It all started with Microsoft registering “arctouchmouse.com” in March of this year that started the speculation that Microsoft had indeed conjured up a touch variant of their Microsoft Arc Mouse. Now just a few months later, it seems like Microsoft has a bit of a leak and some of the product pictures have surfaced on the Internet, showing their upcoming multi-touch Arc Touch Mouse.

The unconventional looking mouse sports touch-based scrolling, replacing the scroll wheel with a sensor running between the buttons, and like a traditional mouse it can glide over flat surfaces using BlueTrack technology. As its name implies, the device has an arching palm rest to comfortably fit your hand, but the real kicker is that it can also flatten out for easier transportation. There’s also a battery level indicator and ultra-compact nano-transceiver for 2.4GHz wireless connectivity that disappears when not in use in the battery compartment.

Set to go on sale in October – looking like it might be released in Europe first, then the US – for around $69.95, the same price as the Apple multi-touch Magic Mouse.

[ Links: TechSpot, I Started Something ]

Part camera bag, part 007 James Bond spygear, the Cloak Bag is actually a cool idea that means that protecting your camera doesn’t equate to missing some shots because you have to unpack, turn on, and then start to shoot. Sometimes, the zippers get in the way or worse… you just miss the shot because the bag is on your hip or on your back and you’re just trying to protect your DSLR.

I know that’s happened to me quite a few times.

Florida design group Naranja Studio released the Cloak™ Bag, the world’s first shoot-through camera bag that allows a user with an SLR camera to take photos without removing the camera from the bag. This ability allows on-the-go photographers to take photos at a moment’s notice and avoid drawing the attention of tourist-targeting thieves. The release of the bag coincided with the launch of its accompanying website, www.cloakbags.com

Made from high-quality nylon, this is seriously, this is an idea that it’s time has come. I could see myself using this while stalking people it’s raining or it’s too sunny outside indeed. Priced at $49 and is available in two attractive colors: a brown called “coffee tree” and a slate gray called “fog & turquoise”.

[ Links: Cloak Bags ]

Just last week, I was so deep in the woods that screaming for the whereabouts of my traveling companions would have probably gotten the attention of some animals that I’d rather avoid – read: bears. Cardo Systems have announced a rather unique solution to two-way communication, and oddly enough music sharing, between multiple sets of bluetooth enabled headsets if you’re on a motorcycle, snowmobile or ATV:

The Q2 MultiSet was created with the safety, convenience and enjoyment of riders in mind. The headsets come pre-paired so that riders can instantly begin communicating with each other. For added entertainment, an MP3 jack is included in both headsets which allow each rider to connect their personal MP3 player to the unit so they can each enjoy their own music. Incoming intercom messages and mobile phone calls automatically override the MP3 music so hands never have to leave the handlebars. An extra large, wind-resistant 195 mm microphone has also been included to greatly enhance sound quality.

“With the SCALA RIDER® Q2™ MultiSet we continue to empower riders with the best communication technology available, without compromising safety. To offer a smooth out-of-the-box experience the two headsets come factory paired, so that users can instantly start enjoying the product. As the fifth addition to our SCALA RIDER® line of products, we keep pushing the envelope for our customers by offering optimal solutions for every need”, said Abraham Glezerman, CEO of Cardo Systems, Inc.

Although I love my friends, I don’t exactly trust their choices in music. But Cardo does provide a cool way to communicate and share music between headsets and facilitate instant communication between users. The SCALA Rider Q2 MultiSet is available through select distributors, retail outlets, specialty shops, and directly from the Cardo Systems website with a suggested retail price of $395.95

[ Links: Cardo Systems, Scala Rider Q2 MultiSet ]

Artsan [ site here ] has announced the release of its unique wooden PC cases which are not your traditional, rectangular ones at all. These hand-made PC cases are made or wrapped with wood.

Despite using old world materials, Artsan uses technical innovations like their patented “Neat-wires: system allows the back of the computer to be clean and plain, with all the wires coming out by one single place. The size system is also original, so users can get a model in different sizes(from XS series to XL series), depending on the use they need. Prices range from below 290 Euro to over 590 Euros.

Link to the original article…