Microsoft researchers held a press conference today to show technology they're developing that allows you to read your e-mail using a "Dance Dance Revolution"-type floor pad. You know -- the dancing game pads that kids stomp on at arcades? The researchers used the same device to perform basic e-mail functions, including reading, deleting and flagging e-mail. They also scrolled through photos and tagged them.

THOMAS JAMES HURST / THE SEATTLE TIMES

You still have to use a keyboard to type. And so far the technology isn't destined to make it into any actual products. The press conference was held in advance of the company's internal TechFest research event, which runs all day Wednesday to showcase technologies under development by Microsoft's research group.

If you're an 11-year-old who loves Microsoft Outlook, then this would be perfect. While I can't see this working at all for reading e-mail, it's interesting to see how researchers are trying to think outside the mouse.