iKey Wearable Keyboard with integrated pointing device
Another day, another keyboard. There is a brand new keyboard in town, and this time round it will be the new iKey AK-39 which is totally different from what you’re probably used to – it was specially designed to be worn on the arm in order to provide a simple, compact human interface device (HID) meant for use in the military that will not restrict a soldier’s movement. It would be interesting to see what kind of battlefield applications one can think to use this with, as it clearly looks more like something out of a science fiction movie than reality, although it is already available for the latter. In order to survive in the tough environment, this ruggedized, wearable keyboard is able to handle MIL-461 standards, fully capable of working just fine in extremely harsh electromagnetic interference (EMI) environments.
Features include a tiny footprint design that features all of the essential components for military applications, and this includes a pointing device utilizing Force Sensing Resistor (FSR) technology with left- and right-button functionality, alongside an adjustable green LED backlighting which is also available with night vision (NVIS) compatibility.
According to Pete Fuselier, iKey’s engineering manager, “The AK-39 is the most functional and versatile wearable keyboard available with robust EMI performance. And because it is designed and built to the high standards of iKey products, it is ruggedized to withstand harsh environmental conditions, such as rain, dirt and extreme temperatures.”
Another interesting feature of the AK-39 is its integrated USB cable that comes in both left- and right-arm configurations, where the lightweight plastic case is easily position onto a Velcro arm strap which can fit over bulky combat clothing in a jiffy. It won’t be uncomfortable for the soldier either since it features a curved back for arm comfort. You can choose from two different styles – one that affixes directly over the forearm, and one that includes a thumb loop for added stability.
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Keyboard to be worn on the arm Says: July 17, 2009 at 6:01 am
[...] Published by Maria Mihale, on Jul 17 2009, in the categories: Gadgets You can never know the situations you’ll have the chance or, on the other hand, the misfortune, to experience in a lifetime, so it’s necessary for you to always be as cautious as possible. You can never know when you’ll be in the position to need a wearable keyboard, but if it will ever happen to you such thing, you shouldn’t worry, because the guys over iKey have already taken care of this aspect. They came up with the AK-39 keyboard, which can be worn by those who need it, on the arm. This is what they call a human interface device (also known as HID). A great thing about it is the fact that it comes in a rugged outfit, which means it meets the MIL-461 standards. In consequence, you can always use the keyboard in harsh conditions and you can be sure of the fact it won’t mind. The device comes with a pointing device that is based on the technology known as Force Sensing Resistor (FSR), having a left and right-button functionality, and with a green LED backlighting that can be adjusted. The latter is equipped with night vision compatibility. The keyboard measures no more than 6.91 x 3.06 x 0.81 inches and comes with 39-key pad. It is resistant to all sorts of factors, such as water, debris and dust, and it’s able to function between -40 and +70 degrees Celsius. “The AK-39 is the most functional and versatile wearable keyboard available with robust EMI performance” said Pete Fuselier, the Engineering Manager at iKey. “And because it is designed and built to the high standards of iKey products, it is ruggedized to withstand harsh environmental conditions, such as rain, dirt and extreme temperatures”. (Source: Coolest-Gadgets) [...]
T Says: July 15, 2009 at 10:13 am
Ah the government spent how much money to recreate what the rest of us have know for years to be “The Power Glove”