Microsoft has come up with an ingenious tool that enables Windows users to use the same mouse across different computers.
It's what we normally would refer to as a "labs" project, a piece of software that resulted from ideas that aren't tied to any actual products. At Microsoft' it's called a "Garage" project that was developed in after-hours work and is now offered as a free download as Mouse Without Borders.
The 1.1MB tool allows users to move their mouse cursor across different screens, even if they are connected to different computers. You can even copy and paste text from and to different screens, send screen captures from one PC to another, or drag files from one PC to another. Up to four different computers can be controlled from a single mouse. Microsoft said that the software was tested internally by 9000 people before it was approved for public release.
We tried it and think it's pretty cool. Why haven't we thought about this before?
Yep... been using Synergy for years! Works flawlessly.
Once again: Microsoft, I love you, but for goodness sake; there's only so many times you can get away with showing up to the party late before somebody else rocks up and shows everybody how to have a good time.
This story has been popping up all over the net lately so either every site is a copycat or it's a paid story plant.
Good idea. There aren't enough lawsuits in the tech industry as it is... and since they're both giving it away free they obviously stand to lose/gain a ton of money.
Synergy give it away for free, Microsoft will also give it away for free, it will be difficult to prove sales are being affected.
"So we have a list of 500 extra features we can add into Windows 8"
"Err, boss, all those features are available as freeware if you look for them"
"Good call, let's not bother, any other business? Nope?"
I'm sure when Windows added native DVD playback someone will have said "Why bother, I can just use PowerDVD" or native DVD burning "What's the point, I can just use Nero".
Seeing as on download.com there are over 1000 free calculators, why not have the calculator that has been part of Windows since last century removed completely to save space and if you want a calculator you just download one. Stupid idea? Yeah I thought so too.