Apple Bluetooth LE 4.2 ‘Magic Mouse 2’ & new Wireless Keyboard hit the FCC.

It appears plans for future Apple wireless accessories have (again) been spoiled by the FCC. According to a pair of filings that hit the organization’s website yesterday, Apple is preparing to soon debut new versions of its Bluetooth Magic Mouse and Wireless Keyboard. According to images indicating the FCC label location on the accessories, the new mouse will be called the “Magic Mouse 2.” As for the new wireless keyboard, there are no indications of a name change as of yet.

The images, unfortunately, do not show any notable new design details on the devices (save for what appears to be a small power switch on the top left side of the keyboard), but it would make sense for the accessories to be tweaked externally in someway. With new iPad-centric Bluetooth keyboard controls in iOS 9, perhaps the iPad-compatible Apple Wireless Keyboard will receive new special keys for access to iPad applications or features. As for the mouse, some readers have speculated that Apple could be using the new accessory to port Force Touch support over the desktop. Internally, however, the new input devices are certainly set for a significant upgrade: Bluetooth 4.2 Low-Energy.

The current Apple keyboard and Magic Mouse utilize the older Bluetooth 2.0 standard, so this upgrade to 4.2 serves as a significant improvement. According to the official website for Bluetooth, Bluetooth 4.2 is faster, more secure, and more power efficient. Playing into the power efficiency, there are indicators in the new FCC filings that the new accessories will have integrated Lithium-Ion battery packs, which could mean that the days of switching out AA batteries in your mouse and keyboard are over. These will also be Apple’s first Bluetooth 4.2 products, assuming they launch before the new iPhones and iPads.

Here are the sections of the FCC test documents describing the new Bluetooth and battery components:

New Magic Mouse

New Keyboard

Apple is scheduled to be holding a media event to introduce the new iPhones, iPad mini, and Apple TV on September 9th, so perhaps the new accessories will make their way to Apple’s website on that day. However, given that these new input devices are not major new products, there is a possibility that they could go on sale before Apple’s next major event. Just yesterday, Apple released updated Apple Watch accessories including Link Bracelet extension pieces and a larger Sport Band.

Matias Brings the World a Smaller and Wireless Keyboard.

 I have a serious problem in my life that I would rather not admit to (or deal with). My obsession with mechanical keyboards is unparalleled. Since trying my first one around a year ago, my collection has grown to include many different brands. I’ve just added the newest member to my family. After waiting for over a month on pre-order, my Matias Laptop Prokeyboard came in the mail. It’s not cheap by most standards, but is it worth the $170 I spent on it?

Abso-freaking-lutely.

Mechanical? Check

First off: why buy a mechanical keyboard? They have a great tactile feel to them, as well as improved accuracy, which this keyboard has in spades. The keys have a similar feel to the popular Apple Extended II Keyboard from the early 1990s. Matias prides itself on the fact that this keyboard, as well as other keyboards they make, has this type of feel to them.

The Laptop Pro has different switches compared to the Extended II, as the former uses “Matias’ ALPS-inspired Quiet Click mechanical key switches” compared to the Extended II’s most common switches, the Cream ALPS. The feel is a little different because they use different switches, and I prefer the Laptop Pro’s switches, as they are easier to type on and require less pressure. Not having to use as much pressure is good as it requires less force to hit a key, leading to faster typing. 

Key Icons Fade With Use? Nope

Each key is laser etched, so the lettering is burned in and will not wear down. I have had problem with keys wearing with other keyboards I have used, especially both Das Keyboards that I own. Apple’s own keyboards, both builtin and standalone, have a similar problem.

There are also symbols located on the keys that are activated when hitting Option or Option-Shift. All the keys you want are here, from F1 to F15, directional keys, page up and down. Special function keys are here too, including Brightness, Mission Control, Dashboard, playback, and volume.

Easy On The Ears

The keys are very quiet and easy on the ears. On the product page, you can compare its sound to other mechanical keyboards. I have used some loud mechanical keyboards, and it is really distracting for other people around you. The Laptop Pro doesn’t have that problem. 

How Long Does It Really Last?

The battery life that Matias claims under normal use is quite good:  6 months to a year on a single charge. Considering how frequently I have to charge the other devices in my life, this bit of news is comforting to hear. The keyboard hasn’t been out for 6 months, so I am not able to verify Matias’ claim.

Downsides

There are a few downsides to the keyboard. There is no number pad, though that can be seen as a benefit as many people do not use them and you can keep your mouse closer without it there. It would be still nice to use the number pad though. If the option were offered, I would choose the one with a number pad over not having it. Also, while it is a portable keyboard, it could be a little too big to bring places to use with your iPad or other on-the-go devices.

Final Thought

Is it Laptop Pro worth the money that Matias is charging? If you absolutely have to have Bluetooth and do not want to deal with cords, while having a smaller mechanical keyboard that takes up less space, it is definitely a must. It is one of my favorite keyboards but does not beat out my Das Keyboard. It wouldn’t be disappointing to have this as my only keyboard. The keyboard is not available from Amazon currently, but you can pick it up directly from Matias.

Source: Macgasm.

Belkin turns up the heat on Logitech with new FastFit Wireless keyboard case for iPad mini.

If you’re in need of a keyboard case for your iPad mini, it appears this is your week. Despite Logitech’s unveiling of its new Ultrathin keyboard case yesterday, Belkin has turned up the heat on its accessory-making rival by launching its new FastFit keyboard case, which it says is the “lightest and thinnest” product of its kind.

Coming in at just 7mm, the FastFit keyboard case is thinner than the iPad mini. That doesn’t stop the company from outfitting it with its TruType keyboard, which offers tactile feedback when keys are pressed. It’s also very light, which is not surprising given it’s made from anodized aircraft-grade aluminium.

The keyboard connects to the iPad mini via Bluetooth 3.0 and is able to offer 155 hours of “active use” with its 200mAh battery. Like Apple’s Smart Cover, it also utilises a magnetic clasp so it can automatically look and wake your iPad mini when it is opened or closed.

Matching Logitech on price, Belkin has priced its FastFit Bluetooth wireless keyboard case at $79.99. The company hasn’t yet opened preorders, but says it will do so “soon.”

Source: The Next Web.