XDA II users in the UK can look forward to another possible keyboard input method this month; the virtual keyboard, which looks suspiciously like the iBIZ Virtual Keyboard that's been causing a stir of late.

The initial model released to the UK will support only the Palm 505, but further models will support the Orange SPV e200 (known here as the i-mate Smartphone2 and O2 Xphone) and the XDA II (AKA i-mate Pocket PC Phone). Support for both classes of Windows Mobile devices - both Pocket PC (which encompasses Pocket PC Phone) and Smartphone - is great to see.

Some specifications of the device are presented below; it's an interesting thought, but I would be more interested in something like Stowaway's Bluetooth keyboard. For the moment, my IR Keyboard and Thumb Keyboard will do.

Detection Rate  Up to 400 characters per minute 
Detection Algorithm  Multiple keystroke support 
Effective Keystroke  Approximately 2mm 
Battery Capacity  >120 minutes continuous typing 
Compatibility  Windows® 98, Windows 2000, Windows NT® , Palm OS®
Dimensions  90mm (L) x 34mm (W) x 24mm (D) 

The full press release is presented below. For more information, visit Hutchison Harbour Ring or i.Tech Dynamic Ltd.

" HHR launches virtual keyboard in UK

 (Hong Kong, 17 June 2004) Hutchison Harbour Ring Limited (“HHR”), a subsidiary of Hutchison Whampoa Limited, is set to revolutionise computer technology by launching the first virtual keyboard (“VKB”) in the United Kingdom today.

Manufactured by HHR’s technology division, i.Tech Dynamic Limited, VKB is a smart, pocket-size device that projects a full-size keyboard onto a flat surface and connects to a variety of personal digital assistants (“PDAs”), mobile phones, lap-top computers as well as personal computers.

With a dimension of 90 millimetres in length, 34 millimetres in width and 24 millimetres in depth, VKB can be slipped into a pocket or handbag without being noticed.  It enables users to type email or long text as easily as with a conventional keyboard wherever they are.

i.Tech’s VKB distributor in the UK, Avenir Telecom UK Limited, said VKB would revolutionise the way that PDAs and Smartphones are used, exploiting much of the unused computing power of such mobile devices, thus helping users to work more effectively on the move.

The initial product, available from this month, is compatible with the Palm 505.  Next month will see the launch of the second version, which will be compatible with SPV E200, Xda II, Tungsten T3 and iPAQ h5550.  As compatibility with other devices continues to be developed, additional models will be introduced to the market.

VKB works by using both infrared technology to produce an invisible circuit and laser technology to project a full-size keyboard on to any flat surface.

It performs exactly like a real one.  Its direction technology, based on optical recognition, enables users to tap the images of the keys, complemented with the realistic tapping sound, and then feed the commands into the compatible PDAs, Smartphones, lap-top or personal computers.

i.Tech Dynamic General Manager Patrick Tsang said applications of VKB are limitless.  “It could, for example, revolutionise sterile and medical environments as well as other multi-media and industrial applications,” he said, “We have not come across anything comparable in the world.  For the mobile communications and consumer electronics industries, it represents a major breakthrough.”

Avenir Sales and Marketing Director Tanny Price said VKB has significant sales prospects both in the UK and overseas.  “We have been highly impressed with sales inquiries from markets worldwide.  Indeed, our initial shipment was in strong demand within days of its arrival.”

Initially, sales of VKB to consumers will be through a website especially created by Avenir.  Distribution will be rolled out into retail channels as production increases and new versions come on stream."