Microsoft Shows Tablet With 'RearType Keyboard'
Bye-bye touchscreen!
Microsoft Research is showing off RearType, a tablet with a full QWERTY keyboard on the back of the device. The setup is designed to allow for easy typing when using a touchscreen device and is an interesting mix of split keyboards (which we're all familiar with) and rear-input methods.
We've seen rear input systems before. In fact, judging from patents filed by Apple and Samsung, it may not be long before we see an iPod Nano with a touch sensitive controls on the back, and a Samsung tablet with a second screen on the rear of the device. However, we haven't seen one quite like this before.
Microsoft Research has split the traditional QWERTY keyboard and rotated it so that when you grip the tablet and touch the buttons on the back, your fingers are still resting on the same keys as a traditional QWERTY.
Obviously, a device like this would take some getting used to, but Microsoft Research says that after an hour of practice using special training software, users got up to a speed of about 15 WPM, which is comparable to what users with a touchscreen can achieve.
Do you think this is a good solution to the fact that in these very touchy-feely times, many people are having trouble with onscreen keyboards, or missing the tactile feedback from buttons? Let us know in the comments below!
(via CrunchGear)
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what? and I thought M$ is championing voice recognition.
In true MS fashion, the tagline for this would be something like "Use your fingers on your rear today!"...
Over complicating a simple problem. Besides, the guy in the picture is holding it wrong.
Can't rotate the tablet.
These days, companies are just creating as many different products as possible without giving sufficient thought to their potential use, market niche and actual usability. Using this device would be very uncomfortable. Gripping with my thumb and typing on the back with my fingers? Keyboard + screen = netbook. There's no need for this.
15 WPM. And are these people touch typists on regular keyboards? That's kinda of a big factor.
This will fail....
it might work im sure they wont have such big and ugly keys on the back... and nobody yet knows how it feels while typing might be better off with a touch sensitive with maybe a little response at press would work...
still though would take some time to get used to
Is this a joke?
As long as we're making hidden keyboards, why not go with dvorak?
I don't know that I'd buy it, but I would definitely like to try it. It looks interesting.
why not make a keyboard that folds down and away from the screen. The keyboard could also prop up the screen so you don't have sit there and hold it.
The old TC 1100 had it right - you make a keyboard unit that doubles as a tablet stand and a screen cover when transporting it. That would be much more useful - and if they didn't use a dock connector but a USB cable, then they could make the stand work for portrait and landscape mode...
...or they could just put in the the excellent Windows 7 inking option. (Yeah, I said it again.)
And people make fun of Apple?
And this is pure GOLD, Jerry!
15 wpm after a whole hour of practice? Must be from how awkward it would be to grip the tablet. I remember faring better while new to the iPhone... that's using two thumbs.
Uh...I'm not liking this for some reason.
I love stories that startle me and make me think " I didn't realize it was April 1st again!"
Well done Microsoft, you got me again!
Microsoft has the worst interface and usability development department. I hate to say this, but they need to take a page from Apple in this area they are the WORST at.
They didn't want to be accused of copying the iPad so they based it on an accordion. I could see a music app for that.
they should have designed the keys differently ... looks like a typewriter. what happens to "press any key to continue hdd wipe" when you suddenly put the tablet down?
Looks too clunky. Almost reminds me of a commadore lol
Here's me typing on a tablet with backwards keypads....
now here's me typing on the tablet when i set it on a table
asdjfckv/jkl;adfsradks.dlv;jkfwjkdiucxkdsioejkcdfif'ij
Just throw on the xbox controller buttons on the back and a really good accelerometer and im good.
I like this better than keyboards popping up. To me this is probably the best solution I have seen yet. Slap some nicer keys on there and I think you got a winner.
Will it play crysis ?
While it may be a viable method to typing on a tablet, simply the look of it will intimidate people. Probably better off not trying.
I won't type like that for sure.
I can barely use 6 fingers when typing, MS how are you going to teach me to type backwards?
If this is your master plan... Make an efficient, solid and detachable wireless keyboard. Make the device touch screen. Those alternate methods did not worked before, 2 decades ago, even there were extremely fast and efficient users, 99% people ended with the qwerty keyboards.
Is aKIN to fail.
Looks interesting. Not interesting enough to PAY for, but I'd like to play with a demo unit in a store...
Good timing. The Youtube video where Ballmer laughs over the iPhone and dismissing it with "it doesn't even have a keyboard" was getting old. This is a new winner...