Microsoft is promising new products that are intended to help people with physical disabilities use ordinary PCs – be it in combination with conventional input devices or on their own. To this end, the company worked closely with people with relevant disabilities.
The Adaptive Devices product line consists of three different devices for the time being: the Adaptive Mouse, the Adaptive Buttons and the Adaptive Hub. The mouse and buttons are designed to support 3D printed accessories. Thus, both input devices should be easy to adapt to the individual circumstances of the user.
Mouse, hub and buttons
In the case of the three-part adaptive mouse, this refers to the entire palm rest area, i.e. practically the entire housing. The other two parts are the thumb rest, which can be attached on both the left and right side, and the core module. It is more or less a puristic mouse in a square shape, which offers a left and right button and a mouse wheel. The core is vaguely reminiscent of Zaunkoenig's M2K (test), which is based on a completely different concept. Aside from the classic mouse functions, the Adaptive Mouse can also be used as a joystick or as an eight-way D-Pad. In addition, the individual keys can also be replaced with 3D printing alternatives.
Meanwhile, the Adaptive Hub is a central unit for additional wireless devices, such as up to four Adaptive Buttons. The combination is suitable both for supplementing a conventional keyboard or – depending on requirements – to replace it completely. The hub also features multiple 3.5mm ports for connecting standard auxiliary switches or Microsoft's Xbox Adaptive Controller.
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The Adaptive Buttons, in turn, consist of a lower basic module, on which one of the control elements offered by Microsoft ex works or individually designed control elements via 3D printing can be attached, depending on requirements can be plugged in. In the images provided by Microsoft, the blue components are accessories from the 3D printer. In addition, the buttons – just like those on the mouse – are freely programmable. According to Microsoft, the three new input devices should be available in autumn year in the Microsoft Store. Meanwhile, it remains unclear how much the individual products should cost.
Microsoft Adaptive Devices 
Microsoft Adaptive Devices 
Microsoft Adaptive Devices < /figure> Market launch in autumn