Soft key
Encyclopedia
A soft key is a button flexibly programmable to invoke any of a number of functions rather than being associated with a single fixed function or a fixed set of functions. A soft key is often located alongside a display device
of a portable device such as a cellular phone, where the button invokes a function described by the text at that moment shown adjacent to the button on the display. However, soft keys are also found away from the display device
, for example on the sides of cellular phones, where they are typically programmed to invoke functions such as PTT, memo, or volume control. Soft keys are generally found on keyboards
(e.g. the F keys
), cellular phones, Automated Teller Machine
s, Primary Flight
and Multi-Function Displays
, although they are also found elsewhere. Hard key is the contrary term, which means a hard-coded key such as a number key pad or the Send/End key of a mobile phone. Depending on the development company, cellular phone soft keys are often called F1(Left), F2(Right).
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Display device
A display device is an output device for presentation of information in visual or tactile form...
of a portable device such as a cellular phone, where the button invokes a function described by the text at that moment shown adjacent to the button on the display. However, soft keys are also found away from the display device
Display device
A display device is an output device for presentation of information in visual or tactile form...
, for example on the sides of cellular phones, where they are typically programmed to invoke functions such as PTT, memo, or volume control. Soft keys are generally found on keyboards
Keyboard (computing)
In computing, a keyboard is a typewriter-style keyboard, which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys, to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches...
(e.g. the F keys
Function key
A function key is a key on a computer or terminal keyboard which can be programmed so as to cause an operating system command interpreter or application program to perform certain actions...
), cellular phones, Automated Teller Machine
Automated teller machine
An automated teller machine or automatic teller machine, also known as a Cashpoint , cash machine or sometimes a hole in the wall in British English, is a computerised telecommunications device that provides the clients of a financial institution with access to financial transactions in a public...
s, Primary Flight
Primary flight display
A primary flight display or PFD is a modern aircraft instrument dedicated to flight information. Much like multi-function displays, primary flight displays are built around an LCD or CRT display device...
and Multi-Function Displays
Multi-function display
A Multi-function display is a small screen in an aircraft surrounded by multiple buttons that can be used to display information to the pilot in numerous configurable ways. Often an MFD will be used in concert with a Primary Flight Display. MFDs are part of the digital era of modern planes or...
, although they are also found elsewhere. Hard key is the contrary term, which means a hard-coded key such as a number key pad or the Send/End key of a mobile phone. Depending on the development company, cellular phone soft keys are often called F1(Left), F2(Right).
Mobile phone
A typical mobile phone has soft keys located at left(LSK), right(RSK) and center(CSK). Depending on the modality of the application, various functions can be mapped onto it. It can also bring up multiple functions listed on a pop-up expanded menu. Usually the prompt text on the display for the soft key is not allowed to be truncated or omitted with ellipsis. The soft key itself is usually not printed with a functional icon or text, but is often marked with a dot or short bar. An example of a phone which uses Soft key is the Nokia 8810Nokia 8810
The Nokia 8810 is a slider style mobile phone handset manufactured by Nokia. It is most notable as being the first mobile phone to have an internal antenna. It was introduced in December 1998 and is very similar to the Nokia 8850. The nokia 8810 has since been discontinued.-Memory:The phonebook...
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