What is InputStick?

InputStick is a wireless USB receiver (similar to one that comes with wireless mouse), that can be paired with any Bluetooth-enabled Android device and controlled by applications. With InputStick your smartphone can become wireless USB mouse, keyboard, gamepad and so on. This allows apps to: type, move mouse pointer, click, scroll, control multimedia playback and games.

Why InputStick?

In many situations InputStick gives you many advantages over WiFi/3G/Bluetooth-HID based solutions:

1) InputStick is physically plugged into USB port, so it is compatible with ANY USB-enabled hardware:

• PCs (Windows, Linux, Mac OS, any other USB-enabled OS).
• Embedded systems (Raspberry Pi etc).
• Android devices (smartphones, tablets, TV sticks).
• Game consoles.
• ...and more!
  

2) Almost as easy to use as generic USB mouse or keyboard:

• Plug InputStick into USB port.
• Run Android application and click "Connect".
• USB host detects new hardware and if necessary installs generic drivers (if available). No action is required on your part. It usually takes no more than a few seconds.
• Ready!

3) Works out of the box:

• No need to install server application or configure network.
  
• No need to install custom drivers or modify any OS settings.
  
• Works even if there is no WiFi / 3G network coverage.
• No need to root your Android device.

Requirements and limitations:

To be able to use InputStick following requirements must be met:

• Android 2.3 or later, with Bluetooth radio.
• At least one available USB port.
  
• USB host must supply at least 100mW power.
• OS must allow to attach new USB devices.
  
• USB host must support given USB class. See examples:
  

1. Generic HID keyboard, mouse - supported by most USB hosts.
2. Generic HID gamepad:

• PC (Windows, Linux) - works out of the box.
• PC (Mac OS) - requires USB Overdrive software.
  
• Playstation3 - works only with some games.
• Xbox360 - not supported at all.

How does it work?

InputStick acts as a proxy between your Android device and a USB host:

Depending on configuration obtained from Android application, it can present itself as almost any kind of USB device:

Since InputStick is physically plugged into USB port, host cannot tell the difference between real USB device (for example: a keyboard) and InputStick. 

To use InputStick you will have to install InputStickUtility app on your Android device. It will guide you step-by-step through pairing process, allow to manage all your InputStick devices, upgrade firmware if necessary (via Bluetooth) and provide background service responsible for communication between apps and InputStick.

Android applications.

Once InputStick is released, following apps will be available (all free and without ads):

• Remote Controller: turns your phone into wireless USB keyboard, mouse and multimedia remote.
  

• Password Manager: use InputStick to type URL, user name and password for you! Use long passwords, with special characters, different for each site and don't worry about memorizing them or making typos!
  

• Gamepad: use your phone as a wireless USB gamepad with 4 axes and 16 buttons. Supports multi-touch and accelerometer.
  

• Presentation remote: turns your phone into wireless USB presentation remote.
  

• Barcode Scanner: turns your smartphone into USB QR/bar-code scanner.
  

You can also use InputStick in your own Android application! See "Developers" section for more details.

Take it anywhere. Use more than one.

InputStick has a size of a USB flash drive, you can easily carry it everywhere you go. Put it in your pocket, attach to a keyring or even keep one it in your wallet. You can also use multiple InputStick devices: one at each location (home, office) or one for each device (PC, laptop, console). Applications can easily switch between different InputStick devices.

Technical data.

Size: 57 x 19 x 9 mm.
Weight: 8g.
Interface: USB 2.0 (full speed).
Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth 2.1.
Range: up to 10m.

Developers.

InputStick Android API will allow you to easily use InputStick in your own Android applications. Using standard USB devices is very easy and requires almost no USB related knowledge. Currently available USB device classes are:

• USB Keyboard,
• USB Mouse,
• USB Gamepad,
• USB Keyboard & Mouse & Consumer Control (volume control, media playback).

You can also implement other USB devices, however that requires some experience with USB development. But don't worry, there will be tutorials and step by step guides available. Keep in mind that because of using Bluetooth to communicate with Android device, there are latency and data throughput limitations. It is not recommended to use InputStick as USB devices that require high data transfer rate (mass storage, audio, imaging etc.).

Current state of the project.

InputStick has been under development for almost a year now. What you can see on the video and pictures is 100% working prototype, which is almost ready to go into production any day now. Because of that, this is a flexible funding campaign, so even in case when funding goal won't be reached, you'll get your InputStick device. Please keep in mind that there is always a small possibility of project being slightly delayed, because of certification or production issues.

Perks and shipment.

InputStick will be available in black and white enclosures. Devices will be shipped in March 2014, via registered priority air-mail. International shipment and taxes (for EU customers) are already included in the price of each perk. You are responsible for any import fees which might apply according to local law.

Want to know more?

Visit inputstick.com for more details.

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