BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) fans have a new reason to be happy. The touchscreen devices have a virtual keyboard, but the old BlackBerry users are used to QWERTY keypad. However, now they will be able to enjoy the feeling of a real keypad on a virtual one with the help of a new technology developed by start-up Tactus, says a report from Sara Ashley O’Brien by CNN.
BlackBerry served as an inspiration
The technology is mainly for the users who love their iPhone, but also miss their BlackBerry buttons. However, iPhone users will have to wait for some time as the first product Phorm, works only the iPad mini.
Phorm, the product from the tech company, is a case, a keyboard and a screen protector all at the same time. The accessory comes with an invisible keyboard element. The case comes with a panel on the backside, which slides and then the finger guides get activated. The buttons rise within one second and they rescind after that in a slightly longer time duration.
The user gets a feel of the buttons protruding with the help of the new technology that morphs the touch screen. “The original motivation [was] bringing a BlackBerry-like product experience to the touchscreen,” said Craig Ciesla, CEO and co-founder of Tactus Technology. “The iPhone was out, but I was still using a Blackberry.”
The 30-day pre-sale price of the technology is $99, and it was demoed at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show. The expected retail price of the technology is $149, and it is also expected that by this summer the product will be ready.
Similar technology for iPhone soon
The start-up-based in Silicon Valley has been working for the past six years on the development of its patented micro-fluidic technology. The company has plans of rolling out such a product for the iPhone as well, but it will take quite some time. The company plans to develop the technology for the iPhone in next six month.
Tactus has developed the working in collaboration with the lead keyboard designers for BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) as well as former Nokia and Amazon Lab126 employees. Work productivity can be increased largely if typing on the touch-screen becomes easier and faster.
Both the tech companies and carriers will be able to benefit from this technology. The former will benefit from the enhanced usability, and the latter will benefit from the increased data usage.
