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Apr 12, 2001
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Ever since the release of Apple's multi-touch Magic Mouse just a few months ago, one of the primary complaints from users has been a lack of support for Exposé and other functionalities given the limited options available in System Preferences for configuring the mouse.

Addressing these issues, Gizmodo today points to a new menu bar application, MagicPrefs, that greatly expands the customizability of the Magic Mouse.


144615-magicprefs.jpg


The free MagicPrefs application offers the ability to customize various types of clicks, taps, swipes, and pinches and assign them to a wide variety of system functions. The application also permits tracking speed to be increased beyond the default maximum, addressing another common complaint about the Magic Mouse. Finally, MagicPrefs offers real-time visual feedback of touch patterns to allow users to experiment with and test various gestures.

Article Link: MagicPrefs Adds Functionality to Magic Mouse
 
Wow, that is ****ing amazing. I wonder why Apple didn't just do this program themselves.

My 2 big complaints was the lack of programmable multitouch function and the slow tracking speed. It looks like I can now access Expose from the mouse and can increase the tracking speed.

Seriously, this should be Page 1 news.

I know so many people that held off on getting the Magic Mouse because of Expose. This is VERY big news.

I can't wait to test it out tonight.
 
I can't see why Apple doesn't offer this...

I was interested in the magic mouse until I found out what limited touch functionality it had.
 
Will this mouse -- along with the swiping/scrolling functionality -- work on a Vista-based PC? Anyone know? Thanks...
 
Not owning a Magic Mouse, I'm surprised to learn this functionality didn't accompany that software update for all Magic Mouse users.
What was the point of that patch?
Bizarre.

So... um... thanks MagicPrefs!

And agreed with @levitynyc: I too find this info Page 1 worthy.
 
I can't see why Apple doesn't offer this...

I was interested in the magic mouse until I found out what limited touch functionality it had.

It's clear why Apple didn't do this. Apple are about keeping an interface simple and intuitive. To have a dozen functions right from the get go is overwhelming for general access.

I mean, they could add ten buttons to a trackpad if they wanted, but Apple's style is to go with, well.... none.
 
It's clear why Apple didn't do this. Apple are about keeping an interface simple and intuitive. To have a dozen functions right from the get go is overwhelming for general access.

I mean, they could add ten buttons to a trackpad if they wanted, but Apple's style is to go with, well.... none.

Simple would be a normal mouse with one button, oh wait they already did that!
 
There's also BetterTouchTool which is both free and good.

This one may be worth checking out too.

Ultimately, I can't understand why Apple made MagicMouse so lame. BBT and this one are definitely must haves to get the most out of your MM - they really do make the mouse shine.
 
Ultimately, I can't understand why Apple made MagicMouse so lame.
I can. It wasn't ready and it was just put out onto the market despite not being finished. They'll get round to fixing it eventually, either through software or hardware revision B. Apple aren't very good at getting things done in a timely manner though, so don't count on it coming any time soon.
 
i've downloaded, but have been unable to get it to do anything besides sit in my download folder. If anyone has had success getting this application working I'd be interested in knowing how.
 
MagicPrefs did absolutely nothing for me too, so I deleted it within ten minutes.

BetterTouchTool does work though (thanks for the tip!) and now I've got Expose working on a three-finger click: my satisfaction is now complete :)
 
Another vote for BetterTouchTool. It is constantly updated to add new and requested features while refining the current ones. Not only does it add functionality to the Magic Mouse, it adds just as much functionality to the multitouch trackpads as well.
 
Simple, but with expandability

It's clear why Apple didn't do this. Apple are about keeping an interface simple and intuitive. To have a dozen functions right from the get go is overwhelming for general access.

I mean, they could add ten buttons to a trackpad if they wanted, but Apple's style is to go with, well.... none.

You are correct that Apple likes to keep its interface simple and intuitive. And has someone else mentioned, they had a one-button mouse before. But with the Mighty Mouse, it really just added the scroll ball. It was still a one button mouse. It was software that people could adjust to make it more feature rich. With the Magic Mouse, they could have kept it simple, then have a preference pane similar to MagicPrefs for the advanced user.
 
i've downloaded, but have been unable to get it to do anything besides sit in my download folder. If anyone has had success getting this application working I'd be interested in knowing how.

I thought the same thing until I saw this...
 

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x2 on the Better Touch Tool. Seems like this product is a bit late to the table. :confused: Certainly an alternative for those that haven't used BTT though. The preview/testing of your touches looks cool though.
 
Downloaded MagicPrefs and a little discreet b&w MM icon appears in the menu bar. Clicked on that and then preferences and opted for three finger click for expose and four finger click for desktop. It works perfectly! I can't believe Apple didn't offer this. I can't see any accidental clicks with 3 or 4 finger clicking. Thanx!!!

Just deactivated the sometimes annoying hot corner I was using for expose. No more accidental expose!
 
I really don't get why MacRumors decided to put "MagicPrefs" up instead of BetterTouchTool. Like, honestly. BetterTouchTool offers SO much more and is much more powerful. Also, TRACKPAD SUPPORT. <3 My workflow has gotten so much speedier with my trackpad/BTT.


Here's just a quick look at BTT:
Screen-shot-2009-12-22-at-00.39.07-700x474.png
 
AWESOME! Yes the Magic Mouse really needs added functionality. I at least need a center (two finger) click to envoke spaces. Can anyone confirm this does that?
 
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