- AI firm has launched a design of a keyboard dock for smartphones
- With a beige colour scheme and a pseudo-mechanical keyboard, it has a robust Eighties really feel to it
- It’s anticipated to price lower than $250 and can attraction to these on the lookout for a Psion 5MX substitute
Amber.Web page, an AI startup for writers, has teased a brand new keyboard case that transforms an iPhone into a conveyable, laptop-like writing system.
Shared by firm founder Justin Mitchell on Threads, the renders of what he’s calling the AmberDeck present a clamshell-style design paying homage to retro tech, like a mini Tandy TRS-80 Mannequin 100 or the Psion 5MX. The latter had an identical design with what was broadly thought of top-of-the-line keyboards ever made for a tool of its dimension.
The system provides a minimalist setup for drafting articles, enhancing textual content, and even tackling author’s block with the help of the startup’s AI-powered writing assistant.
Mitchell wrote, “Been cooking on some {hardware} for Amber over the vacation break. At all times wished a clamshell iPhone keyboard for centered writing on the go, so I made one.”
The case isn’t meant as a everlasting enclosure to your cellphone; relatively, it serves as a docking station, turning your system right into a centered typing instrument with a high-travel pseudo-mechanical keyboard that incorporates a compact 60% format. Yanko Design says when docked, you received’t be capable of use your cellphone for standard duties reminiscent of accessing the digital camera or making calls, however for those who’re centered on writing that will probably be a great factor.
A piece in progress
Mitchell wrote, “Been cooking on some {hardware} for Amber over the vacation break. At all times wished a clamshell iPhone keyboard for centered writing on the go, so I made one.”
The case isn’t meant as a everlasting enclosure to your cellphone; relatively, it serves as a docking station, turning your system right into a centered typing instrument with a high-travel pseudo-mechanical keyboard that incorporates a compact 60% format. Yanko Design says when docked, you received’t be capable of use your cellphone for standard duties reminiscent of accessing the digital camera or making calls, however for those who’re centered on writing that will probably be a great factor.
The clamshell case contains an adjustable hinge for display positioning and a charging port for the keyboard itself. Yanko Design notes the case doesn’t seem to help pass-through charging for the cellphone, and the keyboard lacks backlighting, which can restrict its usability in low-light settings. That mentioned, that is nonetheless solely a prototype, so issues might change.
Certainly, in one other thread, Mitchell has up to date the design primarily based on suggestions and ideas from his social media followers, together with adjustments made to enhance performance and compatibility. Within the up to date design, the hinge is centered and incorporates a dual-action mechanism, permitting the case to put fully flat because of an inner hole inside the highest shell.
The arrow keys have been reconfigured to a typical format, with the shift key moved to the proper and enlarged for a extra intuitive typing expertise. A spot has been added across the faceplate, making it simple to pop off and customise or swap as wanted. To accommodate a wider vary of units, together with Android telephones, the inset on the within has been squared off for higher versatility. Moreover, the lip of the case has been moved to the highest.
Mitchell has prompt the AmberDeck might promote for underneath $250, and whereas these early renders are only a preview, the case might doubtlessly attraction to writers, journalists, and editors trying to flip their telephones into compact writing units that can be utilized wherever.