Today's deals from DealNN include discounted keyboards, headphones, and more. Newegg.com has recently lowered the cost of the SteelSeries Shift Gaming Keyboard with eight programmable hotkeys, two USB 2.0 ports, multiple media controls, and on-the-fly macro recording. Currently featured at DealNN, the gaming keyboard is now available for the discounted price of $34.99 and offers savings of up to $55.
One of the iPad's main weaknesses has always been productivity. It's not a question of apps; while it has taken a little time for a native iPad library to develop, there's usually been some way of getting essential tasks done. It's that even with those apps, the iPad's technical limitations can make things unnecessarily difficult. Bluetooth keyboards can simplify writing, but options have so far been limited to either separate peripherals or full-sized cases, which carry their own tradeoffs. Logitech's Ultrathin Keyboard Cover attempts to bridge that gap -- in our review, we'll judge whether the gear is as convenient as its maker hopes it is.
Apple is quietly stocking its London stores with extra and international parts (such as replacement keyboards) to help cope with the expected "onslaught" of international journalists, many of whom use Apple products, coming to cover the 2012 London Olympics. The event, scheduled for July, is expected to see over 10,000 international print journalists as part of the 325,000 daily visitors coming to London for the games, reports TUAW.
Although standard Bluetooth keyboards can also be paired with an iPad or iPhone, the process can be time-consuming for users who regularly like to switch between computers and mobile devices using the same keyboard. Often, the answer was to buy two keyboards -- but accessory maker Matias is taking its classic-style, wired One Keyboards up a notch with models that feature a holder for the iPhone or iPod Touch, and can switch instantly between the computer and the iOS device at the touch of a button.
Accessory makers Cirago and CaseInity have separately unveiled several new accessories for iOS devices. Cirago has produced three, chief among these being the Aluminum Bluetooth Keyboard Case for the iPad 2. Brushed aluminum is combined with padding at the corners to cushion an iPad; to use the keyboard, a person must pull the tablet from the case and sit it in a built-in stand either vertically or horizontally. The case costs $90.
Broadcom has introduced a new chip that is claimed to enable Bluetooth keyboards to run for up to 10 years without swapping or recharging batteries. The low-power component is specifically geared for human interface devices (HIDs), such as keyboards and mice, that are used in conjunction with tablets, smartphones and computers.
Verbatim says it is launching a new peripheral, the Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard. Like many such keyboards the device is intended mostly for tablets, including iPads, Galaxy Tabs, Xooms, and anything else with HID keyboard compatibility. Also supported is the iPhone.
A leaked pamphlet shows the some of discounts Apple is planning to offer for this year's Black Friday sale, according to 9to5Mac. In terms of computers, the company is taking $101 off the iMac, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro. iPad 2 discounts range from $41 to $61, depending on storage capacity, and a similar philosophy applies to the iPod touch, which is getting between $21 and $41 off. Both the 8 and 16GB iPod nanos are $11 chepaer.
Verbatim has re-worked its Bluetooth Wireless Mobile Keyboard to add features specific media control and function keys suited to iOS devices while keeping the keyboard compatible with other tablets and compatible smartphones. In addition, the Bluetooth capability of the device has been upgraded to allow pairing with up to six devices. The compact, foldable keyboard also includes an iPhone stand to put the smaller device at a comfortable angle while typing.
USRobotics, well known for its line of modems and other internet accessories, has started offering accessories for tablets, smartphones and e-readers and netbooks, including two that are specifically for iOS devices -- though most are aimed at general tablet-sized devices to make them compatible with the widest variety of devices. The company offers three models of stands and two Bluetooth keyboards, and plan for other accessories in the future.
Zagg has announced a new keyboard for iPads and other mobile devices, the ZAGGkeys SOLO. The keyboard connects wirelessly via Bluetooth, and provides a base with a slot to display an iPad in a notebook-style configuration. It feeds on a 510mAh rechargeable lithium polymer battery, and include function keys for commands like Cut, Copy, Paste, Slideshow, Search and Home. It should start shipping August 15th in black, silver or white for $70. The company is now taking pre-orders.
Apple has won 10 new patents through the US Patent and Trademark Office, information shows. One notable example is the design of the current Apple keyboard with a numeric keypad. While the peripheral is relatively mundane outside of its thinness and aluminum chassis, two of the 16 people credited with the invention are Apple CEO Steve Jobs and VP of industrial design Jonathan Ive, signifying how important the shape of the product is.
Two newly-published Apple patent applications hint at possible product plans for the company. Most significant is one appearing to depict a sixth-generation touchscreen iPod nano, but with additional sensors such as ones for audio, motion or even temperature. Among these is a camera, something that was included on the fifth-generation Nano but conspicuously omitted in the shift to a smaller design.
Some aspects of the 2011 iMac hint that Apple is or was working on a backlit wireless keyboard, according to reports. Under Keyboard preferences in Mac OS X, for instance, new iMac owners can toggle an automatic illumination option. While standard on MacBook Pros, the option is normally missing on Macs which don't have a backlit keyboard built in.
Originally announced in May, Clamcase has finally begun selling its self-titled accessory for the iPad. When attached, the case effectively transforms an iPad into a netbook through the inclusion of a folding lid with a built-in keyboard. To allow the tablet to be used more conventionally, the display holder can be swiveled and folded back over the keyboard.
MacNN has reviewed the Tactile Pro 3 keyboard, made by Matias. Unlike some other recent models, the TP3 uses a very traditional design, with a conventional Mac layout, and a particular emphasis on old-style mechanical switches that provide an audible "click" whenever a key is pressed. One nod to modernity is the presence of a three-port USB hub.
Logitech's K750 attempts to solve one the most basic frustrations with wireless keyboards: having to buy and charge batteries. The unit has two solar strips built in, which Logitech claims are sensitive enough to keep the keyboard running off of artificial light, and not just the sun. In our review, we'll see whether this claim holds up, and whether the K750 works as a keyboard in general.
Contour Design have unveiled their latest version of the RollerMouse keyboard, the RollerMouse Pro2, which features new keyboard lifters to slope keyboards into one of three different settings for maximum comfort and reduced arm and wrist strain. The new version also features leatherette wrist supports and new buttons to make operations such as copy/paste and double-clicks easier and close to the user's natural hand positioning.
Accessory maker Sena has unveiled the Keyboard Folio, a new iPad case. While similar to some other leather folio-style cases, the Sena model includes a built-in Bluetooth keyboard, effectively transforming an iPad into a netbook. To that end, a stand on the back of the case can prop up an iPad for better viewing while typing.
OtterBox has announced three iPhone 4 cases, at the same time as WaterField has released new Apple Wireless Keyboard cases. The OtterBox Defender is a multi-layer ruggedized case, with a polycarbonate shell made of shatter-resistant material, and a clear screen cover built in. A swiveling belt clip is included, and a silicone skin wraps around and locks into the shell. In light of Apple's recent iPhone 4 reception issues, OtterBox is marketing the Defender as NAC tested for preventing signal problems.
Accompanying Apple's announcement of the iPad is news of five first-party accessories. The first is a case, which uses a folio-like design with a flap to protect the screen. Access remains open to all ports, and the cover can be folded back to prop up the device for easier typing.
Apple has posted Aluminum Keyboard Firmware Update 1.1, a new support download for Mac owners. The patch is meant exclusively for wired and wireless Apple keyboards from 2007, and in the latter case fixes bad battery performance, associated with using other Bluetooth devices like the Magic Mouse. Some complaints have mentioned keyboard battery life shrinking to as little as a week.
Microsoft's hardware division has announced a new keyboard, the Arc. The model is intended mainly for couch surfers, as its curve is designed to conform to a person's lap. For the same reason it has been built to be lightweight, sacrificing features like a numeric pad in order to weigh less than a pound.
Apple has filed for a patent on a touch-surface keyboard with tactile feedback, US Patent and Trademark Office documents show. A problem with typing on touchscreens is that users must typically look at the keys to know what is being pressed; by contrast, most physical keyboards allow people to gauge where their fingers are through bumps and ridges. Apple's solution would pop up an "articulating frame" whenever typing is engaged, and move it out of the way when it is not.
Gboard.com has released the Gboard, a shortcut keyboard designed specifically for Gmail users. The device provides 19 different Gmail shortcuts, for tasks such as marking spam or trash, forwarding or replying to e-mails, and adding or removing stars. The unit requires no initial software in order to work, and is color-coded to separate different task categories.
The Magic Mouse may be behind rapid battery drain on Apple's wireless keyboards, support forum complaints suggest. The keyboards are typically said to last several months on a single set of batteries, but after installing a Magic Mouse, battery life may shrink down to a span of two to three weeks or less. In extreme cases, users may have to replace batteries every week.
Avid has revamped its M-Audio Oxygen collection of USB-attached MIDI controllers. Each keyboard features DirectLink technology, which maps controls to production suites including Pro Tools, Cubase, Reason, Logic and GarageBand. Models are divided into 25-, 49- and 61-key versions.
iSkin has launched new ProTouch keyboard protectors for the MacBook, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. The skins come in three different forms: the Classic, FX and Vibes. Each is made of silicone and designed to prevent dust, food, liquids and hairs from affecting a keyboard, along with general wear. They can also be used to diminish typing noise, and make cleaning easier through handwashing.
KB Covers has launched the ClearSkin Ultra-Clear Keyboard Cover for the Mac. The new keyboard cover is made of 0.1mm clear plastic and is designed to protect the user’s keyboard from dust, dirt and spills. ClearSkin fits tightly against the laptop and still allows the lighting from backlit-keys to come through. As the cover gets dirty users can simply peel the plastic off their Mac and wash it with soap and water before placing it back on.
KB Covers has introduced its KB Keyboards, a new line of application keyboards based on Apple’s aluminum designs. The series displays shortcut keys for Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pro Tools and Media Composer. A special Midnight Keyboard utilizes black keys, and is meant to resemble the new MacBook and MacBook Pro keyboards. With the exception of the Midnight model, each keyboard combines icons and colors to help users find shortcuts.
Complementing Apple's new desktops is a new wired keyboard option. Simply called the Apple Keyboard, the device is a cheaper alternative to the existing wired model; gone is the numeric keypad, which does however provide the benefit of a smaller size. The design is modeled after Apple's aluminum wireless keyboard, which has always omitted the keypad.
Some users attempting to download and install the Mac OS X 10.5.6 update are are running into critical errors, discussions on Apple's support forums reveal. The most common problem consists of crashing or hanging, whether in the middle of an install or immediately thereafter. The crashes may be accompanied by kernel panics, though the contents of these panics can vary.
iKey has unveiled its latest rugged keyboard, the BT-87-TP, which offers wireless connection using Bluetooth. The keyboard is fully sealed and meets NEMA 4X specifications that require resistance from water, dirt, dust, ice, and corrosives. Designed for industrial use, the silicone covering allows the device to be submerged and disinfected. A touchpad has been integrated into the ABS polycarbonate case to offer an alternative to a standard mouse.
Corallo Software has updated VirtualKeyboard to version 3.5, adding numerous upgrades, including Spaces compatibility, a Universal Access zoom button and support for non-Roman alphabets such as Cyrillic. The software's main aim is to provide a point-and-click keyboard interface for users with disabilities; it can also be used as a teaching tool, however, and for kiosks. With VirtualKeyboard running, mouse-clicking on keys will send the keystroke to the active application. It handles Shift, Command and other modifier keys as well.
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.
M-Audio has released two new digital keyboards with built-in audio interfaces for songwriters and performers. The ProKeys Sono 61 and ProKeys Sono 88 are designed for keyboard artists who write, record and/or perform their music. They are compatible with MME and Mac OS X Core MIDI and require a minimum of a 1GHz G4-based Mac with 512MB RAM and a native USB port and are compatible with Mac OS X 10.3.9 and higher. The two keyboards differ primarily in the number of keys available, the 61-key ProKeys Sono 61 retails for $450 and the 88-key ProKeys Sono 88 retails for $550.
iSkin today announced its ProTouch silicone keyboard covers are now using Microban antimicrobial protection, which helps to inhibit odor and stains from surfacing on the products from sweat and dust. The Protouch line of protectors for the MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air, as well as for the aluminum and older model Apple keyboards all contain the protective substance. ProTouch skins are available ranging from $25 to $35, depending on the model.
IK Multimedia has announced the release of SampleTron, the second virtual instrument to be released from the Sonik Instruments range. SampleTron is a virtual instrument workstation featuring the a complete collection of authentic 'Tron' and other vintage keyboards instrument samples. The library includes 17 rare instrument sounds, together with a "Powered by SampleTank" engine, offering sample-based virtual instrument plug-in for every popular DAW and also as a standalone application for Macs The Tron anthology includes 2 GB of sounds, 640 presets and 260 multi-samples from 17 Mellotrons, Chamberlins , and their derivatives like the Optigan , Rhythmaster and more.
Apple has today officially been granted several patents by the US Patent and Trademark Office, among them two for some long-standing technologies. Of these the most important is Touch pad for handheld device; while its wording refers broadly to a "pocket sized handheld computing device," it is illustrated specifically with an image of the first/second-generation iPod, which had a manual control wheel with rim-mounted buttons. The patent application is more recent than that player, however, having only been submitted in March of 2006.
M-Audio today unveiled two new portable digital pianos, as well as a rack-mountable 8 x 8 audio MIDI interface. The Fast Track Ultra 8R features an MX Core DSP mixer and eight Octane-enabled preamps, and delivers connectivity through a single USB 2.0 connector. M-Audio advertises that the Ultra 8R low-noise, high-gain preamplification, and near-zero latency. M-Audio is selling the Fast Track Ultra 8R for $650, and will be available during the second quarter.
Apple recently won eight iF Product Design Awards at the CeBIT 2008 show in Hanover, Germany, out of nine products that were submitted for consideration. Out of 2771 products shown at the conference, 821 of them were considered for the awards, according to SetteB.IT. Apple's iPod nano, Classic, and Touch were among the winners, as well as the iPhone and Bluetooth headset. The standard USB and Bluetooth keyboards, and Apple's aluminum iMac also won accolades.
Anyone who uses a computer should learn to type, but not everyone has the time to learn. To teach typing, Ten Thumbs Typing Tutor offers a self-paced program that guides users from learning proper finger placement to measuring typing speed and accuracy. While designed for beginners, the program can also help intermediate typists improve their skills as well. Multiple users can create their own accounts and the program tracks the progress of each person. Ten Thumbs Typing tutor can even adapt to different keyboard layouts (such as the Dvorak layout), as well as foreign language keyboards.
A second Apple patent application, published today by the US Patent and Trademark Office, shows a new keyboard design that may change how some future Macs operate. Each key in the new layout has multiple OLED lights, which are tied to application-specific integrated circuits; the lights can form symbols specific to a command, and may in some cases be animated, across individual individual keys as well as whole groups. An unspecified form of tactile feedback may also be present.
