Microsoft adds a Windows key to its newest mice

Microsoft is continuing to try to find ways to help Windows users figure out how to use Windows 8. Its latest tactic involves adding a Windows home key to the two latest Microsoft mice.

On May 23, Microsoft announced the Sculpt Comfort Mouse and Sculpt Mobile Mouse, both of which include buttons to help users to find their way quickly to the Start screen.

The Sculpt Comfort mouse has a touch-sensitive blue strip running along the side, which Microsoft calls the "Windows touch tab." The Sculpt Mobile Mouse features a similar Windows button.

The Sculpt Comfort model adds support for some additional gestures which Microsoft officials believe may help users better navigate Windows 8.

As described in a new post on the Microsoft Windows Experience blog: "If you swipe up on the blue strip, it cycles through all your open Windows Store apps in Windows 8. And if you swipe down, it will reveal all the open apps (on the left side of your screen) for you to select the one you want."

The Sculpt Comfort Mouse is due out in June for $39.95 (estimated retail price). The Sculpt Model model is going to be available this month for $29.95 (ERP).

The Sculpt Comfort mouse and the Sculpt Mobile mouse both work with Window 7, Windows 8 and Mac OS 10.4 and higher. Neither seems to work with Windows RT, based on the spec information provided by Microsoft.

While on the topic of improving Windows 8, Microsoft earlier this week made available for download a really nice Windows 8 training brochure. It's a multi-page, colorful PDF that includes lots of navigational tips and tricks. I wish this had been in my box with my Surface RT....