3Dconnexion’s new 3DxWare 10 driver (currently in beta) extends the usage of 3D mice to everyday applications, from web browsers to office software — expanding on the “gestures” concept that trackpads have made popular. Beta versions of the driver for Mac and Windows are available now.
The new software allows owners of 3Dconnexion’s current line of 3D mice to easily assign keyboard strokes and traditional mouse/joystick movements in any combination. Movements can be customized for individual applications or applied universally, and up to 31 function keys can also be assigned (depending on the mouse model).
This means that, for example, a user twists the cap to save a file in word, or use the same command to adjust the volume in iTunes. Scrolling up or down could be substituted with tilting the controller up or down, while tilting side to side could take the place of fast-forward or rewind in a music- or video-editing app.
The driver even allows multiple 3D mice to be used in tandem on the same machine, for example during client presentations or in collaborative reviews. The company says the 3DxWare 10 driver effectively takes the place of mouse wheels, joysticks, gamepads and gestures for almost any application. Having one mouse that can be used both for the demanding controls of a flight simulator and navigate a user’s way through Google StreetView increases efficiency and productivity, as well as enhances the enjoyment of everyday applications by making them more customizable.
The driver requires Mac OS X 10.5 (download here) or later or Windows XP and later (there are separate versions for 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows). A list of software that the company knows is compatible for both platforms is also available here.
