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Microsoft’s Adaptive Accessories are customisable peripherals with accessibility in mindModular inputs are designed for work and games alike
Modular inputs are designed for work and games alike
Meet the new Adaptive Accessories from MicrosoftWatch on YouTube
Meet the new Adaptive Accessories from Microsoft
Each Adaptive Button, for instance, can turn into a big D-pad, or a joystick controller, or just a pair of two chunky buttons. It all depends on the personalised attachment, and the Adaptive Button can be programmed with up to eight inputs at once, hence its ability to act as a directional input device. Or just an easy way to punch in different macro commands.
The circular module in the middle of the Adaptive Button can be swapped out for a variety of other inputs.
These Adaptive Accessories look much like a refinement of accessibility ideas Microsoft tried with theXbox Adaptive Controller. That was and remains a great idea, emphasising customisation to allow for loads of custom inputs at once. However, the device itself was quite hefty, and users had to source third-party inputs (likeLogitech’s Adaptive Gaming Kit) themselves.
The Adaptive Mouse, Adaptive Button, and Adaptive Hub seem to be more of an all-in-one set of tools, combing the inputs themselves with the customisation potential that’s necessary for accommodating as many different physical needs as possible. It does all look pretty promising, especially coming from Microsoft, who’ve already done more than most in developing more accessible alternatives to conventional mice, keyboards, and gamepads – all of which some PC owners can have difficulty with.
No word yet on pricing yet, just a release window of autumn 2022.
