Microsoft shines light on new keyboards, mice

Microsoft's newest keyboards are acting more like remote controls.

Barlow said keyboard designers adhered closely to design guidelines and that some former hardware-group employees had helped craft them. (Down the hall from the hardware presentation Wednesday, Microsoft was hosting executives from computer manufacturers.)

Some of the new keyboards also have a Vista button, similar to the "start" key on current PC keyboards, that launches a menu of shortcuts, including a search box.

The compatibility with Vista continues the hardware group's longtime strategy of building devices that complement its software. The original Microsoft mouse was built to help people use Microsoft Word. Later, scroll wheels on mice were designed for easier navigation of Office documents. More recently, the company has moved into webcams and headsets with one-touch call buttons that launch its instant-messenger program.

Enderle said that strategy serves two purposes.

"It's a way to assure that there is hardware that actually supports some of the software features you're deploying," he said. "It also helps Microsoft understand what it can and can't do with software."

Microsoft added to its webcam line Wednesday with the announcement of a smaller version for laptop computers. It also announced a wireless Xbox 360 controller that will work on Windows PCs and the game console.