Apple on Monday released a Leopard software update for its latest aluminum Wireless Keyboard released this year. The update provides support for the keyboard's special features including the function keys for display brightness, Dashboard, Spaces, iTunes playback control and speaker volume.
Macally has announced a new line of wireless input accessories and eco-friendly bamboo stands for all laptops, the BTkey, BTmouse2, Optimo, MGlide, EcoFan and EcoFanPro. BTkey is a white wireless keyboard for the Mac, which connects using Bluetooth 2.0 technology, and comes complete with low profile scissor keys to help with pressure on the finger tips. The BTmouse2 is a Bluetooth wireless laser mouse, featuring three programmable buttons, a scroll wheel, and an 800/1600 dpi precision sensor laser.
GizFever has released a new keyboard, the USB Smallest Mini Keyboard II. The item includes new features not offered in its sister model, such as a backlight and wireless capabilities which enable the keyboard to operate up to 10 meters away. The new model also features a power-conservation mode activated when the keyboard remains inactive for a period of time. Additionally, there is a Lock ID button that enables users to password-protect the keyboard.
Roland has introduced a wide variety of digital music products at the NAMM show. For keyboard players, the company displayed several devices including an upright grand, two digital pianos, a few entry-level products and a 320-watt stereo amplifier. The TD-4S offers drummers a compact package with new sounds, while the DT-HD1 software teaches basic drum patterns and technique. A new 80-watt guitar amp and bass processor have also been unveiled, along with new synthesizers, an expansion board and a system update for the V-Synth GT.
Many people use whatever keyboard happens to come with their computer. Apple’s standard keyboard may be acceptable, for instance, but you may want a more versatile keyboard -- say, one that lets you play and control your favorite songs through built-in speakers. An example of this comes from Verbatim, and is dubbed the TuneBoard.
KeyRight has introduced a keyboard that is designed to improve typing skills, the Look & Learn. The keys on the QWERTY keyboard have been color-coded to differentiate eight different "finger zones." Each color represents the keys that are used by a particular finger. For example, the set of red keys to the far left are colored red, which gives the user a visual reference for the proper keys for the left-hand pinky finger.
Stairways Software has announced Keyboard Maestro 3.4, the latest version of its 'productivity enhancer' for Mac OS X. This release includes a 'typed string' trigger, allowing the user to fire off macros when typing a matching string. Triggers can be created with easily remembered mnemonics. Appearance has been enhanced to look more like the default system program switcher. Import/export of the named clipboards has been improved for better sharing of macros.
Dell company executives announced the re-design of keyboards for the new Latitude notebook. The new keyboards offer backlit keys, enhanced tactile feel, new key spacing and other features. The new Latitude project began two years ago with the engineers and designers first focused on developing a world-class keyboard. All aspects were considered and improved to offer better feel and usability.
Every Mac needs a keyboard, but many people may not realize they have a choice. Most people settle with the keyboard that comes with their iMac while laptop users have no choice but to use their built-in keyboard. However, if you have a Mac mini or Mac Pro, or simply want a more flexible, full-size keyboard to control your iMac or laptop, then take a close look at Logitech’s diNovo Edge Keyboard.
PandaWare says it has added Universal Binary support, interface improvements and bug fixes to its new DiskWrangler 3.0 release. DiskWrangler is a keyboard-based file launcher and browser; without the need of a mouse, it opens applications, documents, web addresses and user-defined sets of files. The software can also browse files, with support for view, copy, move and deletion functions. Searches can be performed as well, including parameters that go beyond Spotlight's abilities, such as creation and modification dates. The full version of the program is $25, with a 30-day demo available. Mac OS X 10.3 or later is required.
Computer memory and component maker OCZ announced the addition of a new Elixir range of gaming keyboards to its product line-up. As the first product in the recently-introduced Alchemy line, the Elixir keyboard sports 10 tri-mode macro keys programmable to one of three custom profiles, and a mode selection that switches between standard and user-defined key configurations. OCZ promises the Elixir will be soon be followed by mice, more keyboards and other Alchemy-badged PC gaming accessories.
An iPhone modder recently unveiled a MacBook Air-style makeover for the iPhone's keyboard, offering users an attractive alternative to the jeweled buttons of the default keyboard. Just Another iPhone Blog reveals that although the keys have a smaller appearance, they are aesthetically pleasing and do not permanently replace the layout for the default keyboard. The app warns users to delete any existing keyboard modifications, as it may cause issues.
Assistware says its KeyStrokes 4.1 on-screen keyboard for Mac users with physical impairments is now available as a Universal Binary. The company calls KeyStrokes 4.1 an "important” update with improved support for Mac OS X Leopard Spaces, automatic keyboard layout switching for Leopard and other improvements. Assistware has also included its new LayoutKitchen 2.1 layout editor, which allows users to design their own on-screen keyboards.
SteelSeries on Monday introduced its latest gaming product to the US market, the 7G keyboard. The company claims the mechanical 7G is 90 percent more responsive and 10 times more durable that regular keyboards, and eliminates anti-ghosting by supporting a key press command for every key. For low latency communication, the 7G features 18K gold-plated connectors. The 7G utilizes iron-infused plastic and gold-plated no-click switches, among other features, to endow it with a guarantee for 50 million keystrokes by its maker.
