Hammacher Schlemmer Introduces The Virtual Keyboard

We’ve seen these before haven’t we? I still want one though, they’re just so cool. The Virtual Keyboard allows you to type on any surface and works with Android or iOS devices over Bluetooth. I still want one, I remember when similar ones like these came out but I think the tech is now to the point that it might actually be useful. Price is still a bit high at $199.95, but if I could get one for review I’d be happy..

Continuing its 164-year history of offering the Best, the Only and the Unexpected, Hammacher Schlemmer introduces The Virtual Keyboard, a laser-generated keyboard that controls an iPad, iPhone, or Android-driven phone.

The device’s Class II laser projects a 9 3/4" x 4" keyboard with 3/4" keys onto any flat, opaque surface. Its optical sensor recognizes keystrokes in three dimensions and detects finger placement so that it distinguishes between a finger hovering over or pressing a "key."

An invisible infrared horizontal plane projected millimeters above the surface detects actual contact with the key. When a finger breaks the plane, the projector assigns a keyboard character and transmits it to a paired device.

"The Virtual Keyboard transmits 100% accurate keystrokes to a smartphone or iPad while eliminating the hassle of typing on a mobile device’s small touchscreen," explained Hammacher Schlemmer’s General Manager Fred Berns.

The Virtual Keyboard connects to devices via Bluetooth and keeps pace with typing speeds up to 400 characters per minute. The unit’s rechargeable battery provides up to 2 1/2-hours of typing after a 1 1/2-hour charge and its 3"-tall projector stores unobtrusively inside a pocket or briefcase, eliminating the need to travel with bulky, physical keyboards

The Virtual Keyboard is available from Hammacher Schlemmer for $199.95. For more information about this product, please visit www.hammacher.com/81759