Snapkeys, the invisible keyboard

DAILY DOT COM - Imagine typing an email or SMS and never once looking down at your mobile device? That's the idea behind new technology at SnapKeys.

Benjamin Ghassabian, CEO of SnapKeys, said the Jerusalem-based company wanted a faster, easier solution for interpreting data on mobile devices. So they created an invisible interface.

"We came to a solution that permits user to completely free their screen from keys," said Ghassabian.

SnapKeys is a touchscreen, but it's different than the standard keyboard we are accustomed to seeing.

English-based smartphones have what's called a QWERTY keyboard, whereas SnapKeys divides the typing portion of your touch screen into four categories.

"Each finger has only two positions... up or down. So you have two thumbs on the screen typing on the screen and because there are only two choices, up or down, the user doesn't have to look at the screen anymore," Ghassabian explained.

The interface is divided into four groups, based on the shapes of the letters in the alphabet.

The first group are letters whose base stands on one point like F, I, T, and V.

The second group are letters whose base stands on two points: W, H, N, A.

The third contains letters that have a curved or flat base like G, U, S, E.

Then the fourth group incorporates letters with a closed circle like R, O, P, D.

After learning and memorizing the rules, you can make the keyboard invisible.

The learning curve depends on the user, but SnapKeys estimates anywhere between three hours and two days.

The finished product is expected to launch on Android and Windows smartphones later this year.

In the meantime, SnapKeys encourages potential users to download its "World Record" app. The app features the same technology as the invisible interface and is meant to give users a feel for the real deal, while helping the company break a world record.

The app is free in the Android Marketplace and Apple's iTunes store.

For more information on SnapKeys click here.