Can accessory makers improve Windows 8 on desktops and laptops?

In a month's time, Microsoft will release Windows 8 to the world as part of a midnight launch alongside its new Surface tablet on October 25th. Although the majority of Windows PCs currently in use across the world are desktop and laptop ones, Microsoft has optimized its latest operating system for use on touch-based hardware. The move is unusual for Microsoft, and marks a step in what it believes will be a tablet and hybrid laptop future.
The new interface, with a separate application ecosystem from the traditional desktop, includes the same Live Tiles first introduced in Windows Phone, and a "Metro" style design that is primarily focused on the use of typography and content. It's certainly a bold move away from the traditional user interface of Windows, and a risky one that has a lot of potential to alienate Windows users and developers. A number of existing Windows 8 users expressed concern at the use of the new interface on mouse- and keyboard-driven machines during the testing phase, and Microsoft responded in kind with some significant improvements in the Consumer Preview and Release Preview editions. However, there's still a feeling that the new interface is clunky and confusing for desktop and laptop machines where a touch screen isn't present, but Microsoft might have the answer.
After introducing some Windows 8 gestures for touchpad component vendors, Microsoft is extending this work to its own range of mice and ones from third parties. Sources familiar with Logitech's own testing have revealed to The Verge that the company is testing a new touch mouse designed specifically for Windows 8. The mouse includes gesture support to allow users to swipe in from the right edge to reveal the charms or swipe in from the left edge to switch to the last opened app. Logitech is also testing additional gestures with a view to improving the Windows 8 experience on mice and keyboards. The new gestures — some of which may appear in existing products with updated software — will help prevent users having to struggle to find the hot corners introduced in Windows 8, allowing them to be operated with swipes and taps on a mouse.
And Microsoft is doing the same. The software giant revealed earlier this year that it's planning to support additional functionality in Windows 8 for its existing Touch Mouse. The new support will include a one finger swipe to scroll up and down and two finger swipes to manage apps and display the Windows 8 charms, a sidebar for settings, device management, sharing, and search. This support is identical to what Logitech is testing, and appears to be a way to standardize touch-based mice. Microsoft has also recently introduced a Wedge Mouse and mobile keyboard, lacking any additional gesture support, but the company may be planning to introduce this with the same update designed for the Touch Mouse.