Wireless technology firm CSR has released a new computer keyboard which is less than 0.5 mm thick and turns any area into a touch surface.
The keyboard, which integrates Atmel and Conductive Inkjet Technology, incorporates a printed circuitry, a Bluetooth 4.0 chip and a 0.5mm thick wireless touchscreen, extending the touch interface of mobile devices and computers.
The paper-thin surface is wirelessly connected using a CSR1010 chip. This allows it to connect to the latest iOS7 mobile devices and Windows 8 PCs.
The Cambridge-based company said the keyboard can be used underneath a piece of paper, with a stylus-type pen to recognise handwriting.
CSR low power wireless products director Paul Williamson said:"This is a working prototype and a glimpse forward rather than something people will be buying this year.
"We might see lots of shapes and sizes, some as small as iPad Mini or a larger, more rigid form for a desktop PC, which could be curved, in any colour way, transparent or fitted with a leather folio."
The company said the interface for the new device can be printed in different languages and modified to facilitate functions including video editing as well as adding personalised patterns or messages on their keyboard.
CSR partnered with Atmel and Conductive Inkjet Technology (CIT) to develop the wireless touch surface and it will take 12 months before it is available in market.
