The Orbita mouse, sometimes unofficially nicknamed the round mouse, is a wireless three-axis rotating mouse. The patented mouse was developed by Australian company Cyber Sport, and was released in January 2009. The Orbita mouse is the world’s first mouse to combine rotation input with normal mouse controls.
Contents
Development
An evaluation of mice currently on the market reveals a discrepancy between mouse capabilities and computer applications. In order to control these programs, often computer mice are augmented by other input devices, for example 3D motion controllers, such as 3Dconnexion, or alternatively, users combine a traditional mouse with keyboard mapping. The Orbita Mouse seeks to overcome these shortcomings by enhancing the capabilities of the mouse to fulfill all the demands of applications.
Features
The Orbita mouse is a 2.4Ghz zero lag wireless, USB mouse. The cylindrical design allows the mouse to be spun 360 degrees for continuous scrolling or jogging, replacing the jerky up-down finger movement required by a traditional scroll wheel and enhancing user control. The mouse employs an electronic compass to detect rotation and maintain its orientation, and an optical sensor to detect normal mouse movement. The soft silicone shell encases all the buttons, aiding the user’s ability to grip the mouse. The mouse is powered by a Lithium Ion rechargeable battery. The design is intended to be ergonomic and enhance efficiency and productivity of users.
Functionality
The Orbita mouse is compatible with both Mac and Windows. The mouse reports rotation as scroll wheel commands and so it can be used by CAD software, web browsers, and other applications where multiple functions are mapped to the mouse.
Reception
The 3D navigation style provided by the mouse was met with praise. Comments have been noted by the press on its innovativeness and functionality. Atomic Magazine highlighted its unique design and stated that it “is very good at providing an alternative way to mouse around pro applications...or even more mainstream apps”. Other publications, including Proclockers, Engadget and Sound on Sound, have praised specific advantages of the mouse, such as improvements in computer navigation via rotational scrolling and easier manipulation of 3D objects.
However, by general consumers the mouse was met with some uncertainty, confusing the Orbita with the unpopular puck Apple Mouse due to the round shape. Yet, this perceived similarity was misguided, for while the puck mouse was round purely for aesthetics the Orbita mouse is circular in order to allow rotation and enhance ergonomics.