Chameleon Keys

Competitors are lining up to bring a viable LCD-based keyboard to market. United Keys, Art. Lebedev Studio, and iKeyInfinity are all working on keyboards that have a miniature LCD screen on each key. The keys' screens can be programmed to perform specific functions, from displaying letters in different languages to customized gaming commands. "The thought struck me when I went down to the U.S. for a show: Why can't we have keys that can change for any language?" says Bruce Grant, CEO of iKeyInfinity.

United Keys will announce its first keyboard (a proto-type is shown) later this year. Art. Lebedev Studio and iKeyInfinity plan for theirs to hit the market in 2006. Keep your eyes on your keys.