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# Mobile Virtual Keyboards
SelfieType is a Virtual Keyboard That Relies on a Device's Front Camera

By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2019-12-31 | Tech
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfietype
References: [engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2019/12/28/samsung-c-lab-2020-experiments/) & [news.samsung](https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-electronics-to-showcase-successful-c-lab-inside-projects-and-c-lab-outside-start-ups-at-ces-2020)

At CES 2020, [Samsung](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amber-kb-1) is sharing innovative projects like SelfieType from [C-Lab](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seromo), which reimagines the way mobile device users send messages. Rather than punching letters on a small mobile screen, this idea helps device users input text with "a virtual keyboard using the front-facing selfie camera." The SelfieType AI engine uses the front camera on a device and analyzes finger movements, which are then converted to QWERTY keyboard inputs.

Although keyboards and virtual keyboards often require plugs, projectors or other hardware, SelfieType relies only on a device's front-facing camera and is suited for smartphones, tablets and laptops. As it's possible for people to run entire businesses off their mobile devices, tools like SelfieType have the potential to make even ultra-portable laptops a thing of the past.

Image Credit: Samsung

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 6.2/10
- Popularity: 85% | Activity: 93% | Freshness: 9%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Millennial
- Top markets: North America, Asia

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile)

## Key Themes

### What's Driving This Trend

- **Virtual Keyboard Technology:** SelfieType from C-Lab reimagines the way mobile device users send messages by using a virtual keyboard.
- **Front-facing Camera Analysis:** SelfieType's AI engine analyzes finger movements through a device's front-facing camera.
- **Plug-free Virtual Keyboards:** SelfieType relies only on a device's front-facing camera and eliminates the need for plugs or other hardware.

### Who This Affects Most

- **Mobile Devices:** SelfieType has the potential to disrupt the mobile device industry by eliminating the need for traditional physical keyboards.
- **Tablet Manufacturing:** SelfieType has the potential to disrupt the tablet industry by offering a compact and more portable alternative to traditional keyboards.
- **Laptop Manufacturing:** SelfieType has the potential to disrupt the laptop manufacturing industry by replacing physical keyboards and making ultra-portable devices even more accessible and convenient.

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