Microsoft’s Universal Keyboard Now Folds In Two
Microsoft launched a wireless Universal Mobile Keyboard months ago, but this week Microsoft have developed a new and even more mobile edition of this keyboard that will launch in July, called Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard.
(UPDATE: Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard Taking Orders)
The keyboard is spill-resistant like the Universal Mobile Keyboard from before only now it also splits in the middle and folds up like a leather wallet, making it even more mobile. This isn't a new invention, as wireless foldable keyboards have been around for years, in various qualities. Microsoft's Universal Foldable Keyboard will be released for $99.95, which is substantially more than the most popular universal foldable keyboard on the market to day, the iWerkz Universal Foldable Keyboard
It's not spill-resistant like Microsoft's Universal Foldable Keyboard is, but at that price I'd forgive the only drawback it has. Microsoft have usually built good hardware where both the general quality and the functionality have been satisfying so I'm still looking forward to the release of their first foldable keyboard though.
The keys have the same texture as that of the Surface Type Cover keyboard, with smooth and short key stroke travel for fast typing. So you may think of it as a Surface Type Cover keyboard split in half. It's a universal keyboard, which means that it fits not just Windows tablets and phones, but also Apple and Android tablets and phones, since the connection between the keyboard and the tablet or phone happens wirelessly via Bluetooth.
The Universal Foldable Keyboard is 147mm wide when folded, and 295mm when unfolded and put to use. The thickness of it when folded is 11.5mm. It is compatible with tablets and phones running Windows 8 / 8.1, Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2, Apple iOS 7 to 8.1 and above, and Android 4.3 to 5.0 and above. So as you might expect, the device you want to use it with must have support for Bluetooth 4.0 or higher, which should not be an issue with most devices sold the last two-three years anyway. But always check ahead anyway if you are unsure of the Bluetooth version on board your tablet or phone.
– Tom Bowen
Jim's passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”