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Microsoft may be testing special arched keyboard for WP 8

Microsoft has introduced a slew of new features for the to-be-launched Windows Phone 8, most of which ...

Rossi Fernandes|Jul 02, 2012, 18:13:02 IST

Microsoft has introduced a slew of new features for the to-be-launched Windows Phone 8, most of which have been talked about quite a lot. However, one feature that may have slipped under the radar might be a new type of keyboard that the company has been testing. According to reports, the new keyboard has a curved feel that facilitates typing with one hand. This special arched keyboard surfaced due to a leaked Microsoft Research presentation and appears to be a one-handed soft keyboard for Windows Phone 8 that Microsoft has been testing for a while now. As can be seen from the image, the entire keyboard is slightly arched with a lot of keys grouped together; looks pretty interesting! It's still not known if users have to swipe around the keys or simply type as on a normal keyboard, but the look is pretty interesting so far.

Interesting!

Mobile operating systems these days are primarily designed for touchscreens and don't always succeed in delivering a great typing experience. The cheaper the phone, the lower the touchscreen quality. Typing becomes irksome due to constricted onscreen keyboards, minute buttons, accidental presses and so on. Platforms such as Android have keyboard alternatives developed by third-party app developers. As of now, there are no official alternate keyboard add-ons announced for Windows Phone 8, but Microsoft appears to be doing the best it can to make the typing experience as good as possible.

Microsoft's recently announced Windows Phone 8 sports a complete bouquet of features:

Multi-core processor support – Windows Phone was a slick OS that ran smoothly on handsets with a single processor. The latest OS now features multi-core support with Belfoire, claiming that they’re ready for whatever hardware makers dream up.
Bigger, sharper screens - Windows Phone 8 supports two new screen resolutions—1280x768 and 1280x720, making it compatible with new handsets that will feature high-definition 720p displays.
More flexible storage - Windows Phone 8 supports removable MicroSD cards so users can stuff their phone with extra photos, music, and whatever else is important and then easily move it all onto their PC.
NFC wireless sharing - In Windows Phone 8, NFC helps make sharing photos, Office docs, and contact info easier. One can achieve this by tapping their phone on another NFC-equipped device.
Internet Explorer 10 - The next version of Windows Phone comes with the same web browsing engine that’s headed for Window 8 PCs and tablets. Microsoft claims that IE10 is faster and more secure, with advanced anti-phishing features like SmartScreen Filter to block dangerous websites and malware.
Wallet - Windows Phone 8’s new digital Wallet feature does two things. It can keep debit and credit cards, coupons, boarding passes and other important info right at one’s fingertips. And when paired with a secure SIM from your carrier, users can also pay for things with a tap of your phone at compatible checkout counters.
Better maps and directions - Windows Phone 8 builds in Nokia Maps as part of the platform. This partnership will provide more detailed maps and turn-by-turn directions in many countries, plus the ability to store maps offline on your phone so you can work with maps without a data connection.
Improved apps and games – Microsoft states that basing Windows Phone 8 on the Windows core will unleash a new wave of apps and games.

By Rossi Fernandes

Our resident Hardware Ninja, Rossi, lives for speed - by uhh riding his bicycle. He's Tech2's utility man, dividing his time between cameras, software and intense bouts of Quake III. He's also a fan of all things obscure, case in point, Live for Speed (sic). Never heard of it? We rest our case. In his spare time he tries to teach our new joinees the tricks of the trade even though the blood sweat and tears, but give him a camera and all things forgotten.