As Microsoft previously announced the end of support for the Windows 10 operating system, a new batch of products from the company will also join their exit from the Redmond giant's offers. These are the Microsoft-branded mice and keyboard, which it sold for the longest time in its history, even earlier than its proprietary Windows operating system.
While it may seem like an end of an era for these computer accessories and peripherals, the company's products will still be available but will see a decrease in units and with new branding.
Microsoft is Saying Goodbye to Mice and Keyboard's Brand after 40 Years
Microsoft has claimed (via The Verge) that it will no longer sell Microsoft-branded mice and keyboards, marking the end of an era for the technology giant. This decision comes after a significant decrease in sales of the devices, with the company citing a shift towards other types of computer input devices.
Microsoft first entered the mouse and keyboard market in 1983 with the release of the Microsoft Mouse. Over the years, the company has released a wide range of mice and keyboards, including the popular Microsoft Natural Keyboard, first introduced in 1994. These products were designed to be used with Microsoft's Windows operating system, released in 1985, and were marketed towards both home and business use.
The Redmond giant mentioned that this is because of the recent layoffs in its hardware division, with the company looking to restructure and allocate funds to make up for losses.
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Surface Mice and Keyboards to Stay, Will be its Main Selling Point
However, this doesn't mean Microsoft is completely out of the mouse and keyboard game. The company will continue to sell Surface-branded mice and keyboards designed specifically for use with Microsoft's Surface line of products. These devices will still be available for purchase, but there will be a significant decrease in the number of models available compared to previous operations.
The phase-out will only center on the Microsoft brand on the computer accessories and will now center on the top-grade products from the Surface peripherals lineup.
Microsoft and Products Available to the Public
Windows is still the leading product from Microsoft and still carries the company's brand name for the public to notice.
And the company is also massive for its AI development, in partnership with OpenAI, with the use of GPT-4 for its products like Bing, the Office Suite, and more.
Despite the end of the Microsoft-branded mice and keyboards, the company is still committed to innovation and research in the area of input devices. Microsoft is currently working on several new technologies, including haptic feedback and other forms of tactile feedback, a massive one for its VR development from before, which could revolutionize the way we interact with devices.
While the end of Microsoft-branded mice and keyboards may be a sad moment for some longtime fans of the company, it's important to remember that this decision simply reflects the changing market and hard times. Microsoft's focus on innovation and research means we can expect to see new input devices from the company shortly under the Surface brand.
Related Article: Microsoft is Saying Goodbye to Windows 10, to End Support by 2025, Already Runs its Final Version
