Apple’s Magic Mouse apparently has a new lease on life, though we’re not so sure whether the device was in danger in the first place. According to Cult of Mac last night, the current-generation bluetooth mouse from Apple was on the chopping block:
We’ve gotten word from a previously reliable source that Apple is discontinuing the Magic Mouse in favor of the Magic Trackpad. Our retail source has informed us that Magic Mouse inventory is not being replenished for Apple stores, and that Apple is finally phasing out the Magic Mouse.
(“Finally” phasing out the Magic Mouse? That was a thing?)
Lo and behold, the Magic Mouse is not actually persona non-grata. Cult of Mac went on to follow up, saying:
Our source in Apple inventory has followed up with us, and it appears that Apple has instead discontinued the Magic Mouse’s old part number in favor for a new one.
While expressing great relief that the rumor was just an exaggeration, Cult of Mac conveniently forgot to mention that there were no credible voices other than their own “previously reliable” source to corroborate the rumor.
The Magic Mouse is Apple’s current-generation wireless mouse device. It boasts a sleek, buttonless profile and allows users to perform gestures on its surface in the same way one would on a trackpad or iOS device. It sits next to the Magic Trackpad in the product line and costs $69.
Those looking to pick up a Magic Mouse can still find them in all the old, familiar places… even if nonplussed about the new product number. As for Cult of Mac, I’m reminded of Listerine’s marketing team who, in the 1920s, invented halitosis and then went on to promote Listerine as its cure.
Source: Cult of Mac
Via: The Loop
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After seeing Lion in all its gesture glory it really seemed like they were trying to encourage people to go towards the trackpad instead of the mouse. I don't think I would have been entirely shocked if they killed it. With that said I would have been in search of a third party mouse as a good chunk of my clients are two handed trackpad users and rely on their mice ;-)
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LikeI would be really shocked. I think that Apple is likely having daydreams about moving everyone to the trackpad (even the mouse itself allows gestures), but killing the mouse now is a simple example of "too much, too soon". Unlike the optical drive in 2011 or the floppy drive in 1999, the mouse isn't gradually gathering dust and generally seen as a "Why are we still using this?" device. Even with the optical drive (and I think the floppy, back in the day... but correct me if I'm wrong), Apple still offered separately available option if you wanted one. What I think would be more consistent (for now) is if Apple stopped selling iMacs with the Magic Mouse and, instead, included a Magic Trackpad... but let people buy the Mouse on the side if they want.
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LikeApple keeps killing off things that I like so I don't feel like I can even begin to guess what they are thinking these days. At one point I would have said "no way, never". I just don't feel like I have that confidence any longer. You're right though, first step would be to start shipping the trackpad as the default with the iMacs and Mac Pros.
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LikeYeah. Stage one is always making it an optional feature, available separately. A bit like how predators separate the weak prey from the herd I think. :)
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