I just noticed this Adaptive Keyboard prototype on our MS Hardware blog – it has a touch panel above the traditional keyboard that opens some interesting options. The first scenario shows recent document and applications whilst within an application like PowerPoint. At around 4 minutes, we get a demo of dynamic changing of keytops based on the current application. At around 5:30, we see an example of Outlook using the keyboard to show contacts as photos using the screen on the keyboard. Sweet!
The video stresses the fact this this is a PROTOTYPE part of the Student Innovation Contest at the ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology…but me, I want one right now.
What do I like most about it (apart from the cool factor?)…context sensitive. It knows what apps I’m using and adapts to them rather than forcing me to adapt.
see the ACM website for more info and details.