If you are like most people in this mobile generation, you almost always have a smartphone, a tablet and a laptop with you whenever you’re traveling or just moving from one meeting to another. The problem sometimes is that you want to use both your smartphone and tablet as more than just a device that you slide or swipe through, but like you would a regular laptop or desktop. Microsoft is proposing a solution to that with its new Universal Mobile Keyboard.
Yes, it’s not a virtual keyboard but an actual one where you can dock your device, whether the platform is Android, Windows or iOS. With its protective case, you can lug it in your bag and anywhere you want. As soon as you remove the cover, it automatically turns on and off it goes when you shut down the cover. It connects with your device through Bluetooth and has an integrated, detachable stand so you can choose where you place your device while typing.
So this means, if you’re at an airport and you suddenly have to answer the email of your boss, but it’s too lengthy to just rely on your smartphone, you can whip out the universal keyboard and type out your email just like you would on your desktop. Or if you need to revise a presentation you’ll be giving, but it’s saved on your tablet, again, you can just use your spanking new keyboard to make those changes.
You have to wait a few more weeks to get yourself one of these though, as it will be available starting October this year. The SRP for the Universal Mobile Keyboard at the Microsoft Store and other retailers is $79.95.
SOURCE: Microsoft
So, long story short. Microsoft is coming out with a Bluetooth keyboard.
Not sure why everyone is making such a BIG DEAL about this. Must be Microsoft’s PR department reaching out to all sites.
But you DO realize this this is JUST a Bluetooth keyboard like 100 others out there, and they ALL work on Android, iOS, etc – RIGHT?!
Yet this one is somehow promoted as the single kind of keyboard on the market. Also, there are others much better than this. Check out some of Logitech’s for example.
It is a big deal because Microsoft itself is a manufacturer of Lumia series of mobiles and tablets. Cross-platform accessories from Logitech make sense because Logitech is… well… an accessory manufacturer. Microsoft, on the other hand, is not. They are *supposed to* make accessories only for Windows products, which is usually the norm. Just like Apple makes accessories only for Apple products. Making cross-platform accessories means that Microsoft admits there is competition, and they are the underdogs.