Apple has introduced the world’s first computer mouse that supports multi-touch input. The new Magic Mouse completely lacks any mechanical buttons or scrolls and enables completely new navigation experience. What is unclear is whether other manufacturers will follow Apple with similar concepts.

Apple Magic Mouse uses laser tracking engine, like every modern mice, Bluetooth wireless interconnection to connect to computers as well as two AA batteries. Magic Mouse features a seamless touch-sensitive enclosure that allows it to be a single or multi-button mouse with advanced gesture support. Using gestures, users can scroll through long documents, pan across large images or swipe to move forward or backward through a collection of web pages or photos. Magic Mouse works for left or right handed users and multi-button or gesture commands can be configured from within system preferences of Mac OS X.

Even though multi-touch input has become rather popular on smartphones as well as notebooks, it remains to be seen whether multi-touch-based mice will become popular. Traditionally, customers are used to perform certain tasks by moving their hands, not fingers. In case of multi-touch input, some users may swipe instead of scroll and otherwise, which may be annoying.

Magic Mouse comes standard with the new iMac and is available at the end of October through the Apple Store at Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail price of $69. Magic Mouse requires Mac OS X Leopard version 10.5.8 or later.

“Apple is the multi-touch leader, pioneering the use of this innovative technology in iPhone, iPod touch and Mac notebook trackpads. Apple's Multi-Touch technology allows us to offer an easy to use mouse in a simple and elegant design,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide product marketing.

Tags: Apple