If you were planning on buying a keyboard attachment for your iPad you may want to check out a new app. Type2Phone will allow you to use your Mac’s keyboard to type instead of tapping the keys one by one on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.
Although the app’s requirements mention it only works with iOS devices that support external keyboards, it uses Bluetooth technology. The app works by showing your Mac as a Bluetooth keyboard accessory, so you could essentially use it with Android devices too. Make sure your Android device allows for it to be paired with Bluetooth accessories before you take the leap.
Once installed, make sure your iOS device is set to discoverable by going to Settings > General > Bluetooth. Once there select your MacBook or iMac from the device list. After that, you’re good to go. Simply use your keyboard to type and the text will appear on your device. If you prefer you can use the copy and paste feature, which works just as you would expect.
As a frequent texter, I type fairly quickly on my iPhone. I do refrain from replying to emails until I get home to my Mac so I can type lengthier and more comfortably. If I already have access to a Mac then I’ll just type my email there. You’ll have to decide if an app like this would be useful, especially if you would rather use your phone to send out texts and emails.
Recently, the iOS 5 update to the Apple iPad has made it a bit easier to type. Although it’s easy to type on the iPad when it’s in landscape mode, it was always a bit tricky when holding it in your hands. Now, you may undock the keyboard and bring it closer to the center of the screen or you can split the keyboard in half giving you a smaller layout in each side of the screen. It’s actually pretty neat. To do this, simply hold the show/hide keyboard button and the two options will appear. Pressing on that same button while in undocked or split mode will give you the option to return to the docked and merged way.
Since Type2Phone is relatively new, it has only a few reviews. Most of the reviews are positive, ranking the app an average of four stars. Also, the app doesn’t come cheap, having really only one purpose. At $4.99, you can download the small .3MB utility. Still, if it becomes useful, it will save you money if it prevents you from purchasing a physical Bluetooth keyboard in the future.
Download Type2Phone For OS X
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