latest
Samsung's Apple-looking Bluetooth keyboard for DeX is now official
It'll work with just about anything, but using it with Galaxy gadgets unlocks some more functions
Read update
Samsung is introducing a new Bluetooth keyboard designed for those who work on the go. Compatible with your desktop, tablet, phone, and whatever else you can think of, the Smart Keyboard Trio 500 apes recent designs from Apple and Logitech with a triple-device quick switch function, but it’s built from the ground up with the company’s DeX software in mind.Taking a glance at the Trio 500, you might mistake it for an Apple Magic keyboard, or an Anker design built along the same lines. But the function row has a few extra tools included, on top of the usual device one, two, and three switches. It has a function button to activate DeX, the desktop-style interface for Samsung phones and tablets, and three quick app launch functions. Naturally both of those features only work on a Galaxy device compatible with DeX.
An enterprising GeForce Forums user has stumbled upon a way of enabling split-screen multitasking on everybody's favorite Android TV box, the Nvidia Shield TV. It's not entirely practical, but if you've got a keyboard you can connect to the device, you can run two apps side by side on your television.
It wouldn't be fair to call the Razer Forge TV a failure. No, that simply wouldn't be right. If I did that, I'd miss the opportunity to call it a half-baked, poorly-supported product that lags behind even the limited field of Android TV devices like a three-legged dog chasing a nitrous-powered mail truck. Almost a year after its US launch the set-top box is still inexplicably incompatible with Netflix, the promised PC game streaming software feature has disappeared, and even after being injected with the decrepit soul of OUYA the Forge is basically a dead platform. But there's one last thing to report on before we can finally lay it to rest: the Turret.
HTC's Hot Deals change weekly, some weeks featuring discounts on accessories, others going all in with some cool hardware offers. This week's deal is mostly about the Nexus 9 which is seeing its price slashed by 40%. This isn't the first time HTC has discounted the Nexus 9 by that much, but they often sell out of units fast. This time also comes with an added perk, but only if you're interested in the 32GB LTE version of the tablet.
On-screen keyboards have gotten a lot better in recent years, but sometimes you just want real keys. The LG Rolly Wireless Keyboard can pair with your Android device over Bluetooth, and it folds up into a little tube for easy transport. It's on sale via Best Buy today only for $79.99. That's $40 cheaper than the Amazon price.This is a 48-key keyboard with chiclet keys and a built-in phone/tablet stand. The layout looks kind of bizarre to me, but I'm admittedly a keyboard snob. The LG Rolly Keyboard connects to your device over Blueooth and is powered by a single AAA battery. It's just a Bluetooth HID, so it ought to work with anything packing a Bluetooth radio.
I'm always looking for that perfect Bluetooth keyboard — one that is small and easy to carry, but large enough to comfortably type on, compatible with Android and iOS, and can connect to multiple devices at the same time. See, I always envision myself as the free-spirited type of person who goes to a cafe, orders a cappuccino, and pulls out a tablet with a keyboard to get work done as if I'm too hip to work at an office but too busy to wait until later. Suffice it to say, I'm never that cool, but I think LG may have gotten the closest to my fantasy with its Rolly Keyboard (model KBB-700).
I love me some Microsoft keyboards - for my money their layout and key designs beat Logitech any day. The company's latest entry into the mobile accessory market is a Bluetooth keyboard designed to be as tiny and compact as possible, folding lengthways into a rough square just 5.8 inches across and less than half an inch thick, about the same size as a CD case. Fold it open and you've got a full six-row keyboard ready to be paired with a phone, tablet, or even a full desktop computer, and Microsoft claims that the Universal Foldable Keyboard is made with Android, iOS, and Windows in mind.
Sprinkled inside the big M letter slide during Google I/O was a list of new features on the platform, most of which we have discussed (and some of which we are still to discuss) in our M Feature Spotlight articles. One of these was a mysterious "Undo/Redo keyboard shortcuts" that you can spot in the seventh line on the left in the image below.
As someone who spends all day in front of computer screens, I'm somewhat picky when it comes to input devices. I prefer Logitech mice, but their keyboards are always too mushy and over-designed for my taste - I'll take a chunky, clicky Microsoft keyboard every time. This being the case, I more or less ignored Logitech's admittedly cool K480 universal Bluetooth keyboard, which is designed to work seamlessly across Windows, Android, and iOS. Now that Microsoft is making essentially the same product, I am officially interested.
Desk space is a valuable commodity for most of us, and the last thing anybody wants to do is sacrifice a huge area to put down a second keyboard. On the other hand, who among us doesn't hate to switch back and forth between the keyboard and your phone while working and responding to text messages? If this is a familiar feeling, Logitech's just announced K480 Bluetooth keyboard might fit your not-so-uncommon demands. It's designed to connect with up to 3 devices simultaneously, and switch between them with the turn of a dial.
There are a lot of Bluetooth keyboards aimed at Android tablets, but ASUS' Transformer series of tablets and docks has long been a favorite of those who prefer a full laptop-style form factor. ASUS is trying to bring that same experience (or at least part of it) to a broader range of devices with the TransKeyboard, revealed on the company's YouTube channel late last night.
There have been plenty of times over the course of many lengthy emails sent from my smartphone that I've wished for a keyboard shaped like something between a heavily armored headless bird and a stingray that's missing its tail. Okay, I may not have worded the wish quite in that way, but the point is that a new Kickstarter project is available that promises to make it come true nonetheless. The TREWGrip Mobile QWERTY is a handheld typing device and mouse that will give your smartphone wings.
There's no denying the usefulness of a keyboard when doing a lot of text input on Android, and there's no shortage of Bluetooth options that fit the bill perfectly. Anyone who spends a lot of time in email or a text editor likely has one of these handy little accessories laying around, but if that user also owns a Nexus device with 4.3, then they're in for a bit of a surprise the next time it's paired up: many Bluetooth keyboards no longer work post-update.
If you do a lot of text entry on your tablet or smartphone, then you know what a cumbersome process it is. Pounding out a 200 word email on that touchscreen isn't the only option, though - you need to get yourself a Bluetooth keyboard.
Earlier this week, I took a look at the new Bluetooth keyboard for mobile devices from ZAGG, the ZAGGkeys Flex. Since one can never have enough gadgets for their gadgets, today we're going to look at Logitech's offering to the Android tablet realm. While this keyboard isn't brand-spanking new (it has been out for a year or so), it's still just as relevant as it was on release day; given the increase in popularity of Android tablets, perhaps even more so.Before we get into the the good and bad aspects of this keyboard, though, let's first take a look at the details. [important]
It's no secret that I love tablets - I find them to be incredibly useful and fun tools. In fact, I've spent a lot of time as of late reviewing and comparing the most recent additions to the tablet world to one another. As much as I love tablets, though, they're not the best for productivity without some good accessories. Of those accessories, the most useful addition is, without a doubt, a Bluetooth keyboard; truth be told, I actually prefer a good Bluetooth keyboard and stand over the Transformer Series' keyboard dock in most cases - it's just a more portable and convenient option for me.Thus, when I got a chance to review the new ZAGGkeys Flex keyboard, I jumped on it. This keyboard is a really neat accessory to have, as it caters especially to those who have both an Android and iDevice, and it can sync to both for easy switching (granted, you will have to pair it each time if using with multiple devices).So, without further ado, let's take a look at the good and bad aspects of this keyboard. [important]
There's no question – a good Bluetooth keyboard can enhance your tablet's productivity by leaps and bounds. The only trouble, though, is the hassle of navigating a touch screen while typing. This is where a Bluetooth mouse comes in handy. If you've been thinking of grabbing these accessories for your Android tablet, Motorola is providing you with a great chance, offering their Bluetooth keyboard for just $39.99 (that's $30 off list price), and throwing in a Bluetooth mouse (normally $29.99) for free.
I have a confession to make: I'm incredibly jealous of Transformer owners. Not because of the tablet itself, but the super-sick laptop dock. Don't get me wrong -- I love the tablet, too, but that dock just does it for me. It's functional, useful, and brings things to the Transformer that I can only wish my Galaxy Tab 10.1 had.
When most people get a new device of any kind, one of the first things that they start looking for is good accessories. For tablets, some of the more sought after add-ons include keyboards for added functionality and cases to protect the investment, but the brilliant minds over at Logitech decided that it would be much more practical to combine the two with the new keyboard case designed specifically for the Galaxy Tab 10.1.
In an effort to get XOOMs flying off the shelves for Father's Day and graduation time, Motorola is offering a pretty sweet deal: between now and June 14th, if you buy a XOOM directly from them, you'll get a free Bluetooth keyboard (valued at $69.99). If that deal isn't already sweet enough, though, you'll also get free 2-day shipping on the order.