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Ultraportable Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard cavorts with iOS, Android, Windows gear (hands-on)

Microsoft unfolds a new accessory -- a platform-agnostic keyboard that works with the major mobile operating systems.

Jessica Dolcourt Senior Director, Commerce & Content Operations
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Expertise Content strategy, team leadership, audience engagement, iPhone, Samsung, Android, iOS, tips and FAQs.
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Jessica Dolcourt

BARCELONA -- A pair of midrange smartphones wasn't the only hardware that Microsoft unveiled at its first Mobile World Congress since finalizing the purchase of Nokia's devices business.

The company also debuted the Universal Foldable Keyboard, a thin, portable keyboard that connects through Bluetooth to the iPhone and iPad, Android devices, and Windows Phones and tablets.

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It's a small square of a device, with a matte grey finish and a magnetic closure that keeps the two halves together. You unfold it to see a keyboard that's split down the central folding seam. Some keys are larger than others, but they're responsive and spring back when you type.

Unfolding Microsoft's Universal Foldable Keyboard (photos)

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I didn't get much time with the accessory for tablets and phones, but I was able to type about a paragraph's worth of text. To me, it's one of those physical configurations you have to get used to using. I noticed I made a lot of initial errors, though typing did feel fast.

Otherwise, the keyboard itself is fairly sparse, with just a Micro-USB charging port along the right edge.

Microsoft announced the Universal Foldable Keyboard along with two midrange phones, the Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL .

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Take a tour of the phones at Mobile World Congress 2015

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