Microsoft Garage releases Hub Keyboard for iOS

Microsoft Garage is continuing with its plan to provide interesting apps for mobile devices. The latest is Hub Keyboard, an app that was first released on Android but is now available on Apple’s iOS mobile platforms.

Hub Keyboard takes full control by replacing the stock keyboard that comes with your iOS device. This keyboard from Microsoft makes it possible for users to gain access to OneDrive where they can select files and share them with friends or family.

It’s an interesting app with neat features, but there is one major downside that might discourage many users from giving it a try. What is that reason, you wonder? Well, users will need to have an Office 365 account to take advantage of Hub Keyboard and all its features.

We’re not certain why Microsoft decided to travel down this route as it would definitely limit the amount of people who would be willing to see what this Hub Keyboard is all about.

The main reason behind the decision to create this keyboard app, is to increase productivity in the workplace. As it stands right now, users tend to be clunky when working with their mobile phone, and that is understandable seeing as the screen is small.

With this Hub Keyboard idea, users will no longer have to switch between a million apps since many cool features are built-in and ready to go on all cylinders.

“I was thinking about how we can help users be more productive in the mobile space,” according to Steve Won, a senior designer on the Office team. “After a couple of months hacking at it, there was an internal science fair, a showcase of independent projects, and that’s where I was able to receive a lot more feedback and attention. Things started picking up.”

At the end of the day, unless Microsoft makes some big changes Hub Keyboard will probably be left stuck in the gutter with no way out. Furthermore, this keyboard will likely never make it to Windows 10 Mobile.