3 ms·

Ask HN: Would a small touch interface on the back of mobile devices be useful?

I imagine a small bit of glass on the back, that just records scrolling, and could be disabled. I think it would be nice because you could scroll without obscuring your screen, and it could allow for differentiation between scroll events and touch events. What do you think?

SirPalmerston 14y ago
That would be an interesting idea. Isn't there already a controller for some console that implements that? Edit: It may be the Wii U, I'm not sure.
- deleted 14y ago
  [deleted]
cheald 14y ago
It's an interesting idea, but I'm trying to imagine it while holding my phone, and it feels really awkward. The fingers behind the phone are supporting it, so I can't really "scroll" while keeping the screen stable enough to read. Interesting concept though.
- the_cat_kittles 14y ago
  you could also put it on one of the device's edges
shyn3 14y ago
Motorola Spice has a little switch at the back. It let's you scroll and click.
rtcoms 14y ago
I think SONY PS Vita has one on it's back.