Home · Technology · Oct 1 archive
Google Japan Unveils Rotating Gboard Keyboard
Developing
In Short: Google Japan has unveiled a new DIY Gboard keyboard for its annual October 1 tradition, which it started in 2021 after ending its traditional April Fools' jokes.
Google Japan has unveiled a new DIY Gboard keyboard for its annual October 1 tradition, which it started in 2021 after ending its traditional April Fools' jokes.
This year's creation is a rotating Gboard keyboard where the keys move on a conveyor belt, rather than the user moving their fingers to stationary keys.
The conveyor belt continuously moves the keys, allowing users to press the desired character as it comes around.
Each belt has 29 keys and accommodates both uppercase and lowercase letters.
Google Japan suggests that if one conveyor belt isn't enough, users could build another for two-handed operation.
The Gboard team has published the design as open source, enabling DIY enthusiasts to build their own if they have the necessary skills, components, patience, and questionable judgment.
The idea behind the rotating Gboard keyboard is to revolutionize text input, according to Google, which describes it as a 'Copernican revolution' in text input.
What's still developing
- Google has once again decided that keyboards are far too normal.
- Google Japan has been using October 1 to show off some crazy concept keyboards since the company ended its traditional April Fools’ jokes in 2021.
- The date is a nod to the 101-key keyboard, since 10/1 can also be read as “101.” This year’s creation might be one of the strangest yet.
- Essentially, instead of reaching for the A key, you wait for the A key to reach you as the conveyor belt moves.
Sources
- Android Authoritylink