Apple iPhone Leaked Photo Shows Sliding QWERTY Keypad, Gaming Control

April 1st, 2009 | by Thrystan |

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Loading ... We know that a brand new iPhone is coming this summer, but will it look anything like this leaked shot? Unbelievable as it may seem, this device packs a sliding QWERTY keyboard, a directional pad for games and action buttons placed among the rest of the keys.

I guess the touchscreen will be kept, but most of the gaming will be done with the aid of the physical keyboard. If an analog controller makes it in there too, you can count me as a fan of the new iPhone, however I wonder how such a feature can be implemented with the sliding keypad and all.

Who’ll need a PSP or Nintendo DS if such a handset is launched?

[via GSMDome]

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2 Responses to “Apple iPhone Leaked Photo Shows Sliding QWERTY Keypad, Gaming Control”
By Matt on Apr 1, 2009 | Reply

Hmm, I’m pretty sure that “leaked” iPhone shot is fake. On a QWERTY keyboard, the most frequently used keys are on the left side of the keyboard, so if they had to pick a side, the keyboard would be on the left. But I would expect Apple to go for symmetry – split the keyboard, and put the circle in the middle, so both hands can press keys easily, and lefties or righties could use the circle control easily.

Then again, after ten years of OSX, Apple still hasn’t given Mac users basic usability features like resizing windows from more than one corner, and the iPod will still destroy your hearing if a loud song comes on while you’re navigating through menus (no analog volume control), so I guess I shouldn’t have high ergonomic expectations of them.