Hasta La Gadget!

We’ve seen a few wacky split keyboards in our day, and even the occasional back-typing peripheral, but Microsoft Research has just congealed the core ideas into a why-didn’t-I-think-of-that device for mobile use. Dubbed RearType, the QWERTY solution literally sticks a three-row keyboard on the back of a tablet PC, allowing users to have the same physical sensation as on laptop or desktop without taking up valuable touchscreen real estate. While there’s still a few kinks to be worked out of the system (like how to set it down without triggering input) and no plans yet for commercial availability, a brief study showed users could attain 15WPM speeds on average with a single hour of training, and one participant managed to eke out a healthy 47WPM in the same timeframe. We imagine a certain Motorola device is feeling a mite jealous right about now. See the front of the (non-Microsoft) tablet right after the break, and read the full study at our more coverage link.

Continue reading Microsoft Research reveals RearType, puts QWERTY back where it belongs

Microsoft Research reveals RearType, puts QWERTY back where it belongs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 20:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink SlashGear  |  ZDNet  | Email this | Comments

Nearly three years to the day after its original introduction, Razer’s Lachesis (also known as a sniper’s best friend) is seeing its first major upgrade. The most significant of which is the 3.5G Precision sensor, which bumps the dpi from 4,000 (previously) to 5,600 (now). For the eye-candy lovers, there’s also a functionally worthless customizable multi-color LED lighting system, but it’s bound to extract a few oohs and aahs at your next LAN party. Other than the new threads and the enhanced eye, the critter is remaining the same as it ever was, but mama always said not to worry over reinventing the (scroll) wheel. Check it later this month for $79.99, and feel free to start scoping out an appropriate burial spot for your original.

Continue reading Razer Lachesis gets new 5600dpi sensor, customizable LEDs, new lease on life

Razer Lachesis gets new 5600dpi sensor, customizable LEDs, new lease on life originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 07:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Hot Hardware  |  Razer  | Email this | Comments

Check it out, Clearwire has decided to do up an Apple-centric version of its Spot 4G hotspot, so it’s quite naturally fashioned it in the shape of a Magic Mouse and stuck an i prefix to the front of the device. Really, there’s nothing new or Apple-exclusive that we can see here — up to eight devices can hook up to this portable 4G emitter via WiFi and the only (see update) authentication required is a password. So yes, like a lot of products before it, the iSpot has done the ignoble thing of associating itself with iPhones, iPads and iPod touches just because those devices are considered the cool kids of the digital playground today. Then again, Clearwire might decide to be difficult and refuse to sell you one of those excellent-sounding $25 (pre-tax) a month 4G broadband packages that go with the iSpot if you don’t have an i-something else in tow. If you’re fancying this curvy little accessory for your mobile gear, it costs $99, but can be had for $29 on sale from Clear today, ahead of an August 10 launch at major retailers.

Update: We followed up with Clearwire regarding authenticating with the iSpot. We’re told that “the device is configured to filter based on MAC address which allows it to ID the Apple mobile devices,” which explicitly means iPhones, iPads and iPod touches only.

Continue reading Clearwire’s 4G iSpot brings wireless broadband to Apple mobile devices (updated)

Clearwire’s 4G iSpot brings wireless broadband to Apple mobile devices (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 03:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  Clear  | Email this | Comments

If you carry your sheet music in a laptop, AirTurn’s got a USB dongle for that, but if you’ve migrated your musical cues to an certain slate, never fear, Bluetooth is on the way. The AirTurn BT-105 will bring the company’s page turning technology to iPad, using a transmitter that attaches to standard professional footswitches, allowing you to turn full pages and half pages of sheet music while keeping hands firmly affixed to your instrument. Though there’s no word on price, we imagine it’ll cost close to the existing 2.4GHz version, which runs from $40 for a dongle to $100 for a package with two Boss pedals, and when it surfaces in Q4 of this year, we’re hoping it will extend bicycling input to all the other wild and crazy apps you dream up. PR and video after the break.

Continue reading AirTurn’s BT-105 footpedal is a real page turner (video)

AirTurn’s BT-105 footpedal is a real page turner (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 09:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Engadget en Espanol  |  AirTurn  | Email this | Comments

iPad cases, sleeves, and bags are easy to come by, but the Nimbus Tote is the first iPad carrying case that doubles as a screen protector so you can use your iPad while the device is inside. Simply slide your iPad into the clear screen protecting sleeve on the side of the Nimbus Tote and press the sides and top of the protector film down against the surface of the iPad. The vinyl protector film is thick enough to keep your iPad safe from bumps and scratches, but it’s capacitive as well so you can actually use your iPad through the film.

The Nimbus Tote doubles as a carrying case and messenger bag, so you can leave your iPad in the protective sleeve on the side for quick and easy access, or you can pull it back out and slide it into the bag itself for safe keeping. The bag also rests on its end, so you can rest it on a flat surface and it will angle up so you can see the iPad’s display. The designers even suggest using the bag strap behind your neck so you can watch your iPad screen on the go, although I don’t think walking while typing on your iPad is very wise. The Nimbus Tote is available in the US now for $49.95 and can be ordered from the designer’s Web site.