# Universal Mobile Keyboards Microsoft Creates an Accessory for Both iOS and Android Tablets By Meghan Young | Published 2014-09-17 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/universal-mobile-keyboard References: [theverge](http://www.theverge.com/2014/9/16/6189075/microsoft-universal-mobile-keyboard-features-pricing) & [microsoft](http://www.microsoft.com/) When it comes to [tech accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/satechi-slim-ex-series), it can be frustrating when people change or upgrade their devices only to find that the expensive accessories purchased for the original gadgets don't work with the new ones; enter the Universal Mobile Keyboard. It is an accessory that defies this common occurrence. Although it is unclear whether it can adapt to new models as they come out, what makes the Universal Mobile Keyboard so special is that it can be used in tangent with iOS, Android and Windows devices. Designed by [Microsoft](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/incase-compact-ergonomic-keyboard), the Universal Mobile Keyboard "underlines the company’s focus on providing software, services, and even hardware for rival platforms to Windows," The Verge points out. Hopefully we'll see more like this. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.7/10 - Popularity: 89% | Activity: 73% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Cross-platform Accessories:** Opportunity to create tech accessories that work with multiple operating systems and devices. - **Hardware for Rival Platforms:** Opportunity to develop hardware products for non-native platforms. - **Device Compatibility:** Opportunity to create devices that can adapt to new models as they come out. ### Where This Applies - **Tech Accessories:** Opportunity for tech accessory companies to expand their product line by creating cross-platform accessories. - **Hardware Manufacturing:** Opportunity for hardware manufacturers to expand their market by creating products for rival platforms. - **Mobile Device Manufacturing:** Opportunity for mobile device manufacturers to innovate their products by creating devices that can adapt to new models as they come out. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Magnetic Mobile Device Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clicks-power-keyboard.md) - [Portable Productivity Tablet Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/logitech-keystogo-2.md) - [AI Button-Customized Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/incase-compact-ergonomic-keyboard.md) - [Sleek Compact Keyboard Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fusion-keyboard.md) - [All-in-One Tablet Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skfp-combo-keyboard.md) - [Intelligent Touchscreen Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keygo-touchscreen-keyboard.md) - [Convenient Multi-Device Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-universal-control.md) - [Functional Design-Driven Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/satechi-slim-ex-series.md) - [Dedicated AI Button Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-ergonomic-keyboard.md)