Microsoft to reportedly stop making mice & keyboards under its brand

Tech giant Microsoft has said that it is stopping to make mice, keyboards and webcams under the Microsoft brand and instead focus on developing Surface-branded computer accessories. Existing Microsoft-branded accessories will continue to be sold in markets at existing sell-in prices, as long as supplies last. The move will end the legacy of Microsoft-branded PC hardware launched in 1983.  

Dan Laycock, Senior Communications Manager at Microsoft said, "Going forward, we are focusing on our Windows PC accessories portfolio under the Surface brand. We will continue to offer a range of Surface-branded PC Accessories -- including mice, keyboards, pens, docks, adaptive accessories, and more. Existing Microsoft branded PC accessories like mice, keyboards, and webcams will continue to be sold in existing markets at existing sell-in prices while supplies last." 

Moreover, the report stated that the Surface family of accessories will include several great keyboards and mice, but they will be more expensive than Microsoft-branded alternatives. It is unclear whether Microsoft will introduce more budget-friendly Surface accessories or shift entirely to more premium accessories. 

Microsoft has also reported $52.9 billion in sales, up 7 per cent with net income at $18.3 billion, which increased 9 per cent (year-on-year) in its quarter that ended March 31.