One2Touch NFC keyboard hits shelves in Japan
Just drop your smartphone on this silicone pad and type your heart out. No cables, no pairing, and no problem folding it up to go.
Hate thumbing e-mails on your phone? Japan's Elecom is launching One2Touch's portable keyboard that connects with your handset via near field communication (NFC). When you don't need it, just fold it up and slip it into your pocket.
Announced earlier this year, the silicone rubber accessory is billed as the word's first full-size keyboard for smartphones that does without cables, pairing, and battery charging; the internal battery lasts about 18 months.
The device works with Android and the NFC IP-1 protocol. You simply plonk your NFC handset in the middle of it and start banging away on the keys. Check out the promo vid below.
Elecom is launching it as the TK-FNS040BK in Japan at the end of August for some $240 including a carrying case. The keyboard weighs about 5 ounces.
The peripherals giant will sell the device in eight Asian countries, according to Web site NFC World, which added that One2Touch is in talks with phone makers to bring the keyboard to the U.S. and Europe.