Skip to main content

Samsung has an invisible keyboard that you can use with your phone

Keyboards come in all shapes and sizes, you can fold them, use them across multiple devices, and even enjoy their ergonomics. At CES 2020, though, Samsung has an interesting conceptual take on the keyboard. It’s one that you can’t even physically see — an invisible A.I. powered keyboard dubbed the SelfieType.

Although the concept of an “invisible” keyboard isn’t new, Samsung’s conceptual SelfieType looks like something straight out of a science fiction movie. Though existing products like the Celluon Magic Cube Laser Projection Keyboard need to be connected up to a device, Samsung’s conceptual keyboard is a bit different. Instead of using lasers or projection, SelfieType uses your phones’ existing front-facing camera to track your hands as you type on any surface. It is powered by machine learning and can turn the individual movement of your fingers into keystrokes.

The concept is apparently available for private demos at CES, but this isn’t something that the general public can test. For the rest of us, a promotional video also shows how it works.

SelfieType

You can simply place your phone on a table and begin typing. You’ll see your device’s onscreen keyboard pop up and the letters will be highlighted on the screen as you move your fingers on your table in the real world. Samsung’s video also shows how it works with a tablet, for those times when you’re in a meeting and wouldn’t want to drag in a physical keyboard with your device. However, SelfieType may only be compatible with Samsung products. The demo video showcases a Samsung Galaxy Fold phone as well as a Samsung tablet.

It’s unknown how accurate the SelfieType keyboard actually is, but it looks to be pretty promising. If it holds up to become an actual product, this would also mean that you no longer need to travel around with a physical keyboard if you want to type on your phone or tablet.

According to The Verge, the conceptual product was developed in Samsung’s C-Lab, its Corporate Startup Incubation Program. GameSpot reports that the experimental products as part of this program have eventually launched, so there is hope you may get to try it yourself at some point.

Follow our live blog for more CES news and announcements.

Editors' Recommendations

Arif Bacchus
Arif Bacchus is a native New Yorker and a fan of all things technology. Arif works as a freelance writer at Digital Trends…
Check your inbox — Google may have invited you to use Bard, its ChatGPT rival
ChatGPT versus Google on smartphones.

AI chatbots have been the subject of much public fascination as of late, with the likes of ChatGPT continuously making headlines. But now, Google is finally getting in on the trend by soft-launching Bard for select Pixel users.

Bard is Google's AI chatbot that was previously unavailable to the public, but according to a report from 9to5Google, the company is inviting some of its most loyal and dedicated customers to give it a try.

Read more
If you use this free password manager, your passwords might be at risk
Office computer with login asking for password and username.

Researchers have just found a flaw within Bitwarden, a popular password manager. If exploited, the bug could give hackers access to login credentials, compromising various accounts.

The flaw within Bitwarden was spotted by Flashpoint, a security analysis firm. While the issue hasn't received much -- or any -- coverage in the past, it appears that Bitwarden was aware of it all along. Here's how it works.

Read more
Caktus AI: How to use the ChatGPT alternative that can write essays for you
The home screen for Caktus AI.

Caktus AI is a ChatGPT alternative that has piqued the interest of many people across the web, with approximately 1.1 million users having accessed the service since the beginning of 2023. It's not quite as popular as ChatGPT, but it has a unique take on AI-generated content.

The student-focused tool has taken AI content creation up a notch with features that haven't been seen on other services. The brand also offers a number of additional writing generators and several other tools in a myriad of unique categories. Here's what you need to know about Caktus AI.
What is Caktus AI?
Caktus - First Educational A.I. For Students

Read more