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Manasvi: IIT Delhi’s Bold Step Toward Empowering High School Girls in STEM

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In a world increasingly shaped by technological advancement, ensuring gender equality in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is no longer a choice—it’s a necessity. Recognizing this, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi launched a pioneering initiative titled ‘Manasvi’ , a STEM mentorship programme for high school girls . The programme, unveiled in New Delhi today, is spearheaded by the institute’s Academic Outreach and New Initiatives Office . Manasvi is not merely an educational engagement; it is a transformative platform aimed at inspiring and empowering young girls to pursue careers in STEM, fields traditionally dominated by men. At the heart of Manasvi lies the ambition to address the deep-rooted gender disparity in STEM education and careers . Despite producing the largest number of science graduates globally, India continues to see disproportionately low female representation in STEM careers —a statistic that underscores the urgent need for su...

The Evolution of the Computer Mouse: A Journey Through Innovation

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The Evolution of the Computer Mouse: A Journey Through Innovation

The computer mouse, a humble yet revolutionary input device, has undergone tremendous evolution since its inception. From bulky mechanical rollers to sleek, wireless, and AI-powered peripherals, the journey of the mouse reflects the rapid advancements in computing technology. In this article, we will explore the history, development, and future of the computer mouse while highlighting key innovations along the way.

1. The Birth of the Mouse (1960s)

  • The first computer mouse was invented by Douglas Engelbart in 1964 at the Stanford Research Institute.
  • It was made of wood and had a single button, with a system of wheels for detecting motion.
  • The invention was demonstrated in 1968 in the famous "Mother of All Demos."
  • Engelbart envisioned the mouse as part of a broader interactive computing system to enhance productivity.

Key Features of Early Mice:

  • Wooden casing
  • Two metal wheels for movement
  • A single button for input

2. The Ball Mouse (1970s - 1980s)

  • In the early 1970s, Bill English improved Engelbart’s design by introducing a ball-based tracking system.
  • This new design used a rubberized ball that rolled on surfaces to detect movement.
  • Xerox PARC was one of the first companies to integrate the mouse into graphical user interfaces (GUIs).
  • The Apple Lisa (1983) and Apple Macintosh (1984) played a crucial role in popularizing the mouse.

Notable Improvements:

  • A rubber ball replaced the wheels for better accuracy.
  • Two to three buttons were added for more functionality.
  • The first commercialized optical sensor-based mouse was introduced in the late 1980s.

3. Optical and Laser Mice (1990s - 2000s)

  • Optical mice were introduced in the late 1990s, replacing the mechanical ball with LED sensors.
  • This significantly improved precision, durability, and usability on different surfaces.
  • In 2004, laser mice were introduced by Logitech, offering even higher accuracy and responsiveness.

Advantages Over Ball Mice:

  • No moving parts meant less wear and tear.
  • Higher DPI (dots per inch) for improved accuracy.
  • Worked on a wider range of surfaces without a mousepad.

4. Wireless Revolution (2000s - Present)

  • The transition to wireless mice began in the early 2000s with RF (radio frequency) and Bluetooth technology.
  • These mice provided mobility and convenience without tangled wires.
  • Battery life became a key focus, leading to rechargeable and energy-efficient models.

Technological Innovations:

  • Bluetooth 5.0 and RF receivers improved connectivity.
  • Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries replaced AA batteries.
  • Some models included solar charging capabilities.

5. Ergonomic and Gaming Mice (2010s - Present)

  • The rise of gaming and professional eSports led to highly specialized mice with:
    • Adjustable DPI settings for precision control.
    • Customizable buttons and macros.
    • RGB lighting for aesthetic appeal.
  • Ergonomic designs improved comfort for extended use, with vertical and trackball mice gaining popularity.

Popular Brands Driving Innovation:

  • Logitech (G Pro, MX Master)
  • Razer (DeathAdder, Naga)
  • Corsair (Dark Core RGB Pro)
  • SteelSeries (Rival, Sensei)

6. AI, Gesture Control, and Future Innovations (2020s and Beyond)

  • AI-powered mice can adjust sensitivity and response time based on user habits.
  • Gesture-based controls (e.g., Logitech MX Air) allow users to control the cursor with hand movements.
  • Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) are in development to allow cursor control using brain signals.
  • Touch and hybrid trackpads may further redefine the traditional mouse’s role in computing.

What’s Next?

  • Haptic feedback for enhanced touch sensation.
  • Integration with AR/VR for immersive experiences.
  • Biometric authentication for secure access.

Conclusion

The computer mouse has evolved from a simple wooden block to an advanced, AI-powered device that continues to shape how we interact with technology. As computing advances, the mouse will likely continue to adapt, offering more intuitive and immersive experiences for users worldwide. Whether in gaming, professional work, or everyday computing, the humble mouse remains an essential tool in the digital era.

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