World's Slimmest Keyboard Is Paper-Thin And Turns Any Area Into A Touchscreen

British scientists have invented a flexible computer keyboard that is as thin as a piece of paper and can turn any area into a touch-sensitive surface. Tech company Cambridge Silicon Radio (CSR) claims its keyboard is the world's thinnest, at half a millimeter thick and offers consumers a 'glimpse of future computing interfaces' that are paper-thin, wireless and respond to touch. The device can be used to extend the touch-sensitive areas of tablets and smartphones so customers can use a full-size thin keyboard to type messages on their mobile. It combines the company's low-power wireless technology with cutting-edge printable and flexible electronics. Paul Williamson, director of Low Power Wireless at CSR, said: 'The device can do basic text input as well as touch and gesture control, so you can swipe and pinch and zoom, as well as use much more complex gestures,' that people now use many touch screen devices. The company said the keyboard can be integrated into a pro-protective cover for a tablet, or used to create large touch zones on a desktop computer. It claims the device adds a 'full keyboard experience' to a tablet without using up screen area like the pop-up keyboard that comes as part of most tablet software. The paper-thin surface is wirelessly connected using a new CSR1010 chip that is optimised for this 'Bluetooth Smart' technology.