We often don't realize if one of the 'big enemies' for the
touch screen device is our own hands. Without additional protective layer, and
if not cleaned regularly, our mobile devices will be full of fingerprints. Then
when you're enjoying the foods, obviously is not advisable to touch or use the
devices. But now there is a smart solution from KFC, recently KFC introduces a
peripheral called Tray Typer.
KFC Tray Typer looks like regular flexible tray. The size is
very thin, only 4 millimeters, and is elastic so it can be rolled up. It is
presented as a replacement for paper placemat; it has a series of buttons ala
QWERTY keyboard (including the power button). Of course, the buttons are not
just decoration; they function like a real keyboard. Tray Typer can be
connected to your mobile device via Bluetooth.
By using Tray Typer, your smartphone and tablet will stay
clean and protected from oil and grease. The KFC smart tray is also oil and
water resistant. Once used, the waitress only needs to recharge the battery via
the USB port and wipe the tray to clean it. In theory this peripheral can be
used for many times by the restaurant, but the fact is the Tray Typer is very
popular among the customers. In the first week of its introduction, this smart
tray had run out because of taken home by consumers.
Tray Typer is created as part of KFC marketing campaign in
Germany. KFC collaborates with advertising agency Serviceplan. They plan to
provide KFC placemat with keyboard technology at the opening of several KFC
restaurants there. The Tray Typer may look like normal mat, but the technology
application is really amazing.
Talking about flexible keyboard, researchers have started to
develop it since several years ago. So far, the thinnest elastic keyboard is
held by the Cambridge Silicon Radio with a thickness of only half a millimeter
- combine low-power wireless technology and cutting-edge methods in the
electronic circuits printing.
Unfortunately, there has been no information whether KFC
will bring the Tray Typer outside Germany or not. In that country, the TrayTyper is presented free of charge. But I'm sure if KFC sold it at reasonable
price in other countries, this peripheral will still be sold out.