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Can you use the microphone button with a normal keyboard?

I prefer to use a bluetooth keyboard when using my Ipad but I noticed on the on screen keyboard there is a microphone for dictation. Is there any shortcut you can use on a normal keyboard to use this device without using the on-screen keyboard?

iPad 2, iOS 6.0.1

Posted on Dec 5, 2012 8:12 PM

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3 replies

Feb 7, 2013 11:55 AM in response to Sheakitten

Haven't heard of that combination, but I know if you have an Eject key it will do that. And some keyboards even have a key with a little keyboard icon, for "show onscreen keyboard."


However, that's awkward and takes away some of the convenience of dictation: hit a key combination, then tap something on the screen, then tap again, then hit the keys again? It's good to have a solution, but I sill hope for a better one!


And now I've seen a second keyboard with a mic key: Belkin's FastFit keyboard (similar to the Logitech). I see a mic key on the FULL iPad version, not on the Mini version.


Both companies (Logitech and Belkin) are showing images of a product that is not available for sale quite yet--soon, they say. So, I'll believe this mic key when I see it in reviewers hands.


But if it IS a real key on some Bluetooth keyboards, then there may be some keyboard shortcut associated with it. (Like ctrl-option-shift 7 or something you'd never find by trial and error?) That would allow you and I to avoid tapping the screen every time (and avoid blocking half the screen with a needless 2nd keyboard during dictation).

Feb 6, 2013 6:22 PM in response to Sheakitten

I wonder if there's some secret key combination that would do it. The reason I say that: it looks to me like Logitech's new Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad Mini has a microphone key (not found on Logitech's other keyboards as far as I can tell). I assume it must be for dictation. What Bluetooth key signal is it sending? If it's sending some key combination, maybe that could be tested by connecting it to a Mac or PC instead of an iPad.


Anyway, I'd like the same thing--and there's at least some small cause for hope.

Can you use the microphone button with a normal keyboard?

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