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Microsoft’s Inclusive Technology

By Kane Farrell


Microsoft launched several products and features to make technology more inclusive and accessible at its 12th annual Microsoft Ability Summit. The company launched a range of products to better enable users with special needs.

The new device line-up is meant to replace traditional keyboards and mice, both which often limit how quickly and accurately people with disabilities can work. Users can program these new buttons to trigger up to eight digital switches, performing anything from a simple keystroke to a long input sequence. “This lets users do things like open a new tab, copy and paste text, or send an email with a few simple physical movements.”

The square button's hardware is customisable, while Microsoft offers first-party parts including a D-pad, a joystick, and an overlay that turns it into a two-button device. Microsoft have allowed for third party usage of 3D printing to create their own accessories to further extend its utility.

The mouse is modular as well. You'll have the ability to swap the body of the mouse, the buttons, scroll wheel and reposition them into a fitting position on it. You can also swap the position of the mouse's thumb controls depending on whether you're right or lefthanded all of these devices are wireless and rechargeable to void the mess and cluttering of wires.

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