Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (NYSEAmex/TSX: MCZ), a leading worldwide third-party interactive entertainment accessory provider, today unveiled a new range of lifestyle orientated mice and PC keyboards, launching under the company’s Eclipse brand label and is expected to begin shipping across North America and key European territories from January 2010.
Known for the release of the industry’s first illuminated backlit PC keyboard, the newly expanded Eclipse range marries cutting edge technology with sophisticated style. Notable products in the range include the wireless litetouch™ Keyboard, featuring the industry’s first re-configurable touch-sensitive LCD 3-in-1 touch panel with ‘trueview™’ backlit keys and the touchmouse™, the first notebook mouse to incorporate ‘quicktouch™’ gesture commands.
Products expected to ship as part of the range include:
- Eclipse Wireless litetouch™ Keyboard
At home in both the living room and the office, the highly versatile Eclipse Wireless litetouch Keyboard fuses state-of-the-art technology with minimalist design, producing a keyboard which places the user at the center of the experience, no matter what the task at hand.
Communicating over a wireless 2.4GHz connection, the litetouch Keyboard features an integrated 360° trackball with left and right mouse buttons, negating the need for a separate mouse and proving ideal for living room Internet surfing. Low profile backlit quiettouch™ scissor keys combine with intelligent power control, reducing eye strain, extending battery life and allowing users to operate in a dimmed environment.
Located to the right of the physical scissor keys, the unique litetouch LCD 3-in-1 touch panel provides the user with unprecedented control over their digital life. With a single press, the LCD 3-in-1 touch panel switches between media mode, numerical-pad mode and ‘MyEclipse™’ mode, providing the user with a host of commands which can be used to provide dedicated controls for a multitude of activities from replicating a simple office calculator to controlling a complex media center configuration.
When the LCD 3-in-1 touch panel is set to MyEclipse mode, consumers personalize the touch panel to access their favorite websites and applications at a touch of a button. Displaying 12 pre-defined icons covering topics such as shopping, finance, health and entertainment, users can assign each icon with their favorite websites, applications, games, and much more. Consumers can allocate up to a maximum of three individual websites along with an application of their choice to each icon, all of which will open at the same time and all at the touch of just one button, ideal should one access multiple websites and applications when shopping or dealing with their online finances. In addition, the MyEclipse mode provides 5 numbered buttons which the user can choose to cover any topic not already included in the pre-defined icons. Setting up MyEclipse is as easy as drag and drop.
Powered by an internal rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery, the Wireless litetouch Keyboard provides up to 20 hours of use between charges. The Wireless litetouch Keyboard is compatible with Windows™ 7, Vista™ and XP™.
MSRP: $129.99 / £129.99 / €129.99
- Eclipse litetouch™ Keyboard
Sharing the majority of features of its wireless variant, the Eclipse litetouch Keyboard has been designed specifically for desktop operation. With its metal finish, top cabinet and quiettouch™ low profile backlit scissor keys, the Eclipse litetouch Keyboard proves an eye catching addition to any office or study setting. With the same touch-sensitive LCD 3-in-1 touch panel as found on the Wireless litetouch Keyboard, users can access media, surf the internet or perform office tasks at a touch of a button. Assignable MyEclispe keys combine with touch sensitive brightness and volume controls, allowing for a powerful and highly adaptive user experience. The litetouch Keyboard is compatible with Windows™ 7, Vista™ and XP™.
MSRP: $99.99 / £79.99 / €79.99
- Eclipse touchmouse™
Featuring a ‘brushed-aluminum’ appearance, the Eclipse touchmouse sports a diminutive and portable profile, yet with an advanced feature set the touchmouse delivers power and simplicity to discerning PC users everywhere. Featuring a three button operation, 1600dpi laser technology and Bluetooth® connectivity the Eclipse touchmouse uses a single AA battery designed to last for 6 months of normal use. The unique ‘touchscroll™’ module grants the user the ease of use associated with a traditional horizontally scrolling tilt wheel and combines it with the precision of a notebook track pad with the default module mode offering four-way on-screen scrolling, activated by simply moving ones index finger. In addition, the touchscroll module works in conjunction with the Eclipse proprietary ‘quicktouch™’ gesture technology and provides the user with a host of commands which are accessed through a combination of mouse button and movements. The touchmouse is compatible with Windows™ 7, Vista™ and XP™.
MSRP: $59.99 / £54.99 / €59.99
- Eclipse mobilemouse™
Designed specifically for the on-the-move consumer, the Eclipse mobilemouse features impressive technology without sacrificing its sophisticated good looks. Robust in construction, the mobilemouse uses premium hard-wearing materials with a die cast frame, ensuring that the mouse will stand up to the most demanding of commuter or business use.
The low profile Scroll Ball allows for 4 way 360° scrolling, and the 1600dpi laser technology ensures smooth operation on a variety of surfaces. Fully wireless, the mobilemouse utilizes 2.4GHz technology and a ‘nano-dongle’ for an unobtrusive appearance and rock solid connection at all times.
On-board intelligent power management puts the mouse into standby when the computer shuts down, allowing for up to 6 months of use from a single AAA battery. Complete with a protective Carry Case and fully Mac® compatible, the Eclipse mobilemouse is ready for work whenever or wherever you are. The mobilemouse is compatible with Windows™ 7, Vista™ and XP™.
MSRP: $59.99 / £54.99 / €59.99
Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz commented, “The Eclipse range pioneered the industry’s first backlit PC Keyboard. We are pleased to once again be leading innovation with the introduction of the industry’s first wireless backlit keyboard with an integrated LCD touch panel. We are excited to be expanding the Eclipse portfolio to include the first Eclipse branded mice. The new line of premium Eclipse mice brings innovation and style to mobile, office and home users. We look forward to continuing our growth strategy by expanding the Eclipse range with premium consumer focused peripherals.”
About Mad Catz Interactive, Inc.
Mad Catz is a global leader in providing innovative peripherals for the interactive entertainment industry. Mad Catz designs and markets accessories for videogame systems and publishes videogame software, including the industry-leading GameShark videogame enhancements, under its Mad Catz, GameShark and Joytech brands. Mad Catz also designs and markets mice, keyboards, headsets, PC gaming controllers and other PC peripherals through its Saitek and Cyborg brands, and manufactures and markets proprietary portable earphones under its AirDrives brand. Mad Catz distributes its products through most of the leading retailers offering interactive entertainment products across North America and Europe, and is increasing its distribution reach in Asia. For additional information please go to www.madcatz.com, as well as www.gameshark.com, www.airdrives.com and www.saitek.com.