’s Surface products easier to use for people with disabilities.
The Surface Adaptive Kit is made up of various stickers and labels that can help the blind navigate a Surface device, or assist those with mobility issues in opening the product. During Wednesday’s Surface event, Microsoft Director of Accessibility Dave Dame, who has cerebral palsy, demoed how he can easily open the kit.
As an example, Microsoft showed how the labels could be placed on a Surface product to help a blind person feel and identify certain keys and ports on the device. The kit also includes special stickers that can aide a physically impaired user in opening a Surface laptop or kickstand with a simple pull of a lanyard.
“It really allows people to quickly modify their device so they’re spending more time using the device, and less time trying to set it up,” Dame said. Microsoft plans on offering the kit later this year, but no pricing was disclosed.
Microsoft Ocean Plastic Mouse
Wednesday’s Surface event was largely devoted to new hardware products, including the Surface Duo 2 and Surface Laptop Studio. But the company also showed off a new eco-friendly mouse, dubbed the Microsoft Ocean Plastic Mouse.
The shell around the mouse is made up of 20% plastic found in the ocean and other waterways, which is cleaned and recycled into resin pellets. The pellets are then blended into the mold for the mouse’s casing.
The 20% ratio, while commendable, doesn’t account for the components inside, though. So to really prevent environmental waste, you’re better off simply using an existing mouse. Nevertheless, Microsoft says in select markets—including the US, Canada, the UK—it’s going to offer a “free mail-in program for consumers to send in their old mouse to be recycled through contracted partners.” The website for the program is not live as of this writing.
In terms of specs, the mouse weighs in at 84 grams (0.19 pounds), features three customizable buttons, and supports Bluetooth 5.0 for a range of up to 16 feet in a typical office environment. The product uses a single AA battery, which can supply it with power for up to 12 months.
The Microsoft Ocean Plastic Mouse goes on sale Oct. 10 for $24.99. Pre-orders start today on the company’s website.