Microsoft has discontinued its range of popular mice, keyboards, and PC accessories.
The company's legacy with such products will continue to live on under a unique new partnership with Incase.
Microsoft has discontinued its range of popular mice, keyboards, and PC accessories. However, the company's legacy with such products will continue to live on under a unique new partnership with Incase. Onward Brands announced that it will give those discarded Microsoft-stamped gadgets a second life under new branding. The resulting agreement means that Incase can produce the PC accessories using the same design and components as before, ensuring they stay true to consumer favorites.
Microsoft has discontinued its range of popular mice, keyboards, and PC accessories.
Onward Brands announced that it will give those discarded Microsoft-stamped gadgets a second life under new branding.
Incase plans to launch an ergonomic keyboard that Microsoft designed but never released.
Accuracy
Onward CEO Charlie Tebele said there is potential for Incase to release even more designs that Microsoft never let us see.
Deception
(50%)
Microsoft has discontinued its range of popular mice, keyboards and PC accessories. The software giant is now focusing on the Surface brand instead. However, a unique partnership with Incase will see Microsoft's PC accessories live on under the Incase brand.
The products will be designed by Microsoft but manufactured by Incase.
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains an example of a dictionotomous depiction. The author describes the products as being 'popular' and then immediately states that Microsoft has decided to focus on its Surface brand instead. This creates a dichotomy between the positive perception of the products and their discontinuation, which could be seen as negative.
The article contains an example of a dictionotomous depiction.
Bias
(85%)
Microsoft has discontinued its range of popular mice, keyboards and PC accessories. The company is now partnering with Incase to continue producing these products under the 'Incase' brand.
All of these existing Microsoft PC accessories will look and perform exactly like they did before. Incase is branding them differently with “designed by Microsoft” on the packaging.
Incase is licensing the designs from Microsoft for a variety of products including ergonomic keyboards, speakers, audio docks headsets and webcams.
Microsoft-designed mice and keyboards will continue to be available too
The products will be the same products but instead of saying Microsoft they’ll say Incase, designed by Microsoft,”
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Microsoft has a financial stake in Incase and Onward Brands. The article does not disclose any other conflicts of interest.
✓
Onward Brands CEO Charlie Tebele has a personal relationship with Tom Warren, the author of this article. This could potentially influence his reporting on the topic.✔
✓
The partnership between Microsoft and Incase is likely to be financially beneficial for both companies.✔
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Microsoft has a financial stake in Incase and Onward Brands. The article does not disclose any other conflicts of interest.
✓
Microsoft has a financial stake in Onward Brands, which makes accessories for laptops and phones.
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The partnership between Microsoft and Incase is the latest example of how companies are working together to create new products.
Microsoft stopped selling Microsoft-branded computer peripherals in April 2023.
Onward Brands announced that it will give those discarded Microsoft-stamped gadgets a second life under new branding.
Products like the Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard will become Incase products with 'Designed by Microsoft' branding.
Incase plans to launch an ergonomic keyboard that Microsoft designed but never released.
Onward CEO Charlie Tebele said there is potential for Incase to release even more designs that Microsoft never let us see.
Microsoft will still retain ownership of its designs, so it could potentially bring back classic mice or keyboards itself in the future or continue to renew its license to Incase.
In case's venture could help serve customers who felt satisfied with Microsoft's various designs that were simpler and more affordable.
The return of Microsoft peripheral designs resurrects a line of computer gear started in 1983 when Microsoft released its first mouse, the Microsoft Mouse.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title and body of the article suggest that Microsoft peripherals are being revived by a licensing deal with Onward Brands. However, this is not entirely accurate as only some of the designs will be relaunched under new branding.
The title suggests that all discontinued and unreleased Microsoft peripherals will be available again this year. This is false as not all products are being brought back by Onward Brands.
Fallacies
(70%)
The article contains several examples of informal fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that Microsoft is bringing back its peripherals under new branding without providing any evidence or reasoning for this claim. Additionally, the author makes a false dilemma by suggesting that there are only two options: either Incase will release all of Microsoft's computer peripherals or none at all.
The article contains several examples of informal fallacies.
Bias
(80%)
The author has a clear bias towards the topic of Microsoft peripherals and their revival. The article mentions that Microsoft stopped selling its branded computer peripherals in April, which is presented as negative news. Additionally, the author uses phrases like 'revived by licensing deal' and 'Microsoft-designed gear that Incase is relaunching', which suggest a positive outcome for the situation.
Enlarge / The Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard is making a comeback.
Incase also plans to launch an ergonomic keyboard that Microsoft designed but never released.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author has a conflict of interest with Onward Brands and Incase brand as they are mentioned in the article but not disclosed.
Onward Brands: The article mentions that Microsoft is partnering with Onward Brands to bring back some of its discontinued peripherals. However, there is no mention of any financial ties or personal relationships between the author and Onward Brands.
Microsoft-branded PC accessories will continue to be produced and distributed by Incase.
Incase has licensed the rights and intellectual property from Microsoft's product portfolio for this purpose.
The resulting agreement means that Incase can produce the PC accessories using the same design and components as before, ensuring they stay true to consumer favorites.
Accuracy
Microsoft has discontinued its range of popular mice, keyboards, and PC accessories.
There are no plans to change pricing for these accessories at this time.
Deception
(30%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that Microsoft-branded PC accessories will continue to live on even though they were discontinued by Microsoft. However, this statement is misleading because while Incase has licensed the rights and intellectual property from Microsoft's product portfolio, it does not mean that these products are still endorsed or supported by Microsoft. Secondly, the article states that consumers can expect their favorite products back on shelves in 2024 under the Incase brand. However, this statement is also misleading because there is no guarantee that all of the discontinued Microsoft-branded PC accessories will be relaunched by Incase and available for purchase in 2024. Finally, the article claims that consumers can still find some legacy Microsoft-branded PC accessories on sale online, but only while supplies last. This statement is misleading because there is no information provided about where these products are being sold or how long they will be available.
The author claims that Microsoft-branded PC accessories will continue to live on even though they were discontinued by Microsoft.
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that Incase will manufacture and distribute a broad suite of Microsoft accessory products including keyboards, mice, webcams, headsets and speakers. However this statement is not supported with any evidence or citation from the source.
The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that Incase will manufacture and distribute a broad suite of Microsoft accessory products including keyboards, mice, webcams, headsets and speakers. However this statement is not supported with any evidence or citation from the source.
The article contains several fallacies.
Bias
(85%)
The article is biased towards Microsoft and its branded PC accessories. The author uses language that portrays the company in a positive light by describing it as 'fans of' and emphasizing their trust in the products. Additionally, Incase is described as picking up where Microsoft left off, which could be seen as an endorsement or approval from Microsoft.
Consumers can anticipate their favorite products back on shelves in 2024 under the Incase brand as we immediately begin to transition the portfolio
Incase is described as picking up where Microsoft left off
Incase will manufacture and distribute a broad suite of Microsoft accessory products including keyboards, mice, webcams, headsets and speakers
The article describes fans of Microsoft-branded PC accessories
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Michael Kan has a conflict of interest with Microsoft-branded PC accessories as he is reporting on the relaunch of these products with Incase. He also designed by Microsoft name for upcoming accessories.
The article mentions that Michael Kan reported on the relaunch of Microsoft-branded PC accessories, which could be seen as a conflict of interest if he has any financial ties or personal relationships with the company.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of Microsoft-branded PC accessories as they are designed by Microsoft and have been discontinued in the past. The article also mentions that Incase is involved with this relaunch which could further exacerbate any potential conflicts.
The article states, 'In addition to the Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard and Modern Webcam that Microsoft designed before discontinuing its product line in 2018, it's also working on some new accessories for this relaunch.'
The author writes, 'Microsoft has rebooted its branded PC accessories line with a new partner: Incase.'
Microsoft is exiting the PC accessory business (mice, keyboards, headsets, et cetera).
Incase will revive many of Microsoft's products in 2024.
The newly manufactured devices will be branded as 'Incase Designed by Microsoft.'
Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop (keyboard, mouse, number pad), Sculpt Comfort Desktop (keyboard, mouse), Wireless Comfort Desktop 5050 AES (keyboard, mouse), Wireless Desktop 850 and Wireless Desktop 900 are confirmed for release.
Wired Keyboard 600, Ergonomic Keyboard, Wired Mouse 624, Bluetooth Number Pad, Mobile Mouse 1850 (Bluetooth), Bluetooth Ergonomic Mouse (Bluetooth), Wireless Desktop Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse are also confirmed for release.
Microsoft's accessories always seemed to play second fiddle to Logitech as the go-to pick for anyone not looking for anything particularly fancy, but they have their fans, especially the ergonomic keyboard line.
Accuracy
Microsoft stopped selling Microsoft-branded computer peripherals in April 2023.
Onward CEO Charlie Tebele said there is potential for Incase to release even more designs that Microsoft never let us see.
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in that it implies Microsoft will be taking over Incase's mouse and keyboard business. However, the article only states that Incase has been reviving many of Microsoft's products under their own branding. The title also misleads by suggesting a takeover when no such thing is happening.
The title suggests a takeover when no such thing is happening.
Fallacies
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Bias
(85%)
The article is biased towards Microsoft's accessories business. The author uses positive language to describe the products and their features, such as 'dependable gadget picks'. They also use phrases like 'win-win', which implies that both parties will benefit from this partnership.
Incase is reviving many of Microsoft's products in 2024. Existing products in Microsoft's mouse, keyboard, headset and speaker line will continue to be sold.
Microsoft always seemed to play second fiddle to Logitech as the go-to pick for anyone not looking for anything particularly fancy.
Microsoft announced that it was exiting the PC accessory business (mice, keyboards, headsets, et cetera).
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author of the article has a conflict of interest with Microsoft as they are reporting on Incase taking over Microsoft's mouse and keyboard business.
In this story about Incase taking over Microsoft’s mouse and keyboard business, Michael Crider is an author for PCWorld.com.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of Microsoft's mouse and keyboard business as they are reporting on Incase taking over this business.
In an article titled 'Incase will take over Microsoft’s mouse and keyboard business', Michael Crider reports that Incase is set to acquire Microsoft's peripherals division, which includes the Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop (keyboard, mouse, number pad) and other products. This creates a conflict of interest as the author has reported on both companies in this article.
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