Is Apple going to offer an iPhone keyboard?
Here are the highlights of a product I expect/hope that Steve Jobs will announce in June:
Apple iPhone detachable keyboard
Slightly bigger than onscreen keyboard, connects to 30-pin adapter at bottom of device Works with all iPhone OS apps Can be set to automatically open Mail application, or any other Is external battery pack: transfers full battery charge when connected Comes in 2 models: white or black. $79
And now for Steve Jobs’ pitch, revealed as a ‘One More Thing…’ announcement during the 3rd Generation iPhone/iPod touch announcement that will also see the revelation of Apple’s new ‘PaperMac’ large-size touchscreen tablet machine (for more information on that device, see my ahead-of-its-time blog post from December 2007: PaperMac and FamilyMac coming at MacWorld 08?:
photo: Ben Stanfield; view this photo on Flickr
STEVE JOBS: “OK, now we’ve seen some pretty impressive products début tonight. The third generation iPhone, with revolutionary add-ons, enhanced screen, and the new EVDO option for our business customers. We’ve seen the new PaperMac and FamilyMac, devices which I think are going to change how personal computers are viewed by everyone.
“But in all our talk tonight, we haven’t addressed the issue that’s been coming to our product team from a small, but very vocal, portion of our customers. An issue that’s been brought to my attention by everyone from my bag boy at Whole Foods, to Al Gore. An issue that, honestly, many of you assumed we just… wouldn’t address. And for good reason.
“We believe that the iPhone platform is the best form factor imaginable for a pocket device. The touch screen allows infinite combinations of applications. Infinite… user interface designs. Infinite, well, keyboards.
“But we’ve heard you. Sometimes you just need to bang out an e-mail in as quick a manner as possible. Or maybe your fingers are just to big to be comfortable with our revolutionary adaptive onscreen keyboard. Maybe you’re looking at some of our… competitors, and, even though the software isn’t as good, and the applications aren’t there: you’re tempted, because they include the one option that the iPhone has, up until now, not made available to you.
“And that’s why, today, we’re announcing… [cue picture] the iPhone Keyboard. It clicks right into the bottom of your iPhone. It interfaces with any application. It includes programmable buttons, for quickly opening your three favorite keyboard-intensive applications. Using the keyboard app on your iPhone, you can even program your iPhone to open your Mail app right to the ‘compose mail’ screen the instant the iPhone keyboard is clicked in.
“I actually have one in my pocket right now. [takes it out, snaps it into the bottom of his iPhone] As you see, the ergonomic design clicks in and wraps around the rear of your iPhone, becoming a seamless part of your device. And as soon as you don’t need it, press this lever, and it pops right off. Or always leave it on, if you like, and the 30-pin adapter on the bottom of the keyboard works just like the one on the bottom of your iPhone. You can even plug in any extra accessories you like.
“And one more thing. We have all this space for the keyboard, so we wondered how we could make the keyboard be even more useful. We answered that question by making iPhone Keyboard an external battery pack. [hold for applause] It includes an entire battery charge for your iPhone, effectively doubling the time you get between charges.
“This device isn’t for everyone, but for that small and vocal group, we think this is going to be the answer they were looking for.
“The iPhone Keyboard comes in black, or white… and is priced at $79.
“And now, please enjoy the musical stylings of… the Jonas Brothers.”