Microsoft Adaptive Keyboard prototype debuts at center of UIST Student Innovation Contest
By Donald Melanson 
posted August 12th 2010 4:02PM
posted August 12th 2010 4:02PM
No, it's not the mystery device that Microsoft has been teasing as of late, but we have a feeling that plenty of folks will be wishing that the company's so-called "Adaptive Keyboard" was it. Unfortunately, it's just a prototype, and Microsoft apparently has no plans to turn it into an actual product. It will, however, be landing in the hands of a few lucky students participating in this year's UIST Student Innovation Contest, who will be given free reign to do whatever they like with the keyboard and possibly be rewarded with a $2,000 or $500 prize for their hard work. As for the keyboard itself, it's basically Microsoft's take on something like the Optimus Maximus, and consists of a large touchscreen display on top that "extends" to the keys below -- opening up a whole range of possibilities for different configurations and other shenanigans (no further technical details just yet, unfortunately). Head on past the break for a pair of demo videos and, if you're a student, hit up the source link below for the complete contest details -- act fast though, the deadline for applications is August 17th.
It is too complicated, I just want a cool looking with cool typing keyboard...
BUT IT'S FLAT AND TOUCHY!
/sadface
this is why microsoft is on top.
i love this keyboard
i will be trolling Ebay for students selling that keyboard....
I WANT THAT!! i will pay upwards of +$100
Next January.
Introducing the new iTouch keyboard. Light years beyond the competition.
@Darkroom
I use the apple keyboard on 7 with no problems -- in fact I bought it intending for it to be used with Windows. The extra keys that windows lacks, F13-F19, for instance, are actually really convenient once you map them to your liking.
I use the freeware Sharpkeys, which lets me remap the keyboard via registry edits. I basically switched the Command and Alt keys (where Command now functions as the Windows key).
Personally, the last thing I'm going to give up is my ability to touch-type. No way am I moving to hunt-and-peck just to have a virtual keyboard for real work (fine with it on my phone).
@ttinker Oops, this was supposed to be in reply to @PDouglas
i also command them to release the Courier
I'm starting to get pretty sick of Microsoft making all of these neat prototypes that will never see the light of day.
Actually, I'm sick of companies in general making rad prototypes that won't be mass marketed. :\
Awesome. I have always liked MS's hardware, and would love to see this go into production, but I fear it would be expensive.
@Darkroom check out the hp wireless ENTERTAINMENT [not elite] keyboard. it's numberless, but it looks apple-esque.
i haven't seen much written about it, but i myself have been eye-ing it :).
prices vary from $30-45 depending on where you look/when you buy.
http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/hp-wireless-entertainment-keyboard/23466.aspx
@alifewithpurpose by numberless, i mean number-keypad-less.
The definitely needs to be released as a product. I would pay for this in a heartbeat.
Do want.
I guess we can look forward to Apple "inventing" the magic swish keyboard (or whatever) in a couple of years.
I always thought a keyboard like this would be cool for a Mac. Move the dock from the screen to the keyboard (optional of course)
This device seems like such a short step from what it should be, a touchscreen monitor. Why move your eyes between a keyboard and monitor when you could just keep it on the monitor. I'm guessing the only reason for Microsoft to do this is to attempt to say to tech enthusiasts out there that they are not totally irrelevant in terms of innovation.
This IS useful and revolutionary, not fricken Magic Pad!
Totally want this!
I know it's not about the money, but only $500 - $2,000 prize? I would prefer a job or something. Research and development costs are astronomical, by hosting this "contest" Microsoft has just saved themselves a boat load of money. The device itself is worth far more than the prize.
@Darkroom
just go here for all of the slim keyboards from newegg and choose your favorite
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007651%20600009668&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&Order=REVIEWS&PageSize=100
Why?
every time I see something like this coming from MSFT, I keep wishing they would put out some hardware, a laptop, a phone, a Courier something. Give your hardware people something to do
I still prefer das keyboard
This exemplifies the Apple vs. Microsoft dilemma for me – this tech demo could genuinely be a leap forward in terms of productivity, and yet does Microsoft have the strength to force it through their ecosystem? Unless a standard is agreed, and the majority of hardware and software partners sign up and actively start using it, it will slowly die only to be remembered in a few legacy products. Microsoft has tried this sort of thing before (Windows Sideshow, Media Extender) and broadly failed, whereas for all its faults, Apple’s control of the whole ecosystem means that if they wanted to go for this they would make it work (e.g. multi-touch gestures).
This is freakin' genius! It should be possible to manufacture these fairly cheaply too (or at least way cheaper than the Optimus Maximus).
he's running windows VISTA?!?!?
"Unfortunately, it's just a prototype, and Microsoft apparently has no plans to turn it into an actual product." Then keep it under wraps until you can ship it as a real product! Idiots, no wonder Microsoft is where it is. Leaking tech demos constantly just builds hollow expectations and disappointment, look no further than the Courier debacle for evidence. Wake up Microsoft, wakeup before you hit that chestnut tree...