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IntelliMouse

{{Short description|Series of computer mice from Microsoft}}

File:IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0 - 2014-04-27.jpg

File:Microsoft IntelliEye mouse 2.jpg

IntelliMouse is a series of computer mice from Microsoft. The IntelliMouse series is credited with a number of innovations;{{cite news |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/7/18/3155619/microsoft-intellimouse-status-symbols |title=Status Symbols: Microsoft IntelliMouse |author=Miller, Paul |date=July 18, 2012 |work=The Verge |accessdate=19 June 2019}} Microsoft was among the first mouse vendors to introduce a scroll wheel,Note however:

{{cite web

|url = http://www.oldmouse.com/mouse/mousesystems/scroll.shtml

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130509014726/http://www.oldmouse.com/mouse/mousesystems/scroll.shtml

|url-status = usurped

|archive-date = May 9, 2013

|title = Mouse Systems ProAgio Scroll Mouse

|publisher = oldmouse.com

|accessdate = 2013-08-15

|quote = 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.

}} 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

The original IntelliMouse was introduced on July 22, 1996, with its stand-out feature being a scroll wheel.{{cite press release |url=https://news.microsoft.com/1996/07/22/microsoft-announces-microsoft-intellimouse/ |title=Microsoft announces Microsoft IntelliMouse |date=22 July 1996 |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=9 November 2014}} 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.{{cite press release |url=https://news.microsoft.com/1997/11/14/microsoft-announces-availability-of-intellimouse-trackball/ |title=Microsoft Announces Availability of IntelliMouse TrackBall |date=November 14, 1997 |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=19 June 2019}} 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.{{cite press release|url=https://news.microsoft.com/1998/05/28/microsoft-unveils-its-most-full-featured-mouse-ever-wheel-equipped-intellimouse-pro-offers-outstanding-comfort/|title=Microsoft unveils Its Most Full-Featured Mouse Ever; Wheel-Equipped IntelliMouse Pro Offers Outstanding Comfort|date=May 28, 1998|publisher=Microsoft|accessdate=19 June 2019}}

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. It had five buttons (two on top, a scroll wheel that could be depressed, and two on the left side of the mouse). It was asymmetrical and designed for right-handed users. Microsoft called it the "most radical computer mouse technology and design advancement" since computer mice were introduced in the 1960s.{{cite press release |author= |title=Microsoft’s Sleek New IntelliMouse Explorer and IntelliEye Technology Toss Out the Mouse Ball Today at COMDEX |url= https://news.microsoft.com/1999/04/19/microsofts-sleek-new-intellimouse-explorer-and-intellieye-technology-toss-out-the-mouse-ball-today-at-comdex/ |publisher=Microsoft |date=19 April 1999 |accessdate=22 November 2018}} The Explorer was finished in silver, and featured a glowing red "taillight" to emphasize its optical sensor.{{cite press release |url=https://news.microsoft.com/1999/04/19/microsoft-unveils-sleek-innovative-new-mouse/ |title=Microsoft Unveils Sleek, Innovative New Mouse |date=April 19, 1999 |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=19 June 2019}} In May, the IntelliMouse Explorer was exhibited at E3 1999, touting the benefits of its optical sensor for accuracy and reliability.{{cite press release |url=https://news.microsoft.com/1999/05/10/microsoft-sidewinder-devices-make-pc-games-more-fun/ |title=Microsoft SideWinder Devices Make PC Games More Fun |date=May 10, 1999 |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=19 June 2019}} It was released on October 4, 1999.{{cite press release |url=https://news.microsoft.com/1999/10/04/microsoft-announces-availability-of-intellimouse-explorer/ |title=Microsoft announces availability of IntelliMouse Explorer |date=4 October 1999 |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=9 November 2014}} 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.{{cite news |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/123950/the_50_greatest_gadgets_of_the_past_50_years.html?page=5 |title=The 50 Greatest Gadgets of the Past 50 Years |author=Tynan, Dan |date=December 24, 2005 |work=PC World |accessdate=19 June 2019}}

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.{{cite press release |url=https://news.microsoft.com/2000/01/06/microsoft-lends-a-hand-to-lefties-with-launch-of-first-ambidextrous-optical-mouse/ |title=Microsoft Lends a Hand to Lefties With Launch of First Ambidextrous Optical Mouse |date=January 6, 2000 |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=19 June 2019}} It had five buttons – two on top, the scroll wheel, and one on each side of the mouse.{{cite news |title=Microsoft builds a magical mouse / new buttons, scroll wheel and no gummy ball |first=Becky |last=Waring |url= https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Microsoft-Builds-A-Magical-Mouse-New-buttons-2766622.php |newspaper=SFGate |date=30 March 2000 |accessdate=22 November 2018}} 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.{{cite press release |url=https://news.microsoft.com/2000/04/03/microsoft-intellimouse-optical-helps-boost-productivity-for-laptop-users/ |title=Microsoft IntelliMouse Optical Helps Boost Productivity for Laptop Users |date=April 3, 2000 |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=19 June 2019}} 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.{{cite press release |url=https://news.microsoft.com/2001/10/29/design-industry-leaders-honor-the-art-behind-microsoft-hardware-designs/ |title=Design Industry Leaders Honor the Art Behind Microsoft Hardware Designs |date=October 29, 2001 |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=19 June 2019}}

New versions of the IntelliMouse Explorer and Optical were introduced in September 2001 alongside the first wireless variant, the Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer.{{cite press release |url=https://news.microsoft.com/2001/09/25/new-microsoft-mouse-family-unleashes-wireless-intellimouse-explorer/ |title=New Microsoft Mouse Family Unleashes Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer |date=September 25, 2001 |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=19 June 2019}} While the original IntelliEye sensor sampled images at 1500 frames per second (fps), the new version sampled images at 6000 fps. In addition, finger grooves and an enhanced grip were added to the new IntelliMouse Explorer.

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.{{cite press release |url=https://news.microsoft.com/2002/10/15/microsoft-makes-history-delivers-unprecedented-wireless-freedom-with-new-desktop-hardware-solution-for-bluetooth/ |title=Microsoft Makes History, Delivers Unprecedented Wireless Freedom With New Desktop Hardware Solution for Bluetooth |date=October 15, 2002 |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=19 June 2019}} 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.{{cite press release |url=https://news.microsoft.com/2003/09/03/microsoft-hardware-puts-new-spin-on-innovation/ |title=Microsoft Hardware Puts New Spin on Innovation |date=September 3, 2003 |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=19 June 2019}} Two additional finishes, Cobalt Basin and Crimson Fire, were released for the Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer in July 2004.{{cite press release |url=https://news.microsoft.com/2004/07/08/microsoft-and-philippe-starck-unite-to-create-performance-art/ |title=Microsoft and Philippe Starck Unite to Create Performance Art |date=July 8, 2004 |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=19 June 2019}} 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.{{cite press release |url=https://news.microsoft.com/2006/08/22/microsoft-on-top-of-its-game-with-launch-of-exciting-new-gaming-peripherals/ |title=Microsoft on Top of Its Game With Launch of Exciting New Gaming Peripherals |date=August 22, 2006 |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=19 June 2019}}{{cite web |url=https://www.extremetech.com/computing/55964-the-microsoft-intellimouse-explorer-30review |title=The Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0–Review |author=jatkinson |date=September 22, 2006 |website=ExtremeTech |accessdate=19 June 2019}}

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.{{cite news |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/10/17/16488406/microsoft-classic-intellimouse-features |title=Microsoft is bringing the IntelliMouse Explorer back |author=Warren, Tom |date=October 17, 2017 |work=The Verge |accessdate=19 June 2019}}{{cite web |url=https://thenextweb.com/gaming/2017/10/27/microsoft-just-revived-one-of-the-best-mice-ever-created-to-disappointing-results/ |title=Microsoft is selling the IntelliMouse Explorer again, but screws up the sensor choice |author=Lopez, Napier |date=October 27, 2017 |website=The Next Web |accessdate=19 June 2019}} The Classic IntelliMouse was released in June 2018 in the UK.{{cite press release |url=https://news.microsoft.com/en-gb/2018/06/29/iconic-mouse-that-changed-how-we-use-the-internet-is-relaunched-by-microsoft/ |title=Iconic mouse that changed how we use the internet is relaunched by Microsoft |date=June 29, 2018 |publisher=Microsoft UK |accessdate=19 June 2019}} 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.{{cite press release |url=https://blogs.windows.com/devices/2019/05/28/announcing-the-microsoft-pro-intellimouse/ |title=Announcing the Microsoft Pro Intellimouse |author=Lovelin, Eric |date=May 28, 2019 |publisher=Microsoft {{!}} Windows Blogs |accessdate=19 June 2019}}

Microsoft announced in April 2023 that the IntelliMouse would be discontinued alongside the rest of their non-Surface-branded peripherals;{{cite news |last1=Warren |first1=Tom |title=Microsoft’s mice, keyboards, and webcams are being discontinued in favor of Surface accessories |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/4/27/23700998/microsoft-keyboard-mouse-webcam-discontinued-surface-brand |work=The Verge |access-date=17 May 2025 |date=27 April 2023}} it was not part of the designs licensed in early 2025 to Onward Brands subsidiary Incase under the branding "Designed by Microsoft".{{cite news |last1=Harding |first1=Scharon |title=Discontinued and unreleased Microsoft peripherals revived by licensing deal |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/01/discontinued-and-unreleased-microsoft-peripherals-revived-by-licensing-deal/ |access-date=17 May 2025 |work=Ars Technica |date=5 January 2025}}

class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:100%;text-align:center;"

|+Microsoft IntelliMouse-branded pointing devices

Nameclass="unsortable" | Image

! Intro.

Disc.

! Buttons

! Optical

USBSerial

! class="unsortable" | Notes

! class="unsortable" | Refs.

IntelliMouse

| 50px

| 1996 || —

| 3

| opt.{{efn|A version with IntelliEye was later released.{{cite web |url=http://www.microsoft.com/catalog/display.asp?subid=22&site=10077 |title=Microsoft IntelliMouse with IntelliEye |publisher=Microsoft |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010605025641/http://www.microsoft.com/catalog/display.asp?subid=22&site=10077 |archivedate=5 June 2001 |url-status=dead |access-date=19 June 2019 }}}} || opt.{{efn|A dedicated USB version was later released.{{cite web |url=http://www.microsoft.com/products/prodref/647_ov.htm |title=Microsoft IntelliMouse (USB compatible) |publisher=Microsoft |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19990424114100/http://www.microsoft.com/products/prodref/647_ov.htm |archivedate=24 April 1999 |url-status=dead}}}} || PS/2 or 9-pin

| style="text-align:left;" | First use of the IntelliMouse brand

| {{cite web |url=http://www.microsoft.com/products/prodref/304_ov.htm |title=Microsoft IntelliMouse |publisher=Microsoft |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19980120131642/http://www.microsoft.com/products/prodref/304_ov.htm |archivedate=20 January 1998 |url-status=dead}}

IntelliMouse Trackball

|

| 1997 || 2002

| 3

| {{no}} || {{no}} || PS/2 or 9-pin

| style="text-align:left;" | Only IntelliMouse-branded trackball

| {{cite web |url=http://www.microsoft.com/products/prodref/470_ov.htm |title=Microsoft IntelliMouse Trackball |publisher=Microsoft |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19980120131649/http://www.microsoft.com/products/prodref/470_ov.htm |archivedate=20 January 1998 |url-status=dead}}

IntelliMouse Pro

|

| 1998 || 2001

| 3

| {{no}} || {{no}} || PS/2 or 9-pin

| style="text-align:left;" | Intended to improve ergonomics with a refined shape and rubber side grips.

| {{cite web |url=http://www.microsoft.com/products/prodref/646_ov.htm |title=Microsoft IntelliMouse Pro |publisher=Microsoft |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19990417133401/http://microsoft.com/products/prodref/646_ov.htm |archivedate=17 April 1999 |url-status=dead}}

IntelliMouse Explorer

| 100px

| 1999 || —

| 5

| {{yes}} || {{yes}} || PS/2

| style="text-align:left;" | Adds two left side buttons (for right hand thumb). Upgraded from 1500 to 6000 fps sensor in 2001.

| {{cite web |url=http://www.microsoft.com/catalog/display.asp?site=10036&subid=22 |title=Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer |publisher=Microsoft |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20000408163719/http://www.microsoft.com/catalog/display.asp?site=10036&subid=22 |archivedate=8 April 2000 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.microsoft.com/catalog/display.asp?subid=22&site=11140 |title=Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer |publisher=Microsoft |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20020221205322/http://www.microsoft.com/catalog/display.asp?subid=22&site=11140 |archivedate=21 February 2002 |url-status=dead |access-date=19 June 2019 }}

IntelliMouse Optical

| 100px

| 2000 || —

| 5

| {{yes}} || {{yes}} || PS/2

| style="text-align:left;" | Two side buttons, one on each side (ambidextrous). Upgraded from 1500 to 6000 fps sensor in 2001.

| {{cite web |url=http://www.microsoft.com/catalog/display.asp?site=10037&subid=22 |title=Microsoft IntelliMouse Optical |publisher=Microsoft |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20000510024057/http://www.microsoft.com/catalog/display.asp?site=10037&subid=22 |archivedate=10 May 2000 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.microsoft.com/catalog/display.asp?site=11139&subid=22 |title=Microsoft IntelliMouse Optical |publisher=Microsoft |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20011214012003/http://www.microsoft.com/catalog/display.asp?site=11139&subid=22 |archivedate=14 December 2001 |url-status=dead |access-date=19 June 2019 }}

Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer

|

| 2001 || —

| 5

| {{yes}} || {{yes}} || {{no}}

| style="text-align:left;" | 6000 fps sensor; automatically adjusts illumination based on surface. Bluetooth version added in 2002.

| {{cite web |url=http://www.microsoft.com/catalog/display.asp?subid=22&site=11070 |title=Microsoft Wireless IntelliMouse Optical |publisher=Microsoft |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20011008034258/http://www.microsoft.com/catalog/display.asp?subid=22&site=11070 |archivedate=8 October 2001 |url-status=dead |access-date=19 June 2019 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.microsoft.com/catalog/display.asp?subid=22&site=11495 |title=Microsoft Wireless IntelliMouse Optical for Bluetooth |publisher=Microsoft |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20021222124154/http://www.microsoft.com/catalog/display.asp?subid=22&site=11495 |archivedate=22 December 2002 |url-status=dead |access-date=19 June 2019 }}

IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0

|

| 2006 || —

| 5

| {{yes}} || {{yes}} || {{no}}

| style="text-align:left;" | Re-release of the IntelliMouse Explorer branded as "3.0" with a 9000 fps sensor

|

Classic IntelliMouse

|

| 2017 || 2024

| 5

| {{yes}} || {{yes}} || {{no}}

| style="text-align:left;" | 1000 reports/second, up to 3200 DPI.

| {{cite web |url=https://www.microsoft.com/accessories/en-us/products/mice/microsoft-classic-intellimouse |title=Microsoft Classic Intellimouse |publisher=Microsoft |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019052254/https://www.microsoft.com/accessories/en-us/products/mice/microsoft-classic-intellimouse |archivedate=19 October 2017 |url-status=live}}

Pro IntelliMouse

|100px

| 2019 || 2024

| 5

| {{yes}} || {{yes}} || {{no}}

| style="text-align:left;" | 16000 DPI maximum; PixArt PAW3389PRO-MS sensor.

| {{cite web |url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/microsoft-pro-intellimouse/8rs0hww7dhnk |title=Microsoft Pro IntelliMouse |publisher=Microsoft |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190605051536/https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/Microsoft-Pro-Intellimouse/8RS0HWW7DHNK/ |archivedate=5 June 2019 |url-status=live}}

;Notes

{{notelist}}

Gallery

Opto mouse sensor.jpg|The optical sensor from a Microsoft Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer (v. 1.0A)

ST_Microelectronics_OSMLT04_H_mouse_sensor_chip_with_vertical_and_horizontal_illumination.jpg|Microscope photograph of the IntelliMouse Explorer sensor silicon die

Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 40A.jpg|IntelliMouse Explorer (v4.0)

Microsoftintellimouseexpo98.jpg|Microsoft Intellimouse with the logo from Expo 98

References

{{reflist}}

{{Microsoft hardware}}

Category:Computer mice

Category:Microsoft peripherals