#This Year’s Microsoft Surface Accessories Are Actually Really Cool – Review Geek

The first thing we want to talk about is Microsoft’s new Surface Adaptive Kit designed for accessibility. This collection of stickers and labels make it easier to open, navigate, and interact with Surface devices. And while they’re designed for accessibility and impaired users, anyone can appreciate the thought behind this accessory.

The Surface Adaptive kit features keycap labels for the keyboard to stay in line, 3-dimensional textured label stickers, port indicators, cable indicators, and even sticky flaps that’ll make it easier to open a Surface laptop.

Essentially, owners can make minor adjustments by putting a circle button label above the headphone port and the same sticker on their headphone cable. Or adding the textured label where the charging port is. As a result, impaired users or clumsy people like myself can easily find a cable, feel around, and know exactly where to plug it in to charge a device.

These accessories enable small adjustments to improve the experience when finding cables and ports, opening devices, and using compatible devices and accessories daily. In addition, users can personalize their PC to fit individual needs. We also really like that the entire Adaptive kit was created in partnership with people with disabilities to help support a wide variety of different needs and levels.

The Microsoft Adaptive Kit will be available in October.

These days everyone from Apple to Microsoft wants to find ways to minimalize the impacts of technology on the globe. Similar to Apple cutting waste by eliminating charging bricks in newer iPhones. Today, Microsoft announced a neat new mouse perfect for your latest Surface device that’s made from recycled plastic removed from the ocean, and we love it.

The Microsoft Ocean Plastic Mouse uses 20% recycled plastic removed from the ocean, and the same goes for its packaging. Better yet, the box is 100% recyclable. It’s also small, lightweight, and efficient and promises roughly 12-months of battery life from a single AA battery. Of course, we would love to see a rechargeable battery here rather than AA, but it’s a start.

Microsoft says the plastic comes from waste that gets recovered from oceans and waterways. Then, a process begins to clean and process it into recyclable plastic resin pellets. These are then blended during a material process and cured into the shell of the mouse.

Additionally, in select markets, Microsoft will provide users with a free mail-in label to recycle old products like a mouse, which is then recycled through contracted partners.

And finally, as expected, Microsoft took a moment to debut a new Surface Slim Pen 2 with an improved experience for taking handwritten notes or sketching on devices, all with comfortability, accuracy, and easy charging in mind.

There’s a built-in haptic motor that delivers the same feeling you get when you’re using a pen against a sheet of paper, which Microsoft calls tactile signals. This will give users a tactile response when circling content, jotting down notes, or drawing. The updated design and sharper tip give you pinpoint accuracy, plus it’s easier to hold and has better pressure sensitivity.

The Slim Pen 2 is smaller than ever, features adjustable side and top buttons with a quick eraser functionality, not to mention 15 hours of battery life from a single charge. You can quickly recharge it wirelessly with the included magnetic charger or throw it in the Signature Keyboard or TypeCover to conveniently keep it juiced up and within arms reach.