Microsoft Corp. introduced its new All-in-One Media Keyboard on Wednesday, which comes with a multitouch trackpad.
The device is a wireless keyboard that can be used from the couch and be carried around with the user, according to Tech2.
The All-in-One keyboard is available at Microsoft stores and online for $39.95, and is only compatible with systems that have Windows 8.1, Windows RT, Windows 8 and Windows 7.
By this Fall, Microsoft will have been making keyboards for 20 years, Engadget reported.
The device also features a left-click button as well as volume and mute buttons, which lets the user hold the keyboard like a tablet.
A brief product sheet states that the device has a spill resistant design, which means the keyboard can still work after accidents such as spilling drinks over the keys, Tom's Hardware reported. It is also able to withstand drops and bumps.
The keyboard connects through USB, so users will have to connect a USB port on a PC to a 2.4 GHz dongle. USB is the best option for connection since the keyboard focuses on use for different devices. USB HID compliant ports can be used to connect the device to a tablet, smartphone, Smart TV or console, and the dongle fits inside the keyboard when it is not being used.
The device does not use Bluetooth for connection, which makes it different from Microsoft's older keyboards, Tech2 reported. The keyboard can be used up to 30 feet away from the transceiver without losing connection.
Hotkeys for photos, music and videos can be found above the trackpad.
Users can scroll, swipe and zoom with help from two simultaneous inputs, or two fingers, provided by the touchpad, Tom's Hardware reported. The touchpad will help users with a touchscreen swipe in from the right to bring up the charms bar and swipe left to switch between apps. Standard Left and right mouse buttons are also featured with the touchpad.
