The NailO Turns Your Thumbnail Into a Miniature Trackpad
Rahul Kalvapalle — April 17, 2015 — Tech
References: newsoffice.mit.edu & gizmag
The NailO is a thumbnail-mounted trackpad that can be controlled by your index finger. Developed by researchers at the MIT Media Lab, this miniature device somehow packs a battery, capacitive sensors, a microcontroller, Bluetooth radio chip and a capacitive sensing chip. In terms of appearance, it is inspired by the decorative nail stickers worn by many Asian women.
To use the NailO, users power it up by maintaining finger contact with it for two or three seconds. They can then move their index finger around its surface, which causes a mouse cursor to be moved around on a paired computer. To select or click on something, you simply press your finger down on the trackpad.
This device is no mere gimmick and has interesting applications. The fact that it can be used while simultaneously engaging in hands-full activities is what gives it its unique functinoality. It could also be used to access smartphone functions or send text messages in situations where whipping out a phone is not possible or appropriate.
To use the NailO, users power it up by maintaining finger contact with it for two or three seconds. They can then move their index finger around its surface, which causes a mouse cursor to be moved around on a paired computer. To select or click on something, you simply press your finger down on the trackpad.
This device is no mere gimmick and has interesting applications. The fact that it can be used while simultaneously engaging in hands-full activities is what gives it its unique functinoality. It could also be used to access smartphone functions or send text messages in situations where whipping out a phone is not possible or appropriate.
Trend Themes
1. Miniature Trackpads for Wearable Devices - The development of miniature trackpads creates opportunities for wearable device manufacturers to incorporate new and innovative control methods.
2. Wearable Device Interfaces - Wearable device interfaces are becoming increasingly important, and retailers who successfully integrate such interfaces into their products will enjoy the benefits of increased market share.
3. Gesture-controlled Computing - Gesture-controlled computing is an emerging field that has the opportunity to revolutionize the way we interact with technology, and miniature trackpads like the NailO could be an important component of this future.
Industry Implications
1. Wearable Technology - The development of miniature trackpads creates a disruptive innovation opportunity for the wearable technology industry as a new and innovative method of control.
2. Consumer Electronics - Consumer electronics manufacturers could incorporate the NailO into their products and offer consumers a more convenient and practical way to interact with their devices.
3. Mobile Computing - The possibilities for the use of miniature trackpads in mobile computing are endless, and developers could integrate this innovative technology into their apps to create a more natural and intuitive interface.
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