With Windows 8, Microsoft wants customers to think of tablets as much more than just "consumption" devices, but also machines that you can use to do actual work. It's an open question whether consumers will share that view, but with great accessories like the Wedge Mobile Keyboard, Microsoft is giving it every chance.
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The most interesting product in a grab-bag of mobile accessories Microsoft unveiled this morning, the Wedge Mobile Keyboard looks like a pretty unimpressive gray slab when you first lay eyes on it, but the good stuff starts when you remove the rubberized cover. Taking it off turns the Bluetooth keyboard on -- a pretty smart way to conserve battery power and eliminate the need for a power switch.
It gets better. That cover has a flexible hinge-like seam in the middle. Folding it over turns it into a convenient stand for your Windows 8 tablet, easily adjustable to any angle you prefer. The bottom of the keyboard has a rubberized wedge (which doubles as a battery compartment) that props it up, shaped to help you grip it when carrying with a tablet (see the video).
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While the Microsoft Surface tablet was lauded for its innovative cover, which has a keyboard built in, that solution won't necessarily satisfy all. The Wedge aims to fill that gap while at the same time providing an excellent option for all other Windows tablets. It costs $79.95 and should be available at various retailers in the coming weeks.
Besides the keyboard, Microsoft is also launching a Wedge Touch Mouse, which shares the triangular wedge shape. Like its keyboard cousin, the mouse uses Bluetooth to connect to your tablet (or laptop) and its battery compartment is cleverly designed so there are no parts you can lose, the battery sliding out out of the side.
As the name implies, the Touch Mouse incorporates a touchpad, capable of touch scrolling and navigation in all four directions. It uses BlueTrack technology, which Microsoft says will work on "virtually" any surface. It'll also automatically power down when the computer it's tied to goes to sleep or shuts off. The price is $69.95.
In addition to the Wedge devices, Microsoft's also launching the Sculpt Touch Mouse, with a four-way touch scroll strip, and the curved Sculpt Mobile Keyboard, a full-size keyboard with a removable wrist rest. Both cost $49.95 and connect via Bluetooth.
Finally, Microsoft is updating the drivers on its Microsoft Touch Mouse, which will give it new touch settings for Windows 8. Now, all multi-finger gesturing will be supported, including two-finger swipes that will bring up either the "charms" main menu (from the right side) or scrolling through active apps (from the left).
What do you think of Microsoft's new hardware -- the Wedge keyboard in particular? Think you'd buy it to complement your Windows 8 tablet? Browse all the new stuff in the gallery, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Microsoft Wedge Mobile Keyboard
A new keyboard from Microsoft is well suited for upcoming Windows 8 tablets. Priced at $79.95, it connects via Bluetooth and has a bendable cover that also acts as tablet stand.
Click here to view this gallery.
This story originally published on Mashable here.
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