Microsoft Applied Science presents prototype of an interesting tablet accessory-- the DisplayCover, a keyboard cover featuring an embedded eInk touchscreen handling app shortcuts and touch gestures.

As Microsoft puts it, tablets have admittedly limited screen sizes, and as such the addition of a display to the keyboard extends available display real estate. Thus the DisplayCover has a 1280x305 resolution touchscreen extending the screen area of a tablet with a 10.6-inch display by up to 8%.

Scientist at the Max Planck Institute and Saarland University reveal a means to turn the human body into a mobile device controller-- the iSkin, a sensor one can put on different body parts, such as fingers, forearms and even behind the ears.

The iSkin consists of biocompatible silicone rubber (specifically polydimethylsiloxane, aka PDMS) and conductive carbon black powder. It carries multiple pressure-sensitive sensors and is flexible enough to detect input pressure even when stretched by up to 30% or bent at a radius of 0.5cm.

So far the team has built prototypes in multiple shapes and sizes handling tasks such as answering calls alls, playing music and volume control. Another take on the technology involves a roll-up keyboard for smartwatch use.

Eggs are not just one of the best breakfast foods-- scientists at MIT and Tsinghua University use egg-y inspiration to create a "yolk-and-shell" nanoparticles boosting the capacity and power of lithium-ion batteries.

The "egg" in question consists of an aluminium nanoparticle (the "yolk") surrounded by a titanium dioxide (aka titania) "shell." According to the researchers the combination is a "high-rate champion among high-capacity anodes,” meaning it can lead to the more powerful batteries of the future.

Current lithium-ion batteries use graphite anodes with a storage capacity of 0.35 ampere-hours per gram (Ah/g). Researchers have been long looking into better performing alternatives, but most fall short. For instance, lithium mettle might store much energy per gram but is prone to short circuits or catching fire, while silicon and tin have high capacity that drops at high charging or discharging rates. Another potential replacement is aluminium, with a theoretical capacity of 2 Ah/g.

Following the Windows 10 launch Microsoft announces updates on its PC accessory lineup, with devices such as keyboards and mice taking advantage of the latest features and functionality of the OS.

The first device is the Wireless Desktop 900, a wireless keyboard and mouse combo described as having a "simple, modern design and features quiet-touch keys for comfortable and responsive typing." The main Win 10-related features are one-touch access to Cortana, OneNote and virtual desktop, and AES encryption for "safe and secure wireless connectivity."

Logitech reveals a set of first products following the "Logi" rebrand-- the Blok iPad Air 2 case family, one consisting of the self descriptive Blok Protective Shell, Protective Case and Protective Keyboard Case.

Blok cases feature square corners and construction in "unique extra-absorbent polymers" to add further support against damage. Thus the company claims the cases can withstand drops of up to 1.8m on surfaces as hard as concrete.

The Protective Shell is the most basic offering in the Blok portfolio, being a protective shell with a built-in screen protector. The Protective Case is more or less identical, but adds a kickstand with a 50-degree viewing angle.

Google adds further capabilities to the Chromecast HDMI dongle with a Ethernet Adapter-- essentially a means for customers to "create a fast and reliable connection" for the device via RJ45 cable.

The Chromecast uses wifi for network connectivity, bringing about media streaming problems when a strong wireless signal is not available. One can obviously buy devices to strengthen or repeat wifi signals, but the Ethernet Adapter makes such woes a bit easier to resolve.

Researchers at Arizona State University get inspiration from a centuries-old Japanese art of folding paper to create a battery able to stretch to more than 150% of its size without losing any functionality.

The paper-folding art in question is kirigami-- a variant of the more famous origami adding cuts to the traditional folds. Previously the researchers tried creating origami-inspired batteries, but the results could flex, but not stretch.

Such flexible and stretchy batteries can find applications in a variety of wearable devices. In fact, the researchers managed to power a smartwatch using a kirigami-based lithium-ion battery inside an elastic band. The batteries can even be woven into fabrics used for clothing manufacture.

Razer reveals a refresh of the Mamba gaming mouse at E3 2015 with two versions (one wired/wireless and a wired Tournament Edition) featuring Chroma lighting, 16000 DPI sensor and 9 programmable buttons.

Both versions carry the same 16000 DPI sensors, and 9 buttons spread across two thumb buttons, two index finger and a tiltable scroll wheel. Razer claims the wireless version offers up to 20 hours of "continuous gaming" on a single charge, while the Tournament Edition includes a braided cable.

A new Mamba feature is "Adjustable Click Force Technology," a means to "allows gamers to freely adjust the level of click force needed to activate the left and right mouse buttons." In other words, users can choose between 14 different click "feels" to suit particular games.