I'm trying to like Logitech's Signature AI Edition M750 Wireless Mouse. I really am! But I'm constantly tripping over this little detail, and it's literally frustrating me more than it should be.

It's an interesting, polarizing concept: By placing an “AI” button on top of the mouse, Logitech gives users one-click access to ChatGPT to do one thing: write and repeat text through an AI app called Logi Prompt Builder. Make writing easier. . It's a little like Windows running on top of DOS.

It's a new idea, and one you can expect Microsoft to develop. Copilot key which is already appearing on laptop keyboards. Instead, Logitech is leading the way. What is important to note is this. Logi AI Prompt Builder is supported by basically every mouse and keyboard. Made by Logitech, so the M750 is just the showcase for this new technology. You can probably use it too!

The problem is that Logitech's prompt builder doesn't support one of the most basic mouse functions, and it's very annoying. And did I mention that Microsoft already does something better?

The mouse itself

Let's talk briefly about the mouse itself. The Logitech M750 is clearly based on other Logitech “Signature” hardware like the M650.

The M750 is a semi-enclosed mouse, with a neutral grip but thumb buttons that can only be used by right-handers. The mouse is small, about 4.25 inches long and 2.5 inches wide, and is best suited for users who prefer to control the mouse with their fingers instead of putting their full hand weight on it. It can be used via Bluetooth or via a small dongle stored inside the mouse itself. Logitech's Smart Switch technology allows it to pair with up to three PCs, and mouse support. Cool PC to PC Logitech Flow technology Which started in 2018. It uses a single AA battery.

Mark Hechman / IDG

Mark Hechman / IDG

Mark Hechman / IDG

The M750 includes two primary buttons, of course, with a scroll wheel that can double as a third button. Out of the box, one of the two thumb buttons is configured to initiate Windows voice typing, while the other launches a dedicated ChatGPT window. (It differs from the window prompt builder, in that it accesses ChatGPT directly.)

I usually use a dedicated lefty gaming mouse, but the M750's gliding action is smooth, and click travel is short and efficient.

Mark Hechman / IDG

Mark Hechman / IDG

Mark Hechman / IDG

While Logitech usually offers multiple color options on its mice, the M750 is a solid gray, with a bright green button in the center. Clicking on it launches the AI ​​Prompt Builder.

LogiPrompt Builder in action

Logi Prompt Builder is essentially a component of the Logi Options+ app, which Logitech uses to control the functions of its various peripherals. Logitech seems to like to download Options+ whether I ask it to or not, and it appeared on my PC as if by magic. Logitech says that Options+ users must configure the Prompt Builder, and I was asked to do so through a quick introduction to each function.

Logitech

Logitech

Logitech

Think of Prompt Builder as a GUI on top of ChatGPT. (You'll use ChatGPT 3.5 by default, but if you have a subscription Chat GPT Plus(sold separately, you can log in to use it as well.) This is a small window that hovers over your other applications.

The prompt builder does four basic things. You can ref a block of text, summarize a block of text (or web page), reply (as if writing an email) and compose an email. Each function has two options associated with it, which may vary. You'll usually have a “Length” as well as a “Style” or “Tone” option. Each of the drop-down menus offers pre-selected options.

Mark Hechman / IDG

Mark Hechman / IDG

Mark Hechman / IDG

What PromptBuilder is doing is providing an easy-to-use interface on top of ChatGPT. Your preferences change to a text prompt when you submit.

Say I want to redefine this block of text, for example:

If you're a Mac user who stumbled across this article, congratulations. But please be aware that the Intel Silicon powered early Apple MacBook Pros supported up to two 4K displays. The first MacBook Pros powered by the Apple M1 chip only supported a 4K display. Many Mac users have recently left negative reviews on Thunderbolt Docks on shopping sites because of this. Buy a PC!

The following instructions for ChatGPT have been added to the My Prompt Builder selection:

Paraphrase the following text: If you're a Mac user who stumbled across this article, congratulations. But please be aware that early Apple MacBook Pros powered by Intel Silicon supported up to two 4K displays. The first MacBook Pros powered by the Apple M1 chip only supported a 4K display. Many Mac users have recently left negative reviews on Thunderbolt Docks on shopping sites because of this. Buy a PC! Make it short and concise. Can you rework it to convey a more playful tone?

Logitech calls all these functions “combinations” and allows you to create your own. You're basically asking ChatGPT to do something for you, so you have a “prompt” option, an “input” text field, and two default parameters. It's not a bad idea, and if you want your prose rewritten in the style of Abraham Lincoln or translated into French in the style of Baudelaire, you just need to do it right away.

That's where Prompt Builder stumbles.

Logitech is already making some interesting choices in the service of improving AI-rewritten text. But one thing is the prompt builder. does not Do what drives me crazy: Paste. Yes, paste. If I select a block of text and right-click on it to copy, tap the AI ​​button, and then try to right-click to start paste…nothing happens. The right-click menu doesn't seem to work inside the prompt builder. Yes I can CTRL+V My text in the box, but what good is it?

What you may or may not know is that Microsoft's Pilot already offers something similar, and even better. It's a little annoying, actually. If you're typing into a text field inside Edge (as I am, writing this article) you can highlight a block of text and Copilot will volunteer to retype it for you. will (You can also use Alt+ICopilot will automatically replace the text if you want.

Mark Hechman / IDG

Mark Hechman / IDG

Mark Hechman / IDG

With Prompt Builder, there is no right-click option to select a block of text and perform actions from the right-click menu. You must copy the text, paste it to the keyboard, make any adjustments, launch ChatGPT through the prompt builder, and then copy the text back into Word or your text editor. Must be pasted. At least you can use Edge, Word, or Windows to right-click edited text back in.

What a peripheral manufacturer like Logitech should excel at is ergonomics. If Logitech is going to make the software such an intrinsic part of our workflow, it needs to eliminate this particular aspect. It's not, not completely. To steal a metaphor: Logitech Prompt Builder and the M750 still feel somewhat like a rough draft.