Thursday, February 25, 2010
MSI intros wireless HTPC keyboard combo with accelerometer-driven mouse
MSI has introduced an interesting home theater-oriented remote, dubbed the Air Keyboard. The device is designed to be held in both hands, and the compact QWERTY keyboard is controlled with a user's thumbs. The MSI Air Keyboard is wireless, and it has an internal accelerometer that lets you direct a computer's cursor. While you navigate with in-air motions, left and right-clicks can be made with two shoulder buttons. It's almost like an Xbox controller meets the Wiimote.
The device carries a total of 80 keys, including numerous media-specific buttons, has a range of about 50 meters (164 feet), connects to virtually any Windows system with a USB dongle, and is powered by two AA batteries. It measures 14.2 x 8.8 x 3.3 inches, and weighs around 200 grams (less than half a pound). The MSI Air Keyboard is available in Germany for €79 (about $108), and it's expected to reach other markets in the coming months.