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// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhy was IntelliMouse smart? It had a gouda track record.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0
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

[edit]

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
NameImage Intro.Disc. Buttons OpticalUSBSerial Notes Ref.
IntelliMouse 1996— 3 opt.[a]opt.[b]PS/2 or 9-pin First use of the IntelliMouse brand [29]
IntelliMouse Trackball 19972002 3 NoNoPS/2 or 9-pin Only IntelliMouse-branded trackball [30]
IntelliMouse Pro 19982001 3 NoNoPS/2 or 9-pin Intended to improve ergonomics with a refined shape and rubber side grips. [31]
IntelliMouse Explorer 1999— 5 YesYesPS/2 Adds two left side buttons (for right hand thumb). Upgraded from 1500 to 6000 fps sensor in 2001. [32][33]
IntelliMouse Optical 2000— 5 YesYesPS/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 YesYesNo 6000 fps sensor; automatically adjusts illumination based on surface. Bluetooth version added in 2002. [36][37]
IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0 2006— 5 YesYesNo Re-release of the IntelliMouse Explorer branded as "3.0" with a 9000 fps sensor [19][20]
Classic IntelliMouse 20172024 5 YesYesNo 1000 reports/second, up to 3200 DPI. [38]
Pro IntelliMouse 20192024 5 YesYesNo 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]
[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ↑ Miller, Paul (July 18, 2012). "Status Symbols: Microsoft IntelliMouse". The Verge. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  2. ↑ Note however: "Mouse Systems ProAgio Scroll Mouse". oldmouse.com. Archived from the original on May 9, 2013. Retrieved 2013-08-15. In 1995 Mouse Systems, owned by KYE since 1990, produced the world's first mouse with a scroll wheel. It sold as Mouse Systems ProAgio and Genius EasyScroll under Kye. [...] Microsoft seized the idea and marketed the concept as part of their IntelliMouse® in 1996.
  3. ↑ "Microsoft announces Microsoft IntelliMouse" (Press release). Microsoft. 22 July 1996. Retrieved 9 November 2014.
  4. ↑ "Microsoft Announces Availability of IntelliMouse TrackBall" (Press release). Microsoft. November 14, 1997. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  5. ↑ "Microsoft unveils Its Most Full-Featured Mouse Ever; Wheel-Equipped IntelliMouse Pro Offers Outstanding Comfort" (Press release). Microsoft. May 28, 1998. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  6. 1 2 3 4 "Microsoft's Sleek New IntelliMouse Explorer and IntelliEye Technology Toss Out the Mouse Ball Today at COMDEX" (Press release). Microsoft. 19 April 1999. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
  7. 1 2 3 Waring, Becky (30 March 2000). "Microsoft builds a magical mouse / new buttons, scroll wheel and no gummy ball". SFGate. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
  8. ↑ "Microsoft Unveils Sleek, Innovative New Mouse" (Press release). Microsoft. April 19, 1999. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  9. ↑ "Microsoft SideWinder Devices Make PC Games More Fun" (Press release). Microsoft. May 10, 1999. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  10. ↑ "Microsoft announces availability of IntelliMouse Explorer" (Press release). Microsoft. 4 October 1999. Retrieved 9 November 2014.
  11. ↑ Tynan, Dan (December 24, 2005). "The 50 Greatest Gadgets of the Past 50 Years". PC World. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  12. ↑ "Microsoft Lends a Hand to Lefties With Launch of First Ambidextrous Optical Mouse" (Press release). Microsoft. January 6, 2000. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  13. ↑ "Microsoft IntelliMouse Optical Helps Boost Productivity for Laptop Users" (Press release). Microsoft. April 3, 2000. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  14. ↑ "Design Industry Leaders Honor the Art Behind Microsoft Hardware Designs" (Press release). Microsoft. October 29, 2001. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  15. 1 2 "New Microsoft Mouse Family Unleashes Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer" (Press release). Microsoft. September 25, 2001. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  16. ↑ "Microsoft Makes History, Delivers Unprecedented Wireless Freedom With New Desktop Hardware Solution for Bluetooth" (Press release). Microsoft. October 15, 2002. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  17. ↑ "Microsoft Hardware Puts New Spin on Innovation" (Press release). Microsoft. September 3, 2003. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  18. ↑ "Microsoft and Philippe Starck Unite to Create Performance Art" (Press release). Microsoft. July 8, 2004. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  19. 1 2 "Microsoft on Top of Its Game With Launch of Exciting New Gaming Peripherals" (Press release). Microsoft. August 22, 2006. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  20. 1 2 jatkinson (September 22, 2006). "The Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0–Review". ExtremeTech. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  21. ↑ Warren, Tom (October 17, 2017). "Microsoft is bringing the IntelliMouse Explorer back". The Verge. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  22. ↑ Lopez, Napier (October 27, 2017). "Microsoft is selling the IntelliMouse Explorer again, but screws up the sensor choice". The Next Web. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  23. ↑ "Iconic mouse that changed how we use the internet is relaunched by Microsoft" (Press release). Microsoft UK. June 29, 2018. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  24. ↑ Lovelin, Eric (May 28, 2019). "Announcing the Microsoft Pro Intellimouse" (Press release). Microsoft | Windows Blogs. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  25. ↑ Warren, Tom (27 April 2023). "Microsoft's mice, keyboards, and webcams are being discontinued in favor of Surface accessories". The Verge. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
  26. ↑ Harding, Scharon (5 January 2025). "Discontinued and unreleased Microsoft peripherals revived by licensing deal". Ars Technica. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
  27. ↑ "Microsoft IntelliMouse with IntelliEye". Microsoft. Archived from the original on 5 June 2001. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  28. ↑ "Microsoft IntelliMouse (USB compatible)". Microsoft. Archived from the original on 24 April 1999.
  29. ↑ "Microsoft IntelliMouse". Microsoft. Archived from the original on 20 January 1998.
  30. ↑ "Microsoft IntelliMouse Trackball". Microsoft. Archived from the original on 20 January 1998.
  31. ↑ "Microsoft IntelliMouse Pro". Microsoft. Archived from the original on 17 April 1999.
  32. ↑ "Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer". Microsoft. Archived from the original on 8 April 2000.
  33. ↑ "Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer". Microsoft. Archived from the original on 21 February 2002. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  34. ↑ "Microsoft IntelliMouse Optical". Microsoft. Archived from the original on 10 May 2000.
  35. ↑ "Microsoft IntelliMouse Optical". Microsoft. Archived from the original on 14 December 2001. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  36. ↑ "Microsoft Wireless IntelliMouse Optical". Microsoft. Archived from the original on 8 October 2001. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  37. ↑ "Microsoft Wireless IntelliMouse Optical for Bluetooth". Microsoft. Archived from the original on 22 December 2002. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  38. ↑ "Microsoft Classic Intellimouse". Microsoft. Archived from the original on 19 October 2017.
  39. ↑ "Microsoft Pro IntelliMouse". Microsoft. Archived from the original on 5 June 2019.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=IntelliMouse&oldid=1315094778"