(Click here for an animated set of Claviature screen shots)
According to Microth, each key of the Claviature keyboard has several symbols associated with different directions. To enter a symbol, users touch a key and slide the pen in the corresponding direction. For example, entering a "Q" involves touching the top/left key and sliding the pen in a down/left, direction as illustrated here. Each key can also have a "quick command," such as control- and function-key actions, associated with a single touch. These are identified by symbols in the center of the key.
At least two other "tap-and-slide" keyboards are available for Pocket PCs and Tablet PCs. Earlier this year, Sunorb introduced
Lexony, a QWERTY layout keyboard that combines the tap-and-slide paradigm with predictive text. And,
MessageEase, from ExIdeas, packs the entire keyboard into 15 large keys arranged in a square. With MessageEase, the most commonly used letters are entered with a single tap, while other letters, numbers, and symbols use tap-and-slide.
Microth says that Claviature supports a number of standard international keyboard layouts and keycap customization. Alternate layouts are available from the company's
website.
Claviature is available from both
Handango and
PocketGear. A 14-day free trial is also available.
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