Microsoft's Universal Foldable Keyboard loves iOS, Android and Windows equally

Every mobile operating system would have you believe that it has the best built in keyboard. It's clear that plenty of people disagree judging by the number of alternative keyboard apps that exist in the Windows Phone, Apple and Android stores. Sometimes even the best software keyboard isn't good enough, but few people are enamored with the idea of carrying around a full size Bluetooth keyboard.

There are numerous mobile keyboards that are particularly suitable for use with smartphones and tablets, and today at MWC in Barcelona, Microsoft threw its hat into the ring with the Universal Foldable Keyboard. Bearing more than a passing resemblance to a large money wallet, this svelte device connects via Bluetooth to whatever mobile device you happen to be using -- including the newly announced Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL.

For extended typing sessions, it's hard to replace a physical keyboard, and this is something that Microsoft has clearly recognized. Looks have been borrowed from the Surface Pro's Type Cover, and if usability is a shared feature as well, things bode well for the Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard. It may not transform your phone or tablet into a laptop, but it will certainly help to speed up the typing of lengthy emails and documents.

With all of the announcements flying out of MWC at the moment, full details are creeping out more slowly than the big headline-grabbing news. The Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard is expected to cost $99.95 when it hits the Microsoft Store and retailers in July.