The possibility of connect keyboards to mobile devices it is becoming more and more popular. Once the initial fascination with touchscreens has been abandoned, it seems that more and more users and manufacturers are recognizing that the touchscreen is terribly useful for some things but not especially for typing. The keyboard is once again a necessity especially for work environments.
We are seeing many convertible tablets that can incorporate a keyboard by connecting it through a 40-pin port and other similar ports, as is the case with the range Asus Transformer or Microsoft Surface. We also know keyboards that work via USB and other connections such as Bluetooth. In fact, we recently offered a list.
Well, as far as wirelessly connected keyboards are concerned at the moment, those of Bluetooth are more popular but we already see many devices that also include NFC connectivity (Near Field Communication) is beginning to take shape. This technology allows two devices to communicate as long as they are in contact or at a distance of less than 1cm. We will see little by little accessories that take advantage of this communication much safer than Bluetooth since it is not so easy to hack it because it requires total proximity. One of its most obvious applications would be payment via mobile or access by key to services by NFC.
The Japanese manufacturer Elecom has taken an important first step and has taken the first NFC keyboard for mobile. Elecom had already manufactured numerous keyboards for iOS and Android mobile devices using Bluetooth and in this field it has decided to be a pioneer.
The keyboard in question is used for Android mobile devices and the prototype has been dubbed TK-FNS040BK. Use the NFC IP-1 ISO protocol communication, although for it to work you must download Elecom's own application that acts as a driver yet to be released.
The phone in a horizontal position is placed between the two sides of a keyboard split in two. We imagine that there would also fit a 7-inch tablet upright, although it is essential that they are in contact. The hands would surround the device to be able to access the keyboard and work more comfortably. It has its own battery that is said to last between 6 and 12 months.
Although the keyboard may seem long, then it is foldable and fits in a small case that allows it to be transported easily. In fact, its weight is only 143 grams. The bad part is the price. It is expected to be around $ 240, that is, about 195 Euros. There are very few devices with which it is compatible but they work to increase that list. We'll be alert.
Source: Geek.com