iPad Keyboard

The popular alternative keyboard for iOS devices known as Fleksy has received a "major update with an all-new look and feel". According to the official changelog, the "redesign is meant to expose functionality and create a better user experience that complements the increased availability of Fleksy in other apps".

The app has also received six new UI themes, a new tutorial, a new feedback/support section, and bug fixes plus other performance improvements. Fleksy is available for free on the Apple App Store. It is compatible with all devices running iOS 6.0 or later.

The iPad keyboard is pretty easy to master but there are a few hidden features that can make you look like a typing wizard if your learn how to use them. Here are four quick keyboard tips for new iPad owners:

Split the keyboard: This trick is pretty well known, but new iPad owners will be happy to discover it. Apple added the ability to split the iPad keyboard in half in iOS 5. This makes it easier to hold your iPad and type with your thumbs. You can split the keyboard by placing two fingers in the center and draging them apart. You can also tap the keyboard icon at the bottom right of the keyboard and tap the "split" option from on menu.

Did you receive a shiny new iPad Air or iPad mini for the holidays? Do you also have gift cards burning a hole in your pocket? Then here is a list of reliable keyboard cases for all current iPad models that you may want to consider buying. New iPad mini owners will especially want to pay attention since the smaller tablet greatly benefits from having an external Bluetooth keyboard.

Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover - The last thing you want to do is add unnecessary bulk to your iPad Air. The Ultrathin Keyboard Cover from Logitech weighs only 330g (0.73 pounds) and measures just 7.3mm (0.29 inches) thick. It also features iOS shortcut keys for easier typing, extra added touch screen protection, and it easily attaches to your iPad thanks to its powerful magnetic clips. The
Ultrathin Keyboard Cover is only $99 and is available for the iPad Air, iPad mini and iPad 2.

The stock iOS keyboard has come a long way since the original iPhone launched in 2007. Apple's constant improvements, such as adding a cut and paste option, has all but eliminated the need for any third-party options. But a San Francisco-based company wants to change all that. Fleksy founder Ioannis Verdelis sat down with The Verge to explain why his keyboard should be the go to option for iOS app developers.

The company has begun rolling out a developer's kit that allows app creators to insert the Fleksy keyboard into their code. Fleksy's creators claim that the keyboard is so easy to use, that users will be able to type without looking at their devices, just like when working on a traditional QWERTY keyboard. The software uses gesture and touch typing to improve writing on mobile devices. For example, users can use swiping and sliding gestures to create spaces between words, and have the keyboard auto complete words before they are finished typing.

Accessory maker Belkin has announced its new lineup of iPad keyboard cases, covers and screen protectors. The lineup includes three new Qode keyboards and 10 unique cases and folios that fit the tablet's new form factor. The updated Qode keyboard cases include the Ultimate Keyboard Case made of "thin and light aircraft-grade aluminum," the protective screen cover and Bluetooth enabled Thin Type Keyboard, and the Slim Style Keyboard Case. Belkin has also updated the Classic Strap Cover, FormFit Cover and other affordable cases to fit the iPad Air.

Belkin's iPad Air accessories will be available in early November. Apple fans who plan to buy the fifth-generation Apple tablet can sign up for email notifications for the new cases at Belkin.com.

The iPad Air will be available on November 1, 2013. The Wi-Fi only models start at $499, and the Wi-Fi + cellular models begin at $629 for the 16GB version.

Having a Bluetooth keyboard for your iPad can be great. Using one that is light, slim and protects the iPad in transit is even better. ZAGG impresses again with their latest iPad keyboard case, the ZAGGkeys PRO. Building upon the success of the original ZAGGmate, the latest keyboard cases are designed to seamlessly match Apple's tablet form factor.

Built for the iPad 2 and new iPad (3rd generation), the ZAGGkeys PRO features a thin profile only 0.24 inches deep. Constructed of aluminum, when not in use the case magnetically attaches to the iPad protecting the glass screen from damage in transit. Besides weighing less than a pound, the ZAGGkeys case matches the look and style of the iPad, and holds the display up in portrait or landscape mode.

Apple has some tricks up its sleeve when it comes to the iPad keyboard in iOS 5. The addition of the split keyboard was helpful for people who enjoy typing with two hands while holding the iPad vertically. In this manner thumbs can more easily be used much like on the iPhone.

Now Finer Things in iOS has pointed out that there are actually hidden keys when typing in this mode. The keys found on the inside edge of the split keyboard are repeated on the opposite side, even though there's no key depicted.

The magical device pictured below may not look much like a Bluetooth iPad keyboard. In fact, this three-inch high little accessory projects a virtual laser keyboard onto any flat surface in its path. An optical sensor recognizes keystrokes in three dimensions, making the Magic Cube the ultimate portable keyboard from the future.

That is, of course, if it actually works. Preliminary reviews of a similar device, the Celluon Prodigy were not so flattering at CES. The Prodigy does have a much different design, being built into the side of an iPhone case.

Next on the list of great ideas is the TouchFire screen-top keyboard, a new iPad accessory that provides tactile keys without extra bulk. In fact, an external keyboard isn't needed, because the TouchFire simply overlays the iPad virtual keyboard right on the glass display.

The silicone keypad is designed to fit perfectly on a horizontal iPad in typing mode. A non-slip surface on the bottom keeps TouchFire in place, and with the iPad 2 there are strategically placed magnets to anchor the keypad. The idea is to provide a typing experience closer to a traditional keyboard while using the on-screen virtual iPad keys.