Genius has announced the release of its Wireless Thumb Cursor Controller, or ring mouse for short. The clicking and scrolling action of the lightweight mouse replacement is thumb-controlled, its proprietary optical touch technology offers users 1000 dpi sensitivity and it's said to last a month between charges.
The 1.15 x 1.32 x 1.25-inch (29.3 x 33.7 x 32 mm), 0.42 ounce (12 g) Ring Mouse has 2.4GHz wireless connectivity with a range of around 30 feet (10 meters), and links to a USB nano/pico receiver slotted into a spare port on a Windows-based computer or laptop. Worn on the index finger, left and right click and optical touch control tracking technology are set around the top for thumb control of an onscreen cursor.
Although its primary use is likely to be controlling a projected presentation or photo slideshow, it should also prove useful as a travel laptop mouse, for those who regularly find themselves having to work in cramped conditions, or for those who just don't like to use a trackpad. The tracking sensitivity might also make it useful for mobile gamers.
I also remember coming across a similar product a few years ago that was issued to a user unable to operate a standard mouse due to rheumatic pain – with a thumb trackball on top, buttons for mouse click actions to the front and a trigger inside the ring. The new Ring Mouse from Genius would likely also satisfy such ergonomic requirements.
The IF award winning device comes with a USB battery charger for topping up its Li-ion battery, a hard carrying case and ioMedia software for web browsing, presentations, photo and video viewing. It's available for a suggested retail of US$69.99.