Typo BlackBerry-esque iPhone keyboard draws lawsuit

Remember that BlackBerry keyboard-looking case for the iPhone that popped up at the tail end of 2013? Looks like BlackBerry saw it too, and they weren't too happy about how similar it looked to their own handset models. The Typo iPhone keyboard is the subject of a brand new California court case which suggests the accessory is a "blatant" copy of BlackBerry's own designs.

While we'll leave the chatter about BlackBerry's current financial situation and sales to the SlashGear BlackBerry tag portal for your perusal, today's lawsuit isn't really about the cash. Instead it's about BlackBerry's protection of their own patent rights, the likes of which they have plenty of, to be sure.

    "This is a blatant infringement against BlackBerry's iconic keyboard, and we will vigorously protect our intellectual property against any company that attempts to copy our unique design. From the beginning, BlackBerry has always focused on offering an exceptional typing experience that combines a great design with ergonomic excellence.

    We are flattered by the desire to graft our keyboard onto other smartphones, but we will not tolerate such activity without fair compensation for using our intellectual property and our technological innovations." - Steve Zipperstein, BlackBerry's General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer

How this will affect the appearance of Typo Products at CES 2014, we can't be sure. This is their headline product, after all, using the following introduction for their Digital Experience appearance during the conference:

    "Introducing what people all over the world are already calling a total game changer..the first ever physical keyboard for an iPhone..the Typo Keyboard." - Typo Products

Stay tuned and we shall see! This company was founded by founded by entrepreneur Laurence Hallier and TV host and media personality Ryan Seacrest, certainly nothing to scoff at lightly!





VIA: Engadget, BlackBerry

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Plantronics RIG headset offers a wired mixer for gaming and mobile blend

Plantronics has unveiled its new RIG line of products, the first of which – the RIG headset - allows gamers to stay connected to their smartphone while playing, offering a wired mixer and the ability to toggle without issue between a video game console and “the real world.” The headset is slated for launch sometime later this fall, though a specific date hasn’t yet been provided, with the price set at $129 USD/EUR.

The Plantronics RIG headset includes 40mm speaker drivers, offering audio quality that the company says is often found only in “professional-grade products.” The mixer is wired and allows users to toggle between a video game console and tablet or smartphone by hitting the paddle – one can receive a call, for example, without having to pause the game they’re on and without having to remove the headset.

There are both boom and inline mics, with the boom microphone being a noise-cancelling bit that can be swapped for the less obvious inline microphone. The inline mic includes controls for muting and calls. Three EQ profiles are available: Pure, Intensify, and Seismic, with users being able to experience “epic bass.” Finally, compatibility includes Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC and Mac, and mobile devices.


As far as design goes, Plantronics says they used a street-style industrial design that aims to be as stylish on the street (or anywhere outside the gaming setup) as it does plugged into the console. The ear cushions and headband are designed for long-duration gaming without discomfort on the head or the ears.

Plantronics’ head of gaming Chuck Frizelle said: “The RIG headset marks the start of the next generation of gaming audio solutions, crafted for demanding gamers and their dynamic lifestyle. Building on our expertise in acoustics, industrial design, and communications, RIG delivers unique benefits for gamers. RIG immerses gamers in their virtual world while keeping them seamlessly connected to the real one.”

SOURCE: BusinessWire, Plantronics

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