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LG is targeting tech users that are tight on space, announcing a Bluetooth-enabled keyboard for tablets and mobile devices that rolls up into a compact stick when it’s not in use.
The Korean tech giant unveiled the Rolly Keyboard ahead of its appearance at Germany’s biggest tech show, IFA, which kicks off in Berlin on September 4. Geared towards the growing mobile accessories market, LG is billing the Rolly as the first solid rollable wireless portable keyboard.
While LG is a well-known name in home entertainment and appliances, the company has been making a stronger play in the mobile space in recent years, expanding its line-up of tablets, smartphones and wearables in a bid to take on competitors including Korean rival Samsung.
LG has also been far from quiet in the lead-up to IFA, announcing the new G Pad II 10.1. tablet on Monday as a teaser before the trade show officially opens its doors, alongside hints of a new developments in its growing line of Android Wear wearables . With the Rolly Keyboard, the company is hoping to get even more LG-branded tech into the bags and briefcases of tech lovers the world over.
Made from “impact-resistant” polycarbonate and plastic, the Rolly unfolds along four rows of keys, with two arms that fold out from the top edge to support a smartphone or tablet. The keyboard is Bluetooth 3.0 enabled with a single AAA battery providing power for up to 3 months of use, and auto-pairing enabled as soon as it is unrolled from its compact rod shape.
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When it comes to mobile accessories, LG says the Rolly is just the start.
“LG Rolly Keyboard is just one of the many premium input devices we’ll be unveiling in the coming months as we expand our accessories offerings,” said Seo Young-jae, vice president in charge of Innovative Personal Devices at LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company.
“The goal was to create a product that could add more value to LG smartphones and tablets at the same time offering a unique design proposition that hadn’t been explored before.”
The keyboard will be available in the United States in September followed by “key markets in Europe, Latin America and Asia” by the end of the year. Local pricing and availability is expected closer to launch.
