HP Sprout wireless mouse system announced with November 9 release date; a self-contained computing platform in the company's planned "Blended Reality" ecosystem.
The HP Sprout wireless mouse system showcases possibilities in a new way, with an integrated computing platform that allows for 3D scanning and printing, also a projected touchscreen interface perfect for augmented-reality apps.
Today's announcement came with exciting specs, and though the initial demos used the system as a 3D scanner, there's plenty of potential around the corner.
Previews of the HP Sprout were promising; a system paired to Windows 8, with suite of software all customized to it. One of the more notable features is the HP Sprout wireless mouse:
"On top of the Sprout's 1080p, 23-inch monitor is an armature called the Sprout Illuminator. Inside it are LED lights, and a combination projector and quad camera. It projects a 20-inch, 1,024x768-pixel display onto a large capacitive touchpad, called a Touch Mat, that sits on your desk, where your keyboard and mouse would normally go." (cnet.com)
The novelty of a Kinect-like mouse feature goes beyond novelty, with immediate applications in design and engineering. The Verge review confirms as much, as early as the HP Sprout's announcement was made Wednesday.
"HP invited a number of creatives on stage today during its device announcement, showcasing different ways to use the rather unique PC. It's clear Sprout is aimed directly at the creative industry, just weeks after Microsoft and Adobe teamed up to make Photoshop a lot more touch friendly. HP has worked closely with Microsoft, 3M, Intel, and Texas Instrument for various components of the system, and the PC maker has obviously invested a great amount of time in Sprout."
The HP Sprout wireless mouse PC launches November 9, with a fetchy price tag of US$1,899.99. User demos of the system are scheduled at selected Best Buy and Microsoft Stores over the weekend.
