Vinita Suvarna-Bhatia
MUMBAI: IT Maple, the Chennai-based distributors of peripherals, is planning
to come out with a mouse which can also operate as a keyboard, called the Sky
Remote. The multifunctional infrared (cordless) keyboard can be operated from a
distance of 24 feet from any angle in the room. The device has fifteen one-touch
keys for Windows-based application with a fully functional multimedia key and is
Internet applicable.
The other additional features of the Sky Remote are the hand writing board
and mouse pad. IT Maple (managing director) A J Razack said, "Usually you
cannot transfer what is manually written on the system without scanning it. But
with our product you can write what you want to on the writing board of the
mouse and the same will be displayed on the PC's screen."
The customized handwriting recognition software, which is built into the
keyboard, makes it ideal to sign documents and file, save and mail them. However
there is one disadvantage to the Sky Remote - not many characters can be
accommodated on the writing board.
Razack states that the Sky Remote will not be positioned as an
over-the-counter product, but is targeted at a niche customer base. "This
device, which is currently in the R&D stage, can be used by corporates if
they want to make a presentation. You can use this at 360 degrees angle away
from your machine," he said.
On the product's position in the market in the face of stiff competition from
Microsoft and Logitech, Razack said, "The quality of our keyboards and
their features and the range, is not available in any other firm. With new
models being brought out regularly and a competitive price factor, we hope to be
successful."
A division of A4 Tech, a Taiwanese keyboard maker, is in the process of
manufacturing the product. IT Maple is also considering of entering into a joint
venture with A4 Tech for establishing its presence in the competitive keyboard
market. However, financial details of the deal are still being worked out, he
said.