With full keyboards becoming more and more common, and devices becoming more and more complex, it only makes sense to have some sort of simplification method. Something to get things done with minimal interaction between menus, something like a ‘Ctrl’ key. Well this recently outed picture of the HTC Raphael for T-Mobile U.K, has just such a key.

The uses for a ‘Ctrl’ key are limited only by your imagination, especially if the user is able to map the key shortcuts to their liking. Some things that would be very nice to see with this key would be copy/paste functionality, and the ability to switch between tasks quickly. The device does have a ‘Tab’ key, so ‘Ctrl + Tab’, anyone?

This new keyboard layout just may be featured on more devices than one, as HTC tends to lay out keyboards somewhat predictably among similar devices. Could HTC be starting a new age of smart phone ease of use? Maybe, but this is a welcome addition to any device, whatever way you look at it.

[Via Pocketnow]