Skip to main content

Microsoft’s new keyboard is aimed at the living room, and claims to survive liquid spills

microsofts new keyboard is aimed at the living room mskeyboard
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Not all wireless keyboards are necessarily built for living room use as well. They can be too bulky, plus, if they’re particularly large, handling them for lengthy periods of time can be uncomfortable. That can especially be the case if you have people sitting to either side of you. These are some of the ills that Microsoft attempts to address with its new “All-in-One Media Keyboard.”

Microsoft’s All-in-One is a wireless keyboard with a built-in touchpad, and can be used in conjunction with HID-compliant smart TVs and game consoles, including Xbox devices. It features customizable hotkeys, which allow users to configure certain buttons to perform specific actions based on how they use their gear. Microsoft claims that the keyboard is very liquid and drop-resistant, “so it can withstand the bumps, drops or spills of everyday life.” The keyboard comes bundled with a Wi-Fi USB dongle, which you need in order for you to use it. Plug the dongle into the device you want to pair it with, and the keyboard starts working in about a second.

The All-in-One is compatible with Windows 7 though 8.1, and Windows RT 8 and 8.1 as well. For non-Windows users, the keyboard also supports Mac OS X 10.7 through 10.9, along with Android 4.2, 4.12, and 4.03. We look forward to putting the “All-in-One Media Keyboard” through its paces, which will include liquid spill tests.

Microsoft’s All-in-One Media Keyboard will be available later this month for $39.95.

What do you think? Sound off in the comments below.

Editors' Recommendations

Mike Epstein
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Michael is a New York-based tech and culture reporter, and a graduate of Northwestwern University’s Medill School of…
What to do if your Intel CPU keeps crashing
Pins on Core i9-12900K.

Despite being among the best processors you can buy, some high-end Intel CPUs have faced a wave of instability over the past few months. Intel is investigating the problem, but the company and its motherboard partners have already worked toward some temporary fixes to improve stability on high-end Intel CPUs -- even if it comes at a performance cost.

Before getting into the fixes, keep in mind that they are temporary. Intel will release a statement on the instability soon, likely with more direct guidance on what affected users should do. In addition, the scope of the problem isn't clear -- if you're not experiencing issues, you shouldn't have anything to worry about.
Who's affected

Read more
HP Envy deals: HP’s most popular laptop starts at $630
An HP Envy 17-inch laptop sits on an office desk.

HP is one of the best laptop brands in the laptop space, with a huge selection of laptops to pick from, including some of the best laptops on the market. More specifically, though, the HP lineup is probably at the top when it comes to versatile and relatively well-valued laptops. While there are quite a few variations and configurations of the HP Envy, we've gone ahead and put together the ones that we think will give you the most bang for your buck. That said, if you haven't found something you're specifically looking for, be sure to check out some of these other great laptop deals as well.
HP Envy x360 2-in-1 laptop 15Z-FH000 — $650, was $900

The HP Envy x360 convertible laptop is a great option for just about anyone, particularly anyone who enjoys the touchscreen functionality of a tablet. It’s well designed and super slim, making it a truly go-anywhere device. Despite its portability, it still has an immersive 15.6-inch touchscreen that’s great for creators, note-takers, and binge watchers. Top notch build quality and durability, fast charging technology, a fingerprint reader, and great battery life round out the top features of the HP Envy x360 convertible touchscreen laptop. It competes well with the best 2-in-1 laptops. Its versatility and all-around capability make it a worthy companion on any desk, and on any lap.

Read more
I use these simple printer tips to save money on ink and toner
Printing is fast and economical with the HP Smart Tank 7602.

The cost of a printer can range from under $100 for some good, low-cost inkjet printers to several hundred for the best color laser printers. However, the price you pay upfront doesn’t include paper, and the included ink and toner only lasts so long.

A bargain printer can end up costing you more overall if the cartridges are small and replacements are expensive. Follow these tips to minimize ink, toner, and paper waste, reducing the ongoing expense of using your printer in the long run.
Print in monochrome
Adobe Acrobat's print settings includes a grayscale option. Digital Trends

Read more