Microsoft has been reaping in billions from Android-related patents for years. The company also supported the platform last month by releasing the OneNote for Android Wear app.
Microsoft has now unveiled a prototype project called “Analog Keyboard for Android Wear” that allows users to enter various letter, numbers and characters by simply drawing on the watch face.
Microsoft shows of how you’d use the custom keyboard to easily type messages and search the web. The keyboard appears with an input area, space bar, back button, and word or character suggestion. Using this keyboard may end up saving a bit as using the small display on smartwatches tends to be a frustrating experience.
Beta version one is available to download now and currently works on the Moto 360 and square screens smartwatches with 320×320 resolution (Samsung Gear Live, Asus ZenWatch, Sony SmartWatch 3).
Toronto-based Whirlscape, best known for its one-dimensional keyboard called Minuum, also created something similar for Android Wear smartwatches but is only available in a limited preview.
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