3Dconnexion, a Logitech company, has introduced the SpaceNavigator, a three-dimensional navigation device that offers 3D designers and enthusiasts a 3D navigation control.

Compatible with Google Earth and Google SketchUp, the SpaceNavigator gives people the ability to move naturally and fluidly in 3D environments — without making repetitive mouse movements or having to type multiple keyboard commands. Logitech and Google worked together to develop native support for the SpaceNavigator with Google Earth.

"We're always excited to see new innovations that further enable people to connect to the power and discovery of 3D exploration in Google Earth," said John Hanke, director of Google Earth.

The SpaceNavigator has six optical sensors that continuously communicate multiple threads of navigation data to 3D applications. This technology enables people to fly through three-dimensional worlds without stopping to use the keyboard or mouse to change directions.

"3D applications are no longer used only by 3D designers, as evidenced by Google Earth being downloaded more than 100 million times in the first 10 months of its release," said Rory Dooley, president of 3Dconnexion. "Combining an easy-to-use, affordable 3D navigation device with Google’s easy-to-use 3D applications offers an amazing 3D experience to virtually anyone."

A companion to the mouse, and held in the alternate hand, the SpaceNavigator reduces the number of times users need to switch tools to manipulate 3D imagery. In addition, people can use the SpaceNavigator to simultaneously pan, zoom and rotate 3D objects, which is not possible with a mouse and keyboard alone.

The small footprint of the heavy steel base holds the SpaceNavigator to the desktop and supports a controller cap that is designed to flex in all directions. When the cap is moved, the optical sensors capture a continuous stream of navigation information that is sent to the running application to control the 3D object or environment. The cap can be pushed, pulled, tilted, or spun a fraction of an inch in any direction to activate the SpaceNavigator's optical sensors. A firm push on the cap activates a quick movement, while a more gentle push results in slower movement. The SpaceNavigator's two programmable buttons, located at the three o'clock and nine o'clock positions, allow people to customize their workflow and reduce movement as the hand switches among the SpaceNavigator, mouse and keyboard.

The SpaceNavigator PE (personal edition) has a suggested retail price of $59. The personal edition license supports non-commercial use of the device and offers online technical support only. The SpaceNavigator standard edition has a suggested retail price of $99. The standard edition license supports both commercial and non-commercial use and offers online, e-mail and phone technical support. Upgrades from SpaceNavigator PE to SpaceNavigator standard edition licenses are $40 and are available at www.3Dconnexion.com.

SpaceNavigator is available through major online resellers, including Amazon and CDW; a network of value added resellers; as well as directly from 3Dconnexion.