Microsoft has unveiled a new universal mobile keyboard designed to work with Android, iOS, and Windows mobile devices, iaiming to make things easier for everyone.
The new universal mobile keyboard from Microsoft will be available for purchase next month, carrying a price tag of roughly $80. The cross-platform accessory will pair up with your Android, iOS, or Windows device via the latest Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology.
"Today's tablets and smartphones are more powerful than ever, enabling people to be productive on the go. However, typing on the small, virtual on-screen-keyboard of a smartphone or tablet can be uncomfortable and inefficient," Microsoft reckons in a new blog post announcing the accessory. "It's also common for people to carry multiple mobile devices and use the one that is best suited for the specific scenario they're in - an iPad while in a coffee shop, a Samsung Galaxy S4 while sitting on an airplane, a Windows laptop in their hotel room."
"With all these different devices, people frequently find they have a mixture of operating system platforms, resulting in them having to carry different accessories for each device. Microsoft's new Universal Mobile Keyboard helps address that - it works with iPad, iPhone, Android devices and Windows tablets."
Moreover, this universal mobile keyboard will also come with a protective cover that includes an integrated stand for a tablet or a smartphone. Users will be able to detach this cover from the keyboard if they find it more convenient and comfortable. At the same time, simply opening up the cover on the keyboard will power up the keys, while closing the cover will power it off.
As it is compatible with three operating systems, the new Microsoft universal mobile keyboard is designed with an OS switch, allowing users to easily go from one OS to another while still being able to enjoy a fully functional keyboard.
Microsoft has also included a Home Key button, which will immediately take you to the home screen of the device currently in use. The universal mobile keyboard also has a rechargeable battery and should last for up to six months of use, according to Microsoft.
The new Microsoft Universal Mobile Keyboard will be generally available in October this year for an estimated retail price of $79.95, and will go on sale on the Microsoft Store and various other retailers. No exact launch date is available at this point, but we'll keep you up to date as soon as more information becomes available. In the meantime, check out the demo video below.
