New Zealand technology development specialist Swiftpoint has targeted travel retail with its Swiftpoint GT computer mouse which ’thinks’ like a touch screen.
The compact travel mouse uses GesturePoint technology to imitate touch and swipe gestures. The device can also function like a normal computer mouse.
Ten years in development, the Swiftpoint GT has been designed with business travellers in mind. It boasts an ergonomic grip, designed to prevent cramp and strain and to offer comfortable use over long periods. It is small enough to fit in the user’s pocket and will last up to one month on a single charge.
The GT mouse comes fully charged so can be used straight out of the box.
GT is compatible with AppleMac, iPhones, iPads, Android and Windows, either via the USB dongle, which also doubles as the charger, or via Bluetooth.
Swiftpoint Global Manager Sam Jones said the GT is ideal for people on the go who want to combine the benefits of touch-optimised operating systems and applications with the productivity, convenience and precision of a mouse.
“Often business people will log into their office computer or server from their devices through apps like Splashtop, VMware Horizon or Jump Desktop, which allow them to access and work on their spreadsheets, documents and presentations,” Jones said.
“The only issue is that you are forced to use the touch screen to click on cells and words which most people can’t stand. With the GT mouse though, the user can use a mouse like they would if they were at work; the Swiftpoint GT mouse is the only mouse in the world to do this.”
Swiftpoint introduced the GT mouse into travel retail at this year’s TFWA Asia Pacific exhibition in Singapore. Acting on advice from others at the show, the company made the GT’s packaging smaller – “more inflight friendly” – and added a 1GB flash drive. That presentation is exclusive to inflight sales and, according to Jones, sells well as a gift.
With a RRP of US$149, the mouse is available at Singapore Changi Airport and in selected airport stores in Australia. It is listed on several airlines including Singapore Airlines, Eva Air, Cathay Dragon (formerly Dragonair), British Airways and Swiss Air.
“Our focus is to partner with airlines and airport stores for sales and make the GT available to be used on as many games and business apps on the iPad and iPhone, which are predominantly used by people who travel a lot,” said Jones.
Swiftpoint has also launched a new gaming mouse, the Swiftpoint Z, claimed to be the world’s first mouse to pivot, tilt, and roll, and offer a new way of clicking buttons. The Z targets game players, bloggers and power users and features an accelerometer, gyroscope, force sensor and tactile feedback.
“The Z gives us massive exposure to the gaming market, which we will be bringing back to the travel retail industry with the GT. We will be cross-promoting the GT as the mouse to use to play games when away from home so travellers will be looking for the GT in airports and on planes,” Jones added.
