Google Japan Unveils DIY Gboard With Conveyor Belt Keys
Google Japan has built a DIY Gboard keyboard with keys on a moving conveyor belt and released the design as open source. It won't be sold.
Google Japan has unveiled a DIY Gboard keyboard whose keys are mounted on a moving conveyor belt. Instead of a fixed layout, the belt continuously moves the keys so users press a character as it comes around.
Each belt carries 29 keys and supports both uppercase and lowercase letters. Google published the design as open source, allowing anyone to build their own version.
The company is not planning to sell the conveyor belt keyboard, so it remains a concept rather than a product.
A tradition of concept keyboards
Google Japan has used October 1 to show off concept keyboards since the company ended its traditional April Fools' jokes in 2021. The date is a nod to the 101-key keyboard, since 10/1 can be read as '101'.
The project was reported by androidauthority.com.
Quick answers
Will Google sell the conveyor belt Gboard keyboard?
No. Google is not planning to sell the conveyor belt keyboard.
How many keys does each belt have?
Each belt has 29 keys and supports both uppercase and lowercase letters.
Can I build one myself?
Yes. Google published the design as open source so people can build their own.