Check Out Microsoft's Adaptive Keyboard Prototype from 2009

Microsoft has created a prototype of something called the Adaptive Keyboard long before Apple introduced the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro units with the Touch Bar panel. However, the company did not release a final product leaving the keyboard with a touch sensitive display panel at the top only a concept. Below you can watch a short video revealing the 2009 Microsoft’s prototype.

The keyboard allowed to use the display to see contextual information, apart from that, thanks to the adaptive keys the user could set different function to each key.

It is a research prototype developed by Microsoft Hardware to explore how combining display and input capabilities in a keyboard can allow users to be more productive. The keyboard incorporates a large, touch-sensitive display strip at the top. In addition, the display continues underneath the keys, allowing the legends to be modified in real time.

Apple is rumored to be working on a similar keyboard with E-Ink keys capable of showing different characters and performing tasks based on different working environments.

[via iClarified]