An alternative input method on Apple’s mobile operating system allows users to replace the default keyboard with a third-party application. This functionality provides expanded options for text entry beyond the standard QWERTY layout and integrated features. As an example, specialized keyboards may offer enhanced emoji support, predictive text capabilities tailored to specific languages or professions, or alternative input mechanisms like swipe-based typing.
This system-level adaptability enables enhanced user experience and accessibility. Historically, its introduction marked a significant shift in the iOS ecosystem, allowing developers to address specific user needs and preferences that the default keyboard could not accommodate. This openness has led to innovation in areas such as multilingual support, specialized character sets for programmers, and keyboards designed for users with motor impairments.
The subsequent sections will delve into the technical aspects of developing these input methods, explore considerations for security and privacy, and examine the evolving landscape of available options within the App Store, highlighting key features and functionalities.
1. App Extension
The functionality of alternative input methods on iOS is fundamentally reliant on the App Extension architecture. This framework enables the creation of independent, self-contained modules that integrate seamlessly with the system-wide keyboard input mechanism. Without the App Extension framework, the creation and deployment of custom input solutions would not be possible within the iOS ecosystem.
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Sandboxing and Security
App Extensions, including those implementing alternative input methods, operate within a sandboxed environment. This isolation restricts direct access to the host application’s data and resources. This architectural constraint is paramount for security, mitigating potential risks associated with malicious or poorly designed keyboards accessing sensitive information, such as passwords or financial details, entered in other applications. The system requires explicit user authorization for the keyboard extension to be enabled, further reinforcing security protocols.
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Inter-Process Communication (IPC)
Communication between the custom keyboard (the App Extension) and the host application occurs via inter-process communication. This involves a structured exchange of data and events through defined APIs. The system mediates this communication, ensuring that the keyboard extension adheres to security policies and resource limitations. This indirect communication prevents the custom keyboard from directly manipulating the host application’s memory or processes.
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Resource Management
The operating system manages the resources allocated to the custom keyboard extension. This includes CPU time, memory allocation, and network access. If the keyboard extension consumes excessive resources, the system can terminate it to prevent degradation of the overall user experience. This resource management is critical for maintaining system stability and responsiveness, particularly when multiple applications and extensions are running concurrently.
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Independent Lifecycle
A custom keyboard, implemented as an App Extension, possesses its own lifecycle, separate from the host application. The system loads the keyboard when it is needed for text input and unloads it when it is no longer required. This on-demand loading and unloading optimizes system performance by minimizing the memory footprint and CPU usage of inactive keyboard extensions. This behavior allows users to install multiple keyboard extensions without significantly impacting overall device performance.
In summary, the App Extension framework forms the technological basis for alternative input methods on iOS. Its security mechanisms, communication protocols, resource management policies, and lifecycle management capabilities are essential for enabling the safe and efficient operation of custom keyboards within the iOS ecosystem. These aspects ensure that the benefits of custom input methods are realized without compromising the security or stability of the user’s device and data.
2. (Sandboxing Security) and iOS Custom Keyboards
Sandboxing security is a foundational component in the architecture of iOS custom keyboards. It represents a critical mechanism for mitigating potential security risks associated with third-party input methods. The principle of sandboxing isolates the custom keyboard application within a restricted environment, limiting its access to system resources, user data, and other applications. This isolation is not merely a theoretical construct but a practical necessity, preventing malicious or poorly coded keyboards from compromising the overall integrity of the iOS ecosystem.
A direct consequence of sandboxing is the limitation of a custom keyboard’s capabilities. For example, a keyboard cannot directly access the device’s contacts, location data, or clipboard contents without explicit user consent and system-level permissions. This constraint prevents the keyboard from surreptitiously transmitting sensitive information to external servers or injecting malicious code into other applications. The implementation of sandboxing also impacts development: developers must adhere to strict Apple guidelines and APIs for communication between the keyboard extension and the containing application, which can introduce complexities and limitations compared to native applications. However, these constraints are deliberately imposed to prioritize user privacy and data security. A historical instance highlighting the importance of sandboxing involved the discovery of several keyboard apps that attempted to collect and transmit keystroke data; the sandboxing measures in place prevented these apps from gaining widespread access to sensitive information.
In conclusion, sandboxing security is not simply an optional feature but a core architectural element of iOS custom keyboards. It provides a fundamental layer of protection against potential security vulnerabilities, albeit at the cost of certain development complexities and functional limitations. This deliberate trade-off underscores Apple’s commitment to user privacy and the overall security of the iOS platform. Understanding the principles and practical implications of sandboxing is crucial for both developers creating custom keyboards and users selecting and utilizing these input methods.
3. UIKeyboardViewController
The `UIKeyboardViewController` class serves as a foundational element in the development of custom input methods for iOS. Its role is to manage the view hierarchy and overall behavior of the custom keyboard interface. In essence, it provides the structure upon which the visual and interactive components of an iOS custom keyboard are built. Without the `UIKeyboardViewController`, developers would lack a standardized method for integrating their custom keyboard designs into the iOS system, leading to inconsistencies and potential instability. As an example, a custom keyboard designed for entering mathematical equations leverages `UIKeyboardViewController` to arrange specialized symbol keys and formula input fields; the controller ensures that these elements are properly displayed, respond to user input, and interact with the text input field of the host application.
Practical applications of `UIKeyboardViewController` extend beyond the basic arrangement of keys. The class provides methods for handling keyboard transitions, such as switching between different keyboard layouts (alphabetic, numeric, symbolic) or displaying alternative character sets. It also facilitates communication with the text input system, allowing the custom keyboard to insert, delete, and modify text in the host application. Consider a multilingual keyboard, where the `UIKeyboardViewController` would manage the dynamic loading and display of different language layouts based on user selection. Furthermore, the class plays a crucial role in responding to system events, such as keyboard appearance and dismissal, ensuring that the custom keyboard adapts appropriately to changes in the user interface.
In summary, the `UIKeyboardViewController` is indispensable for creating custom input methods in iOS. It provides the necessary structure, functionality, and communication pathways for seamless integration with the system keyboard framework. While developers can customize the appearance and behavior of their keyboards within the controller’s framework, the underlying principles of `UIKeyboardViewController` ensure consistency and stability across different applications and devices. A comprehensive understanding of this class is, therefore, paramount for anyone seeking to develop robust and user-friendly custom keyboards for the iOS platform. The challenges involve correctly handling keyboard state transitions and efficiently managing custom view hierarchies to maintain responsiveness.
4. Autocorrection
Autocorrection, as implemented within iOS custom keyboards, represents a complex interplay between user input, linguistic analysis, and predictive algorithms. Its presence directly impacts the user experience, affecting typing speed, accuracy, and overall satisfaction. The absence or poor implementation of autocorrection can render a custom keyboard significantly less usable than the native iOS keyboard. A primary cause-and-effect relationship is evident: inaccurate autocorrection algorithms lead to user frustration and decreased adoption rates. As a concrete example, a keyboard designed for a technical field (e.g., programming) that inappropriately corrects specialized terminology would severely hinder its usability. Thus, autocorrection’s efficacy is a crucial component of a custom iOS keyboard’s success.
Furthermore, the implementation of autocorrection necessitates careful consideration of language models and contextual analysis. Effective autocorrection systems must adapt to the user’s writing style and the specific domain of the text being entered. For example, an autocorrection engine tailored for medical professionals would require a comprehensive vocabulary of medical terms and abbreviations. The practical application of this understanding involves ongoing refinement of autocorrection algorithms based on user feedback and real-world data. The challenge lies in balancing aggressive correction, which may lead to unwanted changes, with overly conservative correction, which may fail to address common typing errors. Some custom keyboards offer customizable autocorrection sensitivity levels, allowing users to fine-tune the behavior to their preferences. Some frameworks may also require more or less accurate information to be used in their autocorrection algorithms, causing disparities.
In conclusion, autocorrection is an integral yet challenging aspect of iOS custom keyboard development. Its effectiveness hinges on the quality of the underlying linguistic models, the adaptability of the algorithms, and the ability to personalize the user experience. Overcoming these challenges is essential for creating custom keyboards that provide a superior typing experience compared to the native iOS keyboard. This understanding of the interconnection is vital for both keyboard developers and the end-users who rely on these tools for effective communication. Ignoring this critical feature is like shipping a car without working brakes, a critical safety and performance factor.
5. Predictive Input
Predictive input, within the context of iOS custom keyboards, significantly enhances the typing experience by anticipating the user’s intended words or phrases. This functionality aims to reduce typing effort and improve overall communication speed. Its relevance to custom keyboards lies in its potential to differentiate user experience, potentially offering superior word prediction compared to the default iOS keyboard.
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Algorithm Complexity
The effectiveness of predictive input is directly related to the sophistication of the underlying algorithms. These algorithms analyze past typing behavior, common word sequences, and contextual information to generate relevant suggestions. A more complex algorithm considers a wider range of factors, leading to more accurate and useful predictions. In custom iOS keyboards, developers can implement proprietary algorithms, potentially offering superior predictive capabilities compared to the default system. For example, a custom keyboard targeting medical professionals could incorporate a specialized medical lexicon and algorithms trained on medical literature, improving the accuracy of medical term predictions. However, the added algorithm complexity can also impact keyboard performance and require greater computational resources.
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User Customization and Learning
Adaptive predictive input systems learn from user behavior, refining their suggestions over time. Custom iOS keyboards may allow users to customize prediction settings, such as the number of suggestions displayed or the types of words included in the prediction model. This personalization enhances the accuracy and relevance of predictions. For instance, a user who frequently types in a specific language or uses particular slang terms would benefit from a custom keyboard that learns and adapts to these linguistic patterns. Some custom keyboards also allow users to manually add words or phrases to the prediction dictionary, further tailoring the system to their individual needs.
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Integration with Other Keyboard Features
Predictive input often works in conjunction with other keyboard features, such as autocorrection and text expansion. The integration of these features can create a more seamless and efficient typing experience. Custom iOS keyboards can leverage APIs to access the system’s autocorrection functionality and integrate it with their own predictive input algorithms. For example, a custom keyboard could use autocorrection to correct minor typing errors before generating predictions, improving the accuracy of the suggestions. Effective integration requires careful design and testing to ensure that the different features work harmoniously and do not interfere with each other.
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Privacy Considerations
Predictive input systems often collect and analyze user typing data to improve prediction accuracy. This raises privacy concerns, particularly if the data is transmitted to external servers. Custom iOS keyboard developers must adhere to Apple’s privacy guidelines and obtain explicit user consent before collecting any personal data. They must also provide clear and transparent information about how the data is used and protected. Some custom keyboards offer options for disabling data collection or using only local prediction models, allowing users to maintain greater control over their privacy.
In summary, predictive input is a vital feature for iOS custom keyboards, directly influencing user efficiency and satisfaction. The sophistication of the algorithms, the degree of user customization, the integration with other keyboard features, and the privacy considerations all contribute to the overall effectiveness of the predictive input system. Developers must carefully balance these factors to create custom keyboards that offer a superior typing experience while respecting user privacy. The future of predictive input may involve more sophisticated AI-driven models that can understand context and intent with greater accuracy, further enhancing the speed and ease of text entry on mobile devices.
6. Globalization
The development of iOS custom keyboards is intricately linked to globalization, necessitating the consideration of linguistic diversity, regional character variations, and differing input methods across various cultures. A custom keyboard designed solely for the English language market will inherently exclude a significant portion of the global iOS user base. The lack of support for diacritics, non-Latin scripts, or region-specific symbols directly limits the keyboard’s applicability and commercial viability in international markets. A direct cause-and-effect relationship exists: failure to incorporate globalization principles in the design phase results in a product with restricted reach and diminished market potential. For instance, a custom keyboard lacking support for Chinese pinyin or Japanese kana input methods is effectively unusable by millions of users in those regions.
The practical application of globalization principles in custom keyboard development extends beyond simply including different languages. It requires careful consideration of keyboard layouts, character encoding, and text input paradigms. Right-to-left languages, such as Arabic and Hebrew, necessitate mirroring the keyboard interface and adapting text input behavior accordingly. Certain languages, such as Vietnamese, require specialized input methods to accommodate tonal marks and complex character combinations. Furthermore, cultural variations in emoji usage and symbol preferences must be taken into account to ensure the keyboard resonates with users in different regions. A real-world example is the adaptation of custom keyboards to support specific regional dialects or slangs, enhancing user engagement and localization.
In conclusion, globalization is not merely an optional add-on but an essential component of iOS custom keyboard development. Its successful implementation requires a comprehensive understanding of linguistic diversity, cultural nuances, and regional preferences. The challenges lie in efficiently managing multilingual support, adapting to varying input methods, and ensuring the keyboard is culturally relevant to diverse user groups. Failing to address these challenges results in a product that is inherently limited in its global reach and commercial success. Recognizing and addressing these global aspects is key to reaching a wider audience.
7. User Permissions
User permissions are paramount in the context of custom keyboards on iOS. These permissions govern the extent to which a third-party keyboard can access system resources and user data. The system mandates explicit user consent before a custom keyboard can be enabled and utilized, directly impacting the keyboard’s functionality and security profile.
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Full Access Permission
The “Full Access” permission grants the custom keyboard unrestricted access to the device’s network, enabling features such as cloud-based prediction and GIF search. However, this permission also allows the keyboard to potentially transmit typed data to external servers. Apple explicitly warns users about the risks associated with granting full access, advising careful consideration of the developer’s reputation and privacy policy. In the absence of full access, certain features may be disabled or operate with reduced functionality, restricting the keyboard’s capabilities.
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Network Access Restrictions
Without full access, a custom keyboard operates under strict network access limitations. This restriction prevents the keyboard from transmitting keystroke data or accessing external resources without explicit user consent. This limitation is critical for maintaining user privacy and preventing data breaches. Developers must design their keyboards to function effectively within these constraints, often relying on local processing and storage for features like autocorrection and prediction.
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Data Collection and Privacy
User permissions directly impact the data collection practices of custom keyboards. With full access, a keyboard developer has the potential to collect a wide range of typing data, including passwords and sensitive information. Without full access, the keyboard is restricted to collecting only anonymized usage data, if any. Users should carefully review the privacy policies of custom keyboards before granting permissions, understanding the types of data that may be collected and how that data is used.
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Impact on Functionality
The availability of user permissions shapes the feature set of custom keyboards. Keyboards requiring network access for core functionality, such as real-time translation or cloud-based dictionaries, will experience diminished capabilities without full access. Developers must balance the benefits of advanced features with the potential privacy concerns associated with granting broader permissions. Alternatives involving on-device processing and smaller footprints are often favored.
In summary, user permissions are a critical control point for iOS custom keyboards, balancing functionality with user privacy and security. Users must exercise caution and carefully consider the implications of granting full access to third-party keyboards, while developers must design their products to operate securely and responsibly within the constraints of the system’s permission model. Failure to respect these permissions can lead to security vulnerabilities and compromised user data.
8. Accessibility
Accessibility is a critical design consideration for custom keyboards on iOS. The integration of accessibility features directly impacts the usability of these keyboards for individuals with disabilities. A lack of adherence to accessibility guidelines results in exclusion, rendering custom keyboards unusable for a segment of the iOS user base. VoiceOver compatibility, alternative input methods, and customizable visual elements are integral for creating inclusive input solutions. As an example, a custom keyboard without proper VoiceOver support would be inaccessible to visually impaired users, effectively barring them from utilizing applications requiring text input. The cause-and-effect relationship is evident: insufficient attention to accessibility leads to exclusion and diminishes the keyboard’s utility for a significant portion of the population. The importance of accessibility is not merely ethical; it is legally mandated in many jurisdictions, making compliance a necessity for developers seeking broader market reach.
Practical application of accessibility principles in custom keyboard development involves implementing features such as adjustable font sizes, high contrast themes, and keyboard layouts optimized for single-handed use. Furthermore, custom keyboards should fully support iOS’s built-in accessibility features, including Switch Control and AssistiveTouch, enabling users with motor impairments to effectively interact with the keyboard. Consider a real-world scenario where a user with limited dexterity relies on a custom keyboard with enlarged keys and customizable key repeat rates; this tailored input solution significantly improves their ability to communicate and access information on their iOS device. The challenge lies in balancing accessibility features with the keyboard’s overall design and functionality, ensuring that these features enhance, rather than detract from, the user experience.
In conclusion, accessibility is not an optional add-on but a fundamental requirement for iOS custom keyboards. Its successful implementation necessitates a comprehensive understanding of accessibility guidelines and a commitment to inclusive design principles. Addressing the challenges associated with accessibility, such as balancing functionality with usability for diverse user groups, results in custom keyboards that are not only compliant with legal requirements but also empower individuals with disabilities to participate fully in the digital world. Neglecting accessibility has direct consequences; it shrinks the potential user base, and can have unintended legal ramifications.
9. Memory Management
Memory management is a critical consideration in the development of iOS custom keyboards. The operating system imposes memory limitations on keyboard extensions, and exceeding these limits can lead to termination of the keyboard process, resulting in a degraded user experience. The cause-and-effect relationship is straightforward: inefficient memory usage directly leads to instability and unreliability. As an example, a custom keyboard that caches large image assets for emoji or utilizes computationally intensive algorithms for predictive text risks exceeding memory limits, particularly on older devices with limited resources. Therefore, responsible memory management is paramount for ensuring the stable and reliable operation of any iOS custom keyboard.
The practical implications of memory management extend to various aspects of keyboard design and implementation. Developers must carefully optimize image sizes, data structures, and code execution to minimize memory footprint. Techniques such as lazy loading of resources, efficient data compression, and judicious use of memory caching are essential. Furthermore, careful monitoring of memory usage during development and testing is crucial for identifying and resolving memory leaks or excessive memory allocations. For instance, if a keyboard utilizes a large language model for predictive text, developers should implement memory management techniques to avoid loading the entire model into memory at once; instead, they can load only the necessary portions on demand. Instruments, Xcode’s performance analysis tool, provides valuable insights into memory allocation and usage patterns, enabling developers to identify areas for optimization. Ignoring these considerations can lead to unexpected crashes and poor performance, especially when users are switching between different applications or input languages.
In conclusion, memory management is not merely a technical detail but a fundamental requirement for creating robust and user-friendly iOS custom keyboards. The challenges lie in balancing functionality with efficient memory utilization, adapting to the constraints of the mobile environment, and proactively addressing potential memory issues during development. Failure to prioritize memory management can result in a keyboard that is unstable, unreliable, and ultimately unusable. This understanding highlights the need for careful resource allocation in the design and development process. Effective memory management is a sign of professional craftsmanship and dedication to user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions address common concerns and provide essential information regarding the functionality, security, and development of custom keyboard applications within the iOS ecosystem.
Question 1: What are the primary benefits of utilizing a custom keyboard on iOS?
Custom keyboards offer enhanced personalization, specialized input methods, and expanded feature sets beyond the standard iOS keyboard. They can provide tailored layouts for specific languages, professions, or user preferences, improving typing efficiency and overall user experience. Specialized keyboards may also have added accessibility features.
Question 2: What security risks are associated with enabling “Full Access” for a custom keyboard?
Granting full access allows the keyboard to transmit typed data, potentially including passwords and sensitive information, to external servers. It is imperative to thoroughly research the developer’s reputation and privacy policy before enabling this permission, as it presents a risk of data breaches or privacy violations.
Question 3: How does the App Extension framework contribute to the security of custom keyboards?
The App Extension framework enforces sandboxing, isolating the custom keyboard within a restricted environment. This limits the keyboard’s access to system resources and user data, preventing it from directly accessing sensitive information or interfering with other applications. It is a crucial component for maintaining overall system security.
Question 4: What technical skills are required to develop a custom keyboard for iOS?
Developing a custom keyboard requires proficiency in Swift or Objective-C, a thorough understanding of the iOS SDK, and familiarity with the App Extension framework. Knowledge of UI design principles, memory management, and localization techniques is also essential for creating robust and user-friendly input methods.
Question 5: How does Apple ensure the quality and security of custom keyboards available on the App Store?
Apple employs a rigorous App Review process to evaluate custom keyboards before they are made available on the App Store. This process includes automated and manual testing to identify security vulnerabilities, privacy violations, and performance issues. Keyboards that fail to meet Apple’s standards are rejected or removed from the App Store.
Question 6: Can a custom keyboard replace the default iOS keyboard entirely?
While a custom keyboard can be set as the active input method, it does not permanently replace the default iOS keyboard. Users can easily switch between different keyboards, including the default option, via the globe icon on the keyboard interface. The system keyboard remains resident on the device.
In summary, utilizing custom keyboards on iOS presents both advantages and potential security risks. Careful consideration of user permissions, developer reputation, and the inherent limitations of the App Extension framework is crucial for making informed decisions regarding the adoption of these input methods.
The following section explores potential innovations and future trends in iOS custom keyboard technology.
Tips for iOS Custom Keyboard Development
The following guidelines offer practical advice for developers aiming to create successful and secure alternative input methods within the iOS ecosystem. Adherence to these principles enhances the quality, usability, and security of custom keyboards.
Tip 1: Prioritize User Privacy. Explicitly state data collection practices in the privacy policy and request only necessary permissions. Implement data anonymization techniques and avoid storing sensitive information unnecessarily. Transparency builds user trust.
Tip 2: Optimize for Performance. Custom keyboards should be responsive and efficient, especially on older devices. Minimize memory usage, optimize image assets, and employ asynchronous operations to prevent UI freezes. A laggy keyboard negatively impacts the user experience.
Tip 3: Thoroughly Test Accessibility Features. Ensure compatibility with VoiceOver, Switch Control, and other accessibility technologies. Provide customizable font sizes, high-contrast themes, and alternative input methods to cater to users with disabilities. Accessibility is not an afterthought.
Tip 4: Implement Robust Error Handling. Gracefully handle unexpected errors and edge cases. Provide informative error messages to the user and log errors for debugging purposes. A well-handled error prevents application crashes.
Tip 5: Adhere to Apple’s Design Guidelines. Maintain a consistent user interface that conforms to Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines. This ensures a familiar and intuitive user experience. Familiarity promotes usability.
Tip 6: Localize Keyboard for Multiple Languages. Support diverse keyboard layouts, character sets, and input methods to cater to a global audience. Correctly handle right-to-left languages and region-specific symbols. Globalization expands market reach.
Tip 7: Secure Network Communications. If the keyboard requires network access, utilize HTTPS for all communications and validate server certificates. Protect user data from interception and unauthorized access. Security is paramount.
Tip 8: Regularly Update and Maintain the Keyboard. Address bug reports, security vulnerabilities, and compatibility issues promptly. Keep the keyboard up-to-date with the latest iOS features and APIs. Ongoing maintenance ensures long-term usability.
The adherence to these recommendations contributes to the development of high-quality, user-friendly, and secure iOS custom keyboards, resulting in improved user satisfaction and increased market competitiveness.
The subsequent section will summarize the core aspects of the subject matter.
Conclusion
The preceding exploration of iOS custom keyboards has illuminated critical aspects ranging from development considerations and security protocols to accessibility requirements and globalization challenges. Emphasis has been placed on the technical foundations, particularly the App Extension framework and the role of the UIKeyboardViewController. The importance of memory management, predictive input accuracy, and rigorous attention to user permissions has been thoroughly examined. The information clearly defines the responsibilities that rest upon developers who endeavor to enhance the user input experience on iOS devices.
It is imperative that stakeholders, from developers to end-users, recognize the inherent complexities and potential ramifications associated with these alternative input methods. Continued vigilance regarding security practices, a commitment to inclusive design, and a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of iOS keyboard technology will be crucial for ensuring that custom keyboards remain a valuable and secure component of the mobile ecosystem. Furthermore, it is important to see the iOS custom keyboard as a tool that provides specialized applications rather than just a novelty item.
