14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has just announced the release of the so-called Universal Mobile Keyboard that works with pretty much every single tablet on the market, turning them into more productive devices which can be used to create and edit documents faster.
Redmond already has its very own keyboard for its own Surface, available in two versions, Touch and Type Covers, but the new device can be used with any Windows, iOS, and Android tablet on the market, as it connects through Bluetooth and comes with an integrated stand.
While it might sound a bit awkward for Apple fanboys to use a Microsoft keyboard, there’s no doubt that such an accessory could really come in handy, especially to those who can barely use the virtual keyboard displayed on the screen.
Microsoft has obviously tried to make the keyboard useful for both iOS and Android, so it also comes with a “cmd” key that’s being offered on all Apple keyboards and with a home button for Android.
Integrated battery, easy pairing with 3 devices
Microsoft says that with the Universal Mobile Keyboard, every tablet out there becomes the right companion when trying to “get stuff done while you’re on the go.” In a surprising way, this sounds like Surface marketing, but Microsoft says that the keyboard can pair with up to 3 devices with different operating systems and switch between them thanks to a dedicated key.
This means that in case you have a Surface, an iPad, and a Nexus, you can use all of them with the keyboard, and the only thing you have to do is easily toggle the Bluetooth mode.
The keyboard also comes with a protective cover for its buttons, but also with a rechargeable battery that provides up to 6 months of usage on a single charge.
To power up the keyboard, just flip the cover open, while to shut it down you only need to close the cover.
No Windows logo, but “made for iPhone and iPad”
Since it was designed to work with all tablets on the market, Microsoft didn’t place a Windows logo on the keyboard, but instead, its official webpage states that it was made for iPhone and iPad, just like any other Apple certified product.
The keyboard can work with Windows 8 and Windows RT, iOS 6 or newer, Android 4 or newer, and requires Bluetooth keyboard support. Its integrated stand fits devices 10mm or thinner.
It will go on sale in October, and according to Microsoft, it will have a price tag of $79.95 (€62).
