Surface keyboard update to restore basic Windows shortcuts, improve function keys

[mitchellvii]

Surface keyboard update to restore basic Windows shortcuts, improve function keys | The Verge

Microsoft's Surface Type and Touch Covers swapped out traditional keyboard F keys for quick access to volume, media, and other controls, but that has left a gap for those used to function keys and Windows keyboard shortcuts. In an update that will be made available on June 11th, Microsoft is adding options to its function keys for Surface keyboards. Surface RT and Pro owners will be able to lock F1-F12 function keys to use them as regular shortcuts for actions like alt+F4 to close apps. At present, you need to hold the function key + alt + F4 to activate the regular Windows keyboard shortcut.

The update will also make some functions a little easier to complete with one hand, including function key + del to increase the display brightness, or function key + spacebar to take a screenshot. It's a fairly minor addition, but coupled with the ongoing monthly updates to Surface it demonstrates that Microsoft is serious about keeping its own tablets up to date with new features and functionality.

 

[tonyz3]

Well that should make a lot of people happy.

 

[Rvacha]

...including me.

 

[Ruffles]

Sweet! Glad to see they are listening to customers.

 

[mitchellvii]

Sweet! Glad to see they are listening to customers.

Yeah weird, right?

Sent from the SurfaceForums.net app for Windows 8

 

[Omni]

Great I don't use f keys a lot but I never use the shortcuts on the keyboard so this is a great update thanks Microsoft.

 

[wvevie]

I am so mouse oriented I hardly use them. My sister is the opposite. She says I have keyboard phobia.

 

[malberttoo]

I'm a huge user of kbd shortcuts, and the news of this update makes me very happy!!!