Kuala Lumpur, 14 November 2007 - What began in 1982 with a Microsoft® Mouse designed to easily navigate Microsoft Corp.’s first version of its Word has grown to an extensive lineup of innovative, indispensable products for today’s computer-centered lifestyle.
This year, Microsoft Hardware celebrates its 25th anniversary of staying ahead of the computing curve by delivering groundbreaking peripherals that make the software and services experience better and easier.
The success of Microsoft Hardware in Malaysia is also the result of the close partnership with ECS Astar Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of Microsoft Hardware products here. CP Chia, Senior Manager (Marketing), ECS Astar Sdn Bhd, said that “Microsoft suite of hardware offerings has received very positive feedback from the market, demonstrating consumers’ confidence in Microsoft’s entertainment and hardware devices. We're very excited about the launch of new products from the Microsoft hardware range and expected these new offerings to be well received by Malaysian consumers.”
Chia attributes the success of the Microsoft Hardware products to Microsoft’s innovative engineering, cutting-edge technology and unprecedented commitment to high-quality products, ensuring a rich and complete computing experience for consumers.
According to Chia, ECS Astar has a close partnership with Microsoft. “Over the past few years, we have seen the Microsoft Hardware business expand tremendously, with a 228 percent year-on-year growth. Distribution channels carrying Microsoft Hardware products have increased 174 percent, recording a revenue growth of 229 percent.” Simon Tan, Director, South-East Asia, Entertainment and Devices Division, Microsoft, said “Microsoft Hardware is all about making your everyday experiences extraordinary. As we celebrate 25 years of pushing the boundaries in innovation and industrial design, we are pleased to introduce our latest range of peripherals to Malaysia. From the cutting-edge Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 to the stylish, yet versatile Mobile Memory Mouse 8000, these products will bring your computing experience to the next level.”
The new products to be showcased in Malaysia today include:
- Mobile Memory Mouse 8000,
- Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000,
- Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 7000,
- Sidewinder Gaming Mouse,
- LifeCam NX-3000,
- LifeCam VX-7000 and
- Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000, the ultimate desktop companion.
According to Katherine Teu, Regional Marketing Manager, South-East Asia, Entertainment and Devices Division, Microsoft, “Microsoft Hardware is advancing mobile productivity with peak performance products that includes Microsoft’s first 3-in-1 transceiver for flash memory, recharging and wireless connectivity. We are also making Internet communications more enjoyable with the best sharing experience imaginable and Windows Live integration on the Microsoft LifeCams.”
“Gamers will also be pleased to know that we are bringing back the acclaimed SideWinder brand with our SideWinder mouse that offers extreme customizability for every type of gamer, high precision performance and new innovations like the first LCD screen for gaming mice.” Katherine added.
A History of Innovation
Over the past 25 years, Microsoft Hardware has designed and developed a wide assortment of computer peripherals to fit customer needs, from mice and keyboards to webcams, headsets and gaming devices. With products including the world’s first optical mouse, the award-winning Natural® line of ergonomic products and the new SideWinder™ Mouse that was announced today, Microsoft Hardware continues to create inventive peripherals that connect to the software and services consumers rely on to make computing easier, fun and more productive.
Today, the Hardware Group has expanded its portfolio to offer a product line that includes 28 mice, 36 keyboards and desktops, six gaming devices, and eight products for Internet communications. The Hardware Group currently ships products in nearly 50 countries around the world and holds these key sales records:
- The No. 1 best-selling wired keyboard in the United States
- Millions of Comfort Curve keyboards sold
- The No. 1 best-selling mouse in the United States
- The No. 1 and No. 3 best-selling webcams in the desktop and notebook categories, respectively in the United States
Important milestones from Microsoft Hardware include these:
- 2007. Microsoft revives the SideWinder line with the ultimate gaming mouse — the SideWinder Mouse.
- 2006. Microsoft takes Internet communications to the next level with the launch of the LifeCam line.
- 2005. Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 launches and becomes the best-selling wired keyboard in the U.S.1
- 2004. Developed by Microsoft ergonomists, the Comfort Curve layout debuts.
- 2002. The first commercially available desktop for Bluetooth debuts.
- 1999. The first optical mouse hits shelves.
- 1995. The SideWinder line launches with cutting-edge joysticks and steering wheels.
- 1994. The first affordable and widely available ergonomic keyboard launches.
- 1993. Microsoft unveils the first ergonomic mouse.
- 1983. The Microsoft Mouse debuts.
- 1982. The Microsoft Hardware Group forms.
In recent years, Microsoft also tapped the Microsoft Hardware group’s rich heritage of hardware innovation to produce the new multi-touch technology breakthrough, Microsoft Surface™.
For more information about Microsoft Hardware’s 25 years of innovation, visit http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/anniversary.
