LG unveiled a nearly full-sized, foldable keyboard Thursday, a device it says is aimed at expanding the company’s mobile accessory offerings.
“The goal was to create a product that could add more value to LG smartphones and tablets at the same time offering a unique design proposition that hadn’t been explored before,” said Seo Young-jae, vice president in charge of Innovative Personal Devices at LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company.
According to LG, the Rolly Keyboard will be made of polycarbonate and black ABS plastic, giving it a sturdier feel than most flexible silicone keyboards. The keyboard will come with two arms that will allow it to support a smartphone or tablet up to 10” in size in an upright position.
The device, which folds into a long rectangular stick small enough to fit in a reasonably-sized purse or briefcase, offers users four rows of keys. Notably absent are the number and function key rows, though number keys can be activated using the board’s function key. Among the limited keys, however, users will find a new “Device” key that will allow for toggling between up to two different devices. The keyboard cannot type on two different devices simultaneously.
The Rolly Keyboard will be able to wirelessly connect to up to two devices at a time using Bluetooth 3.0 and is powered by one AAA battery for up to three months of use.
LG said it plans to release the keyboard in the U.S. market in September. Price details have not yet been released.
The device will be on display at IFA 2015 in Berlin September 4-9.
