Now it’s almost 40 years old but one of the most familiar office tools will become obsolete, according to analysts.
Found almost 40 years ago by Dr. Douglas Engelbart while working for the Stanford Research Institute; Billions of computer mice now operate throughout the world.
However, thanks to new technology such as touch screens and facial recognition software, it seems that the Mouse Computing Days are numbered with analysts who predict that they can be fully worn out within five years.
The last few years have seen explosion of new input devices especially with the PDA market and expanding cellphones where the touch screen is now the number one input method.
Touch screen technology has actually been with us since the 1970s even though they are traditionally expensive and are usually only used in industrial applications.
However, recent progress in technology now means a relatively cheap touch screen and can be found in all things ranging from cellphones, ATM machines, information points and even microwave ovens.
It is estimated that the touch screen along with other technologies such as a gesturable system such as facial recognition immediately becomes a substitute for the mouse.
The main advantage of the conventional top touch screen, keyboard and monitor layout is that the screen itself acts as an input and output device. It not only saves space but also means that computers can be placed in locations where the keyboard and mouse layout will be impractical as outside or left unattended.
Touch screen technology is also widely used in industrial applications because it does not have a keyboard and mouse means that contaminants such as grease, dirt and dust cannot enter and clog input devices. The touch screen can also be closed in industrial computer cages that protect it from water, dust, and even an explosive atmosphere that allows computers to be placed even in the most unfriendly environments.
Touch screen technology changes the way we interact with computers and allows technology to be placed in areas where traditional computers will not be placed.
