Could Microsoft be readying a touch cover for the iPad?
Could Microsoft have built — or still be planning to make — a touch cover for the iPad?
That rumor is based on a Microsoft document unearthed by WinFuture.de. The document, which dates back to April 2017. The downloadable document is a list of devices incorporating lithium batteries which Microsoft declares to be in compliance with battery transportation requirements.
Credit: Microsoft
Among the items incorporating Lithium batteries that are listed are various Lumia phones, the HoloLens, Band 2, various Surface devices, a couple of Microsoft keyboards and “iPad Touch Cover (Model 1719).”
It’s the last item on the list that’s raising speculation as to whether Microsoft might have considered and/or still be considering making a touch cover/keyboard for the iPad.
I am a bit dubious about this given how awful I (and many others) found the Microsoft Surface Touch Covers to perform. I loved the idea — a super light keyboard that doubled as a cover. But they were terrible to type on. I believe Microsoft discontinued Surface Touch Covers — as they were designed for the first couple of iterations of the Surface tablets — and only currently sells Type Covers, but haven’t been able to verify that. (I’ve asked Microsoft if this is the case. No word back yet.)
In its August 2 post on its discovery, WinFuture wonders whether incorporation of a trackpad might be the reason the keyboard is called a “Touch” cover. Maybe?
Microsoft’s Universal Foldable Keyboard, which the company introduced in 2015, is compatible with the iPad, iPhone, Android devices, Windows tablets and Phones, but does not work as a “cover.”
I’ve asked Microsoft about the mention of the iPad Touch Cover and when/whether the company plans to roll out such a device. I’m expecting a no comment, but if and when I hear back, I’ll update the post.
Given Microsoft officials’ embrace of non-Microsoft hardware platforms these days, the existence of a some kind of Microsoft-designed and branded keyboard/cover for an iPad wouldn’t totally surprise me. I just wouldn’t expect it to be branded “Surface”….