Microsoft has unveiled a new peripheral system which it said will work on nearly any surface.

The company claims that its new BlueTrack mice and keyboards are more versatile, accurate and rugged than the current generation of laser-guided peripherals.

The heart of the new system is the use of a larger beam and an updated optical system.

The blue beam is said to be some four times larger than the current laser tracking system, allowing the BlueTrack mouse to work on surfaces such as carpets which had previously been difficult.

"BlueTrack technology excels in areas where optical and laser technologies were falling short," said Microsoft platforms engineering manager Mark DePue.

"Laser mice, for example, have a difficult time working on some common home surfaces, including granite and marble."

DePue also said that the BlueTrack mice would be more rugged than their predecessors and less prone to interference from dust and dirt.

Microsoft has already unveiled three models, including a crescent shaped Explorer mouse, a Sidewinder gaming mouse, and a miniaturised version of the Explorer.

The Explorer models will be released this Autumn, while the Sidewinder is slated to hit shelves by February next year.

Users looking to use the mice on a glass or mirrored table will be disappointed, however, as the BlueTrack mice will not work on these surfaces.