Bluetooth keyboard support?

[alex_roddie]

Are we finally going to see Bluetooth keyboard support in this update? It frankly seems insane we've had to wait so long for such a basic feature, particularly when you consider the excellent Office integration.

 

[N_LaRUE]

Unfortunately there's been no indication of this. Lots of people would point you to a tablet as they feel a phone (though I think a 1520 would be great with a keyboard) is just too small to be productive on.

 

[ptrkhh]

HID-type devices (keyboard, mouse, etc) is supported in 8.1, so theoretically a Bluetooth keyboard should work.

 

[N_LaRUE]

HID-type devices (keyboard, mouse, etc) is supported in 8.1, so theoretically a Bluetooth keyboard should work.

Where did you see that information? I haven't seen it. I only saw BT4.0.

 

[alex_roddie]

It's a shame if MS feels we don't need this feature. I used it all the time on my Galaxy Note and personally I would love to be able to use a keyboard with my 1520. I also have a tablet, but don't always carry it

 

[N_LaRUE]

It's a shame if MS feels we don't need this feature. I used it all the time on my Galaxy Note and personally I would love to be able to use a keyboard with my 1520. I also have a tablet, but don't always carry it

There's a certain philosophy to the Windows ecosystem.

WP - Do the basics well. Mobile office is for reviewing and small corrections only.
RT - Do more on the go. Full office suite.
W8 - For all your computer needs.

I'd like to point out that I have no objection to a BT keyboard. I'm just explaining the thinking.

 

[ptrkhh]

Where did you see that information? I haven't seen it. I only saw BT4.0.

Windows Phone 8.1 could support USB HID class; get your accessories ready | Pocketnow

 

[Mark Byrnes]

I have a Toshiba Encore 8" tablet which works just great with HDMI out to a big screen when used with a bluetooth keyboard and mouse. I also have a miracast device to use with it. Now when I travel, I leave my big heavy laptop at home. I also carry (and love) a Nokia 920. I just ordered a Nokia 1520. With miracast support coming in 8.1, I could nearly leave the tablet at home and just use the 1520, providing I can hook the keyboard and mouse up.

 

[wyrdfish]

The msdn has developer docs on the HID profile now.

Devices (Windows)

I've been waiting for this so I can finally upgrade from my HTC 7 Pro.

Just need someone to make a nice keyboard case for the 930 or 1520.

 

[wyrdfish]

Reading that article it seems like the keyboard profile is blocked.
Someone will have to try it when a version of 8.1 is available to the public.

 

[matheee]

So, what about HID support in WP 8.1?? Anyone tried this?

 

[Psycmeistr]

There are millions of us business-app users who like the idea of being able to keep your Windows Phone in your shirt pocket and an IGo Stowaway full-sized folding keyboard in your coat pocket and go to town on a plane or at a cafe or wherever and efficiently create a document on the go or take impromptu notes at a meeting. I don't want to always have to carry an oversized tablet or phablet or whatever.


It's not freaking rocket science to add an HID BT interface. My Nokia Symbian phone had it 6 freaking years ago.


The devlopers of an OS that offers Office as a selling point without providing the means to utilize it in an efficient manner and to its potential are tone deaf at best, and deliberately thwarting customer experience and demand, at worst.


I think it's somewhere between the two.


If you're going to provide Office with no interface to utilize it efficiently and to its potential, then Office is no more than a toy (aww--how cute--the phone has Office)--


It's like providing a Lamborghini with no tires and a Model-T engine and saying, "Here you go--have at it."


If you're going to provide access to a powerful business app, either provide the means to use it efficiently and powerfully, or don't provide it at all.

It's not enough to make HID available only to third party app developers for specific applications.

Geeze--all I want is my freaking Bluetooth keyboard to work!

 

[asylumxl]

Reading that article it seems like the keyboard profile is blocked.
Someone will have to try it when a version of 8.1 is available to the public.

This is not what it says. It says developers can't access those HIDs through the API in their apps. There is no reason the OS can't support these HID devices nor does it say it can't or won't.

 

[Vu Pham Hoang]

I'm using Nokia Lumia 520, OS WP 8.1
I Have a keyboard rapoo E6300. Can I use it?

 

[Psycmeistr]

DAMN YOU, WINDOWS PHONE DEVELOPERS!!! You couldn't add a freaking HID Bluetooth protocol??? REALLY?

I FINALLY got the Windows 8.1 update on my Lumia 1020 and it STILL WON'T PAIR with my I-Go Stowaway keyboard!

Are you freaking tone-deaf, or what???

 

[Christian Holmstedt]

Killer add-ons to have, no doubt.
It takes the smartphone from a useful device to a really great tool.

MS, get your s**t together. :wink:

 

[nsnhd]

I'm using Nokia Lumia 520, OS WP 8.1
I Have a keyboard rapoo E6300. Can I use it?

Is the rapoo E6300 working with Lumia? I also want to get one

 

[Gary Childers]

Mr. Holmstedt's colorful and enthusiastic comments on Bluetooth keyboard support are right on target. My Lumia 635 updated to Denim this morning, and it still doesn't support my beautiful Microsoft BT keyboard.
This needs fixed NOW.

 

[Psycmeistr]

I now have Windows 10 on my Lumia 1020 device. I still can't get my Igo Stowaway keyboard to pair, even though it says you're supposed to be able to use a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse while using Continuum.

CRAP. CRAP. CRAP.

I will be getting my Lumia 950 in a few days.

One more chance for the Windows 10 system to get it right.