Logitech applied its expertise in developing solar power to computer peripherals to the iPad. Its new Solar Keyboard Folio both gives a new iPad or iPad 2 full protection as well as powering its built-in keyboard by light. The new peripheral is capable of using either indoor or outdoor light to charge.
Logitech has taken the wraps off its new Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for the new iPad and the iPad 2. The device is touted as an all-in-one solution that offers an ultrathin screen protector and built-in keyboard. The cover utilises aluminium in its construction to help keep weight down and includes a stand to hold the iPad at a suitable angle for typing over a Bluetooth connection.
A new notebook case for the iPad 2 has been announced from a distributor in Japan, offering a tactile, MacBook Pro-like "chiclet" keyboard and styling to resemble a netbook. The unit allows both the keyboard and the iPad to be charged using an optional multi-headed connector and includes a standard USB port. The combination case, which is also offered via Amazon Japan, is made of silicone rather than metal for lighter weight.
Product Design has introduced a glass keyboard and matching glass trackpad that are currently seeking development funding as a Kickstarter project. Both peripherals are built using tempered glass panes attached to solid metal bases, sensing touch input on the glass surface without the need for moving parts. Users can choose from tactile sounds and lights, while the companion software will be open source for custom configuration.
Nuu and its distribution partner Noetic have launched the Nuu MiniKey for iPhone 4 in North America, a few months after unveiling it in Europe. The case adds a slide-out physical keyboard to the iPhone via a Bluetooth connection, leaving all functions and connectors unblocked. Unlike most other similar cases, the MiniKey works with the iPhone's own antennas, uses keyboard backlighting and automatically goes to sleep when the iPhone enters standby mode.
Japanese manufacturer Minebea has announced that its "COOL LEAF" keyboard will be in Japanese retail outlets starting May 13th. The keyboard features a mirror-like flat smooth surface panel design. The smooth surface makes it well suited for areas requiring extreme cleanliness and dust resistance such as medical treatment and food processing environments. Its illumination makes it ideal for low ambient light situations such as home theaters.
Microsoft engineers have demonstrated a new keyboard concept geared for desktop computers. The Adaptive Keyboard integrates a touchscreen LCD above the top row of keys. The additional display presents information such as shortcut icons or document previews, while the key characters can also change to reflect different functions based on the active software.
Startup Swype has announced that it is currently developing a version of its input software for the iPhone. The company hopes to license its keyboard technology to Apple, although the proposition has yet to be formally introduced to the iPhone maker.
4iThumbs has launched its self-named 4iThumbs Tactile Keyboard for iPhone. The accessory is a clear, tactile typing aid applied to the iPhone’s touch screen. The design is claimed to allow faster and more accurate typing and blind typing, as ridges help replicate dedicated keyboards by providing tactile feedback to fingers.
Apple on Monday released a Leopard software update for its latest aluminum Wireless Keyboard released this year. The update provides support for the keyboard's special features including the function keys for display brightness, Dashboard, Spaces, iTunes playback control and speaker volume.
Macally has announced a new line of wireless input accessories and eco-friendly bamboo stands for all laptops, the BTkey, BTmouse2, Optimo, MGlide, EcoFan and EcoFanPro. BTkey is a white wireless keyboard for the Mac, which connects using Bluetooth 2.0 technology, and comes complete with low profile scissor keys to help with pressure on the finger tips. The BTmouse2 is a Bluetooth wireless laser mouse, featuring three programmable buttons, a scroll wheel, and an 800/1600 dpi precision sensor laser.
GizFever has released a new keyboard, the USB Smallest Mini Keyboard II. The item includes new features not offered in its sister model, such as a backlight and wireless capabilities which enable the keyboard to operate up to 10 meters away. The new model also features a power-conservation mode activated when the keyboard remains inactive for a period of time. Additionally, there is a Lock ID button that enables users to password-protect the keyboard.
Roland has introduced a wide variety of digital music products at the NAMM show. For keyboard players, the company displayed several devices including an upright grand, two digital pianos, a few entry-level products and a 320-watt stereo amplifier. The TD-4S offers drummers a compact package with new sounds, while the DT-HD1 software teaches basic drum patterns and technique. A new 80-watt guitar amp and bass processor have also been unveiled, along with new synthesizers, an expansion board and a system update for the V-Synth GT.
Many people use whatever keyboard happens to come with their computer. Apple’s standard keyboard may be acceptable, for instance, but you may want a more versatile keyboard -- say, one that lets you play and control your favorite songs through built-in speakers. An example of this comes from Verbatim, and is dubbed the TuneBoard.
KeyRight has introduced a keyboard that is designed to improve typing skills, the Look & Learn. The keys on the QWERTY keyboard have been color-coded to differentiate eight different "finger zones." Each color represents the keys that are used by a particular finger. For example, the set of red keys to the far left are colored red, which gives the user a visual reference for the proper keys for the left-hand pinky finger.
Stairways Software has announced Keyboard Maestro 3.4, the latest version of its 'productivity enhancer' for Mac OS X. This release includes a 'typed string' trigger, allowing the user to fire off macros when typing a matching string. Triggers can be created with easily remembered mnemonics. Appearance has been enhanced to look more like the default system program switcher. Import/export of the named clipboards has been improved for better sharing of macros.
Dell company executives announced the re-design of keyboards for the new Latitude notebook. The new keyboards offer backlit keys, enhanced tactile feel, new key spacing and other features. The new Latitude project began two years ago with the engineers and designers first focused on developing a world-class keyboard. All aspects were considered and improved to offer better feel and usability.
Every Mac needs a keyboard, but many people may not realize they have a choice. Most people settle with the keyboard that comes with their iMac while laptop users have no choice but to use their built-in keyboard. However, if you have a Mac mini or Mac Pro, or simply want a more flexible, full-size keyboard to control your iMac or laptop, then take a close look at Logitech’s diNovo Edge Keyboard.
PandaWare says it has added Universal Binary support, interface improvements and bug fixes to its new DiskWrangler 3.0 release. DiskWrangler is a keyboard-based file launcher and browser; without the need of a mouse, it opens applications, documents, web addresses and user-defined sets of files. The software can also browse files, with support for view, copy, move and deletion functions. Searches can be performed as well, including parameters that go beyond Spotlight's abilities, such as creation and modification dates. The full version of the program is $25, with a 30-day demo available. Mac OS X 10.3 or later is required.
Computer memory and component maker OCZ announced the addition of a new Elixir range of gaming keyboards to its product line-up. As the first product in the recently-introduced Alchemy line, the Elixir keyboard sports 10 tri-mode macro keys programmable to one of three custom profiles, and a mode selection that switches between standard and user-defined key configurations. OCZ promises the Elixir will be soon be followed by mice, more keyboards and other Alchemy-badged PC gaming accessories.
An iPhone modder recently unveiled a MacBook Air-style makeover for the iPhone's keyboard, offering users an attractive alternative to the jeweled buttons of the default keyboard. Just Another iPhone Blog reveals that although the keys have a smaller appearance, they are aesthetically pleasing and do not permanently replace the layout for the default keyboard. The app warns users to delete any existing keyboard modifications, as it may cause issues.
Assistware says its KeyStrokes 4.1 on-screen keyboard for Mac users with physical impairments is now available as a Universal Binary. The company calls KeyStrokes 4.1 an "important” update with improved support for Mac OS X Leopard Spaces, automatic keyboard layout switching for Leopard and other improvements. Assistware has also included its new LayoutKitchen 2.1 layout editor, which allows users to design their own on-screen keyboards.
SteelSeries on Monday introduced its latest gaming product to the US market, the 7G keyboard. The company claims the mechanical 7G is 90 percent more responsive and 10 times more durable that regular keyboards, and eliminates anti-ghosting by supporting a key press command for every key. For low latency communication, the 7G features 18K gold-plated connectors. The 7G utilizes iron-infused plastic and gold-plated no-click switches, among other features, to endow it with a guarantee for 50 million keystrokes by its maker.
