Apple produces some of the best keyboards on the market. It’s something I have discussed at length with others whom spend much of their lives typing, and in terms of key spacing and layout, pressure of keys, adjustable backlight, and general efficiency, even hardcore PC evangelists have conceded that the keyboard is something the Cupertino company has worked down to a fine art. It would stand to reason, then, that we’d want to utilize this keyboard wherever possible, and software developer Eyal Weiner has clearly taken this on board with the development of 1Keyboard, which allows you to use your Mac’s keyboard (and mouse / trackpad) with any Bluetooth device.
1Keyboard is useful in a variety of situations. Not only does it allow you to type fluidly in an app which may only be available for your mobile device, but it’s also a perfect accompaniment for your Apple TV, which, without a keyboard, is an extremely annoying experience which will soon hive your hand a repetitive strain injury.
Setting up 1Keyboard is a piece of cake. To me, an app connecting a desktop to a mobile or external device is only useful if the client only has to be installed once, for either the desktop or the corresponding device. In this case, you download the installer for 1Keyboard for desktop – which is only about 1.4MB – run, and it takes you through the simple installation instructions.
From there, you need to hook up your device to your Mac via Bluetooth, select it, and you’re away. When 1Keyboard is in action, the keyboard of your mobile device makes way, and all the typing from then on is done remotely .
As well as providing a keyboard, you can also use your mouse / trackpad, and while this may not be particularly useful on its own, it’s very handy if you’re typing and want to quickly navigate to a certain point in your text without touching your device.
Perhaps surprisingly, 1Keyboard is not limited to iOS devices. Sure, it works well for iPhone, iPad and Apple TV, but it also works smoothly with Android-based smartphones and tablets too.
If you want to use a keyboard with your Bluetooth device, but don’t want to go out and spend more money on one, 1Keyboard will ensure you can make best of what you already have. It costs $6.99 / £5, which is a good price for what is a very versatile app, and if you want to find out more, please check out eyalw.com/1keyboard
Be sure to check out our Mac OS X Apps Gallery to explore more apps for OS X powered computer.
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