Oh Microsoft, it looks as if another peripheral manufacturer plans to take on your Wedge Mobile Keyboard. California-based Jorno revealed on Wednesday a competing Bluetooth mobile keyboard using the same name. It's currently a Kickstarter project, looking for $100,000 USD by October 17.
Whereas Microsoft's solution packs Windows 8 buttons and a cover that converts into a tablet stand, Jorno's solution actually folds five ways into a box, allowing users to stash it away in their pocket, purse, backpack and whatnot like a Nintendo DS. Unfolded and laid out flat, the Bluetooth peripheral measures around 8.5-inches wide, and stands 0.3-inches tall, offering a full set of keys.
"Jorno is made of metals and premium plastic resins designed to withstand the mobile lifestyle," reads the Kickstarter description. "Its compact size allows you to put it in your pocket and go. It also stays rigid when unfolded for use in your lap."
And unlike Microsoft's Wedge Mobile Keyboard, this folding gadget comes with a cradle that securely holds a phone or tablet in either portrait or landscape orientation. There's also a stowable kickstand and a rubberized surface to hold the connected device securely.
"We are incredibly excited to introduce a mobile keyboard to the market, which offers such a unique and essential design that has yet to be created," said Scott Starrett, CEO and Founder, Jorno. "We are passionate about this innovation and are certain it is the next big thing in the mobile productivity arena."
The actual dimensions of the Jorno keyboard are 3.5 x 3.5 x 1.2-inches (88.9 x 88.9 x 30.5-mm) folded, and 8.5 x 3.5 x 0.3-inches (215.9 x 88.9 x 7.6-mm) unfolded. It comes packed with a rechargeable lithium ion battery, offering up to 1 month of wireless productivity per charge based on normal usage. A microUSB cable for charging the device is also included.
For more information about this five-way folding mobile Bluetooth keyboard, head to the Kickstarter page here.
