Microsoft will apparently not send out Windows Vista alone, but is working on a number of Vista-inspired products. The latest is actually hardware in the form of “The Ultimate Keyboard”. Microsoft’s new creation is suppose to be designed to be used with Windows Vista and use a somewhat different design than we’re used to. Except from a slight bend it has chosen to dismiss the numpad on the right-hand side. The keyboard is made from high-quality plastic with certain metal details for a better feel. The ultimate keyboard is wireless and uses Bluetooth technology to communicate with the computer and has some other quite “spaced out” features.
First of all the keyboard is backlit, so that you can type in the dark, but not just by any backlighting. The keyboard namely has an ambient light sensor that detect the overall light in the room and adjust accordingly. If you happen to leave the keyboard it detects this as well and turns down the lighting. Microsoft has also developed an interesting loading “dock” for the partner mouse. The mouse is simply placed on the pad and the loading starts automatically.
Microsoft recently published a preview of the new super-keyboard, which should arrive about the same time as Vista does. Exactly when that is and what this kit will cost remains to be seen.
