Elecom, the Japanese electronics manufacturer, has launched the world's first NFC-enabled keyboard designed for Android smartphones.The portable keyboard, named TK-FNS040BK, is designed in collaboration with Norwegian firm One2Touch.
The TK-FNS040BK uses the radio frequency of 13.56MHz band and complies with the NFC IP-1 ISO communication standard and can be used at a distance of about 10mm.
User needs to install the software and once the configuration is done, the NFC-enabled Android phone has to be placed in the middle of the keyboard and start typing.
The TK-FNS040BK keyboard weighs only 143 grams and is easily portable. Elecom also packs in its own battery with the keyboard, which according to the company will last 18 months if used for eight hours per day. Post that, the user has to replace the keyboard.
The 34cm, 45-key waterproof keyboard is made out of silicon and requires no cables, no pairing with the device, and no battery charge.
The newly launched keyboard, however, is not cheap as it comes with a price tag of $240.
NFC is used for contact-free payments to complete credit card transactions via the phone. The technology can also be used instead of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for connecting accessories.
Elecom has not disclosed its plans on when or whether the keyboard will be launched outside Japan.
Check out how the new NFC-enabled keyboard works in the video below.
