5 Examples Introduces the Tio Keyboard for the Mobile Market

CARY, N.C., Dec. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- 5 examples, inc., a supplier of innovative solutions for portable devices, today announced its Tio keyboard for mobile devices.  The new keyboard uses a simplified QWERTY keyboard layout enabling faster and easier typing on a mobile device.

Available virtually as an application on the Android Market starting today, and as a Bluetooth^® hardware accessory in Q2 2012, the Tio keyboard empowers consumers to quickly text or type in an easy-to-use format.  The pocket-sized physical Tio keyboard contains full-size keys, supports touch-typing, and capitalizes on a user's familiarity with a traditional keyboard, while the virtual keyboard for touch screens on mobile devices offers an unprecedented experience for editing, navigation, and customization.

The number of mobile phone subscriptions worldwide reached 4.6 billion in 2010 and is expected to increase to five billion this year, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).  In addition, 12 percent of the U.S. Internet population (ages 8-64) owns or uses a tablet, with that number expected to jump to 23 percent this year.  Of these tablet users, 87 percent are accessing content and information, and the average tablet user has downloaded 20 different applications (Online Publishers Association, June 2011).  Forrester Research has predicted tablet sales to more than double from 10.3 million devices in 2010 to 24.1 million units through 2012.

Cultural factors also play a role in the increased use of text messaging and data on mobile devices.  About five billion text messages are sent each month in the U.S., up from 2.8 billion a year ago, according to the wireless trade association CTIA.  Teenagers have made it a routine way to communicate. About 63 percent of Americans from ages 18 to 27 use text messaging, according to a Pew Internet & American Life Project survey out in March 2010. Those teens are bringing texting to their parents — or are moving into the workforce and texting with older colleagues. Now 31 percent of cell phone owners ages 28 to 39 use text and data applications, and 18 percent of those 40 to 49 do, Pew reports.

 "We are excited to be eliminating the barriers to communication, simplifying the way people use the data on their smartphones and tablets, and bridging the generation gap," said Bjorn Jawerth, CEO of 5 examples.  "With over four billion mobile phones and the surging popularity of tablets in the market, being able to type easily and efficiently is critical for this growing market."

 The virtual keyboard can be downloaded for free at http://www.typetio.com/ or https://market.android.com/details?id=com.fiveexamples.inputmethod.tio.

About 5 examples, inc.

Headquartered in Cary, N.C., 5 examples develops solutions for portable devices, with a focus on significant challenges for the convergence of communications, movies, music, games, and productivity.

For more information on the company, visit www.typetio.com or www.5examples.com.

SOURCE 5 examples, inc.