Press Releases

APC Contech

16 Dec 2009

INTERACTIVE DISPLAY OLED KEYBOARD:

APC-Contech (part of APC Plc) the UK’s foremost supplier of application specific keyboard solutions, are ready to launch the very latest in keyboard technology to the market place – Display Keys OLED keyboard solution.

Now with a touch of a button, users can launch an app, create a shortcut, load a website, or calculate a formula. Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) technology will revolutionize the desk top for any number of PC keyboard users. Gamers, programmers, creative media, and lifestyle application users will increase their productivity and creativity by as much as 70%!

Previous attempts to produce a similar solution at a market acceptable price have failed. At £100 each, the new Display Keys technology is now ready to take the market by storm.

The solution is easily user configurable out of the box. However, APC-Contech will be offering a user app download service for the major PC based professional applications.

APC-Contech General Manager, Mark Broadhead, states ‘This exciting technology enables our customers, and all kinds of PC users, the ability to mimic touch screen technology on the desktop. The display keys change dynamically as you work, greatly improving usability, productivity, and creativity.
Available as either a full size keyboard with 9 display keys, or a 9 key keypad, contact us now discuss your application’.
SOME FURTHER SUPPORTING INFORMATION:
MANAGE COMPLEX COMMANDS

Store as many of your favorite commands as you like. Access dozens, or even 100s. Jump from one "layer" to another, using nine keys at a time. Attach whatever image or icon you want so commands are easy to remember.
Fewer keystrokes, less memorization and fewer errors. Totally customizable.
With the touch of a button, load a web site, calculate a formula, launch an application, place a snippet of text or code, or just call up a command that you can't remember—but if you could, it would save you dozens of steps and mouse clicks—instantly, without errors.
Logically organize all the commands you use and then jump from one to the next with lightning speed.
Welcome to the world of display-keys. It's a world where you can experience the interactivity of touchscreen devices but still retain the tactile feedback of pressing a button—so critical in so many applications.
SIMPLIFY USABILITY

Research has shown tactile feedback improves performance and satisfaction. Compared to touch screens, there is something reassuring about the familiar click of a button.
On traditional devices, where main displays are present, display keys simplify by reducing keystrokes and screen clutter. When not present — microwave ovens and washing machines are two examples — display keys can guide users without a main display.
In the future, third-party software will be display-key ready leading to even greater automation. Energy monitoring via the internet may require occasional user input. For constrained environments, such as bank ATMs or automobiles, the impact of interactivity will be significant.
keyboard and keypad displays utilize Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) technology. OLEDs are widely used in TVs, computers and mobile phones, as well as general lighting purposes (i.e., in buildings).
A significant advantage of OLED technology is reduced power consumption. United Keys products are powered by a USB connection and do not require an auxiliary power supply.
Costs are kept low by integrating proven technology harmoniously with existing form factors. Because the mechanical design is similar, a keyboard could have any number of display keys co-existing with standard keys.
LEADERSHIP POSITION
We estimate the worldwide market for PC display input devices at roughly 2% of the total PC installed base, or 4-5 million units. That number should grow to 10-15% in coming years.
There are eight patents filed, two of which have been issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (and other country offices), in major consuming geographies, representing most of total worldwide opportunity.
The patented and patent-pending technology provides a platform for using display keys in a wide range of electronics input devices. Main pillars include focusing on the interaction between hardware and software, the user's ability to customize solutions, and the transfer of images over a network — including the internet.
Target Publications and web forums:

PC Life style
PC Gaming
Broadcast
Animation
Education
Healthcare