Microsoft has released a beta version of its Windows 8 Device Center. Designed with the Metro look and feel in mind, Device Center is a desktop application that lets Windows 8 Consumer Preview users control their Microsoft mouse and keyboard settings, combining the existing IntelliPoint and IntelliType software into one application.

Microsoft also revealed it plans to update its Touch Mouse for Windows 8 around the general availability of the new operating system later this year. We tested out Device Center with a Microsoft Touch Mouse and found that two and three finger gestures are limited to the desktop for now. The thumb flicking gesture works in Metro to navigate backwards or forwards, particularly useful for Metro Internet Explorer. You can also scroll vertically or horizontally in any Metro application that supports this functionality. Device Center also lets Windows 8 users remap buttons or assign keyboard keys to particular apps and webpages.