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Microsoft introduces wireless All-in-One Media Keyboard

by Mark Tyson on 17 April 2014, 13:59

Tags: Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Windows 8

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qacdgb

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Microsoft has added a new All-in-One Media Keyboard to its Windows 8 hardware line up. The wireless input peripheral combines a full-size keyboard with a built-in multitouch trackpad.

While the wireless keyboard could be used with any USB-equipped Windows 7 or newer computer it is also compatible with Apple OSX v10.7-10.9, Android 4.03 or newer and USB HID-compatible games consoles and Smart TVs. It is primarily designed to aid users on interaction with their living room HTPCs and SmartTVs, as the built-in touchpad eliminates the need to scoot a standalone mouse along your leg or living-room sofa cushions. This means that consumers can better handle functions and features such as web browsing and apps.

Besides the touchpad, the All-in-One Media Keyboard also features convenient media-playing controls such as volume and mute. It comes with a wireless transceiver which plugs into a USB port. A left-click button at the top corner of the device also allows users to hold the keyboard in two hands and click without having to retreat to the trackpad.

The keyboard has also been extensively tested for use in the living room as the video below, found by NeoWin, demonstrates. It features a spill-resistant design and can also withstand bumps, drops and other accidents that may take place in a living-room situation.

With it being a Microsoft keyboard, the Function row hosts a range of Windows 8-specific commands including Settings, Search and Charms bar shortcuts. The multi-touch trackpad will also allow two simultaneous inputs allowing swipe, scroll and zoom actions. Users who are pairing the keyboard with a touchscreen device will also be able to bring up the charms bar and switch between apps with Windows 8-specific swiping commands. "With customizable hotkeys for the Web, music, photos and movies, you can quickly access your favourite media with one touch," reads the product info sheet.

Other key(board) specifications

  • Product dimensions: 367 x 132 x 19.4mm
  • Weight: 434g including 2x AAA batteries
  • Keyboard localisation: most major countries/languages supported
  • Wireless tech: Microsoft Nano Transceiver v2.0, 2.4 GHz frequency, 10 meters (33 feet) typical range, 128-bit AES encryption
  • Durability: QWERTY: 5,000,000 actuations per key, Media and Mouse Keys: 500,000 actuations per key
  • Battery life: typically 9 months (alkaline)
  • Made in: China

The All-in-One Media Keyboard will be available sometime in April priced at $39.95 and can be purchased from participating retailers such as Microsoft Store, Best Buy and more.



HEXUS Forums :: 10 Comments

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Not long bought a Logitech k400r, only issue with it is sitting back on the couch with the keyboard in my lap blocks the signal.

If the Microsoft is better in that respect then I might pick one up.
I've yet to find a wireless inpt device that doesn't lose signal occasionally, but assuming the touchpad supports Win 8 gestures that's actually a kind of tempting device.

Wonder if they'll make a wired version for those of us stuck in the technological dark ages who don't trust this new-fangled wireless nonsense…. ;)
Wonder if these will work with Android TV dongles / Chrome cast etc
Well it is not designed for the living room.

I bought about a year ago a cheap wireless/trackball combo from Maplin for about £20. It is about the size of an xbox control has left/right mounse keys where you find fire keys on a games controller.

Sure the build quality is not great and it takes a few secs to wake up from sleep mode, but as a controller for the living room it works well and fits in with TV remotes. A better built version would be excellent.
it's about time really… now if they could have just had backlit keys it would have been perfect