A new official Google Nexus 8 keyboard cover is apparently in the works for a launch later this year.
Google is reportedly exploring a product called “Workshop”, which would allow users to customise snap on cases, live wallpapers and other elements of the upcoming range of Nexus devices.
This could help improve the range of accessories available for the Nexus tablets and smartphones and seems to include this official keyboard cover. Such a keyboard accessory would also enhance the productivity values.
A previous leak at the end of August suggested that the HTC made Nexus 8 would have a magic cover arriving in leather or TPU finishes. But there was also word of a keyboard folio, which you can see above and below.
The keyboard cover looks to function in a very similar way to the Apple Smart Cover for the iPad mini 2 or iPad Air. The front cover flap will fold up into a triangle using magnets, supporting the tablet while you use the keyboard.
What’s interesting is that it looks like the tablet will lie on top of the keyboard within the case when you don’t need access to the keys.
Rumour has it the keyboard will pair with the Nexus 8 via Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC too.
It will be charged via a micro USB port hidden in the hinge, and will offer a 450mAh battery that the keyboard itself will run on.
Overall it is looking to be a very thin keyboard folio case. According to the AndroidPolice report, the case’s dimensions measure up at 228 x 320 x 5mm and the keys themselves are only around 3mm high.
You’ll get the full QWERTY keyboard within the case, plus a few Android function keys.
The Google Nexus 8 itself is expected to be launched before the end of the year, although an exact date isn’t yet known.
It is expected to feature an 8.9-inch 2048 x 1440p resolution display, powered by a 64-bit Nvidia Tegra K1 processor and 2GB of RAM. You’ll also get the option of 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, but there’s no word as to whether it’ll get microSD support.
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