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Dongle be gone! HP unveils NFC touch-to-pair Mouse

by Alistair Lowe on 20 September 2012, 12:30

Tags: Hewlett Packard (NYSE:HPQ)

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When we first saw a Bluetooth speaker paired with a computer via NFC, it was clear that this approach could save some configuration time, though, for the most part, felt like a bit of a cost-raising gimmick.

However, it's easy to forget that in a world with so many peripherals, it's not just some speakers here and there, there's a whole range of devices that could become NFC enabled and, it's taking those first steps, releasing those devices that will make such an ecosystem possible.

HP is one of those pioneers and, along with a bundle of new notebooks as of late, has also announced an NFC-enabled Bluetooth wireless mouse.

HP Wireless Mouse X6000

HP Wireless Mouse X6000 (NFC mouse not pictured)

The mouse will continue to function as any old Bluetooth mouse if the user has no NFC available, however, imagine being able to pick up a mouse, tap it to the base of an Ultrabook and have it paired, convenient right? Often notebooks are on the move, should an ecosystem of NFC-enabled devices build, you would potentially be able to pick-up a nearby mouse from any old desk and utilise it wirelessly with a single tap.

Let's not also forget that NFC adds the benefit of security. Whilst we don't give the matter much thought, there's a moment during Bluetooth pairing where keys are exchanged and this is a brief chance for hackers to gain the ability to snoop exchanged information from a safe distance.

Whilst NFC may be a feature omitted from cost-sensitive peripherals, it will, without a doubt, become a popular feature in Ultrabooks and tablets as the devices are both portable and can also benefit from secure-card transactions and key-fob usage. Certainly, it'll be a welcome and added benefit see peripherals make use of the extra functionality.

We don't have UK pricing yet, however, the Touch to Pair Mouse will retail in the US for $39 and is due this November.



HEXUS Forums :: 5 Comments

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Wonder if there's a limit with how many devices can be connected per laptop.
Hmmm, bit of an odd title as it's just a bluetooth mouse with easy pairing which doesn't affect whether or not you need a dongle (just depends on whether your computer has built in bluetooth).

For speakers yes this is a useful gimmick as your mate can easily sync up their phone and play some tunes, but how many times do you pair a mouse with a different laptop? No value added really…
nah, same feelings jim - we have bluetooth for this.
jimbouk
Hmmm, bit of an odd title as it's just a bluetooth mouse with easy pairing which doesn't affect whether or not you need a dongle (just depends on whether your computer has built in bluetooth).

For speakers yes this is a useful gimmick as your mate can easily sync up their phone and play some tunes, but how many times do you pair a mouse with a different laptop? No value added really…

Sorry, to clarify, typical they come either pre-paired with a slightly customised dongle or the dongle uses a secure button approach - Either way it's not uncommon to avoid the use of a laptop's internal Bluetooth. I got a bit side-tracked in the article and didn't elaborate on the meaning.
Scribe
Sorry, to clarify, typical they come either pre-paired with a slightly customised dongle or the dongle uses a secure button approach - Either way it's not uncommon to avoid the use of a laptop's internal Bluetooth. I got a bit side-tracked in the article and didn't elaborate on the meaning.
Ah, thanks for the clarification. I knew they usually came with a bluetooth dongle but I assumed they would work with the internal bluetooth connection as well. So much for a bluetooth standard!