# Mid-Air Computer Mouse SOAP By Alex Covert | Published 2007-07-14 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mid-air-computer-mouse-soap References: [patrickbaudisch](http://www.patrickbaudisch.com/projects/soap/index.html) It's a bird. It's a plane. No. It's a [computer mouse](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/computer-mouse-concept). And it's no where close to a mousepad. This mouse is handheld and works by applying pressue to its fuzzy fabric exterior. It's creator, Patrick Baudisch, works at the Adaptive Systems and Interaction Research Group at [Microsoft Research](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-palm-mouse). What will they think of next? **Implications** - The culture of gaming is no longer underground, but rather quite mainstream. Widely accepted as a part of the entertainment industry, gaming generates massive revenue year after year. Businesses that aren't in the gaming industry should still be aware of this huge [gaming demographic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gaming-peripheral1) especially in terms of marketing. It's important for connecting to the youth culture of modern society. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 28% | Activity: 85% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Handheld Computer Mouse:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop a more ergonomic, intuitive, and portable handheld computer mouse for improved user experience. - **Fuzzy Fabric Exterior:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the use of alternative materials with tactile feedback, such as fuzzy fabric, to enhance the sensory experience and engagement of computer peripherals. - **Mainstream Gaming Culture:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Find ways to capitalize on the popularity of gaming and incorporate gaming elements into various industries, such as marketing strategies and product development. ### Who This Affects Most - **Gaming:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate unique gaming features, interfaces, and experiences into non-gaming industries to attract and engage the large gaming demographic. - **Computer Peripherals:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Rethink the design and functionality of computer peripherals, including mouse devices, to provide more intuitive and versatile input options for users. - **Advertising & Marketing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate gaming elements, strategies, and technologies into advertising and marketing campaigns to better connect with the youth culture and reach a broader audience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Modular Wireless Computer Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-nova.md) - [Pressure-Sensitive Mouse Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/just-another-mouse.md) - [Screen-Packing Gaming Mice](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/advanced-gaming-mice.md) - [Thin Travel Computer Mouse](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air0.md) - [Wearable Gesture-Based Mouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-clip-mouse.md) - [Ergonomic Ring-Style Mouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magnima-airpoint-ring.md) - [Stone-Inspired Tech Peripherals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smooth-mouse-concept.md) - [Screen-Equipped Computer Peripherals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magic-mouse-touch.md) - [Ergonomic Digital Creative Mouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-palm-mouse.md)