Nokia handset doubles as a Bluetooth mouse

Even casual readers of this publication know that we're always seeking out ways to add more functionality to our existing gadgets, so when we heard about an innovative modder who was able to turn his Nokia cellphone into a fully-functioning Bluetooth mouse, well, we knew that we were approaching convergence heaven. Inspired by Jani 'Japala' Pönkkö's LogiNoki hack (in which Jani embedded a Nokia LCD into a Logitech G3 mouse), "Pyrofer" decided to forgo the hardware modifications and instead write a Java code and corresponding Windows driver that would allow him to use his 6230i as an impromptu optical input device for when laptop trackpads and control nubbins just don't cut it. Since it's still in development, Pyrofer has yet to release his code to the public, and the Nokiamouse does indeed have some serious drawbacks; most notably, he has to hold the handset a fraction of a millimeter above the mousing surface -- which must contain distinct patterns, so no direct desktop operation -- in order for the camera's CCD to pick up enough usable light. Still, once he develops a proper Bluetooth HID for the phone to work on any BT-enabled notebook (there's also talk of a GPRS connection) -- as well as an interface for mirroring the PC's screen on the Nokia's display -- this sounds like it'll be one sweet project that could see some serious widespread adoption.

[Thanks, Mike]

[Loban @ Aug 14th 2006 11:34AM]

Man, I can't tell you how much I HATE convergence devices. They try to do too many things, and they don't do any one thing very well. Take the PSP for example, all people want to do is play games. The majority of gamers don't want to pay $200 for a portable to watch movies on a dying format and listen to music on an player they can't easily fit into their pocket. That's why the DS is kicking it's arse. All it does is play games at an affordable price, and it does that one function flawlessly.

[Alex @ Aug 14th 2006 11:46AM]

When this was posted on Slashdot a few days ago it was speculated that it was faked. I haven't bothered to verify this myself, but apparently the video of the device shows the guy moving a window around with the cell phone, but doesn't show him clicking anything equivalent to a mouse button to do so. The camera never shows both the phoen and monitor at once, so one cannot even verify that his hand motions sync with the window movement.

That said, there's obviously no reason you couldn't turn a camera into a mouse - all the hardware is there... it would definitely suck, though.

[Russ @ Aug 14th 2006 11:58AM]

Couldn't you put a light under the thing you're using for a mouse matt to enable the phone to be used completely down?

[Atanas Boev @ Aug 14th 2006 11:58AM]

errr, do you mean _JAVA_ code, not javasript?

[Cade @ Aug 14th 2006 12:10PM]

This would be awsome if it would be useful and/or practical. From what they're saying it's just too hard to use.

[cuby @ Aug 14th 2006 12:11PM]

seems trivial to just stick on four little spacers to keep the phone off the surface.

clever stuff here, thanks for covering it.

[craig @ Aug 14th 2006 12:12PM]

Pretty cool mod, this would be good as you could charge up your phone while you use it as a mouse at the PC.

[psxp @ Aug 14th 2006 12:15PM]

cant you do this with the SonyErricson BT phone range?? Using the directional joystick on the phone as a remote control for your mouse etc?

[Alex @ Aug 14th 2006 12:36PM]

But what happens when your mom calls you, freaking out because she's lost, asking you to google maps something for her?

[D2 @ Aug 14th 2006 12:48PM]

craig: kinda missing the point i think. this would be useful for laptops, if you are at a your PC (presumably were you would charge it) why wouldnt you just use your normal mouse

[seamonkey420 @ Aug 14th 2006 1:10PM]

pretty cool... but not that break through since most Sony Ericsson phones have HID bluetooth profiles built in and let you customize it so that your joystick controls the mouse and so on..

but i do like how he can use the whole phone to move the mouse... not too shaby! too bad the IR in our phones weren't better so we can use it as a universal remote for our tv.. :)

[Atanas Boev @ Aug 14th 2006 1:35PM]

What comes to my mind, is that a camera phone might be hacked to detect not only translation, but also rotation. Then, one could have some cool game on the phone, like driving a car around, the way a child does with a toy car:)

[L-mo @ Aug 14th 2006 4:01PM]

There already is an app that does this!

Its from http://www.psiloc.com details can be found here: http://my-symbian.com/s60/software/applications.php?fldAuto=1328&faq=2

you can use the d-pad or move the phone around when in cam mode...

[Dubya @ Aug 14th 2006 4:50PM]

L-mo is right, I've used a couple of sony ericsson phones that have that capabilty.

[Robert @ Aug 14th 2006 6:14PM]

Why doesn't he just put it on some plexiglass with some texture on it (read: Sharpie scribbles so the camera knows it is moving)?

[Mr.Gadget @ Aug 14th 2006 9:05PM]

Modders FTW! Now they need to make mobiles more ergo! :)

[Brian from Texas @ Aug 15th 2006 11:09AM]

Finally a use for my 6230i... and the button is right in the middle of the 4-way pad.

[brettlee @ Aug 23rd 2006 8:24AM]

Bluetooth fones are gud but they are suseptable to virus attacks.

[sub100 @ Sep 21st 2006 2:31PM]

convergence is the only way going forward

sub100
http://www.cellphonebulls.com