Abstract: Techniques for device camera angle are described. In one or more implementations, a camera is mounted in a computing device at an angle based on an orientation of the computing device. For example, when the computing device is positioned on a surface and at an angle to the surface (such as when supported by a kickstand), the mounting angle of the camera is such that an optical axis of the camera points forward, and not towards the surface. In at least some implementations, a computing device includes a camera that is physically adjustable to support different orientations of the computing device. In at least some implementations, images that are captured via a camera on a computing device can be manipulated based on an orientation of the computing device.

Abstract: A device kickstand is described. In at least some implementations, a kickstand is rotatably attached to a mobile computing device. The kickstand can be rotated to various positions to provide support for different orientations of the computing device. In at least some implementations, hinges are employed to attach a kickstand to a mobile computing device. One example hinge utilizes preset hinge stops that enable the kickstand to be placed at different preset positions. Another example hinge exerts pressure on an edge of the kickstand, providing stability and vibration dampening to the kickstand.

Abstract: A device kickstand is described. In at least some implementations, a kickstand is rotatably attached to a mobile computing device. The kickstand can be rotated to various positions to provide support for different orientations of the computing device. In at least some implementations, hinges are employed to attach a kickstand to a mobile computing device. One example hinge utilizes preset hinge stops that enable the kickstand to be placed at different preset positions. Another example hinge exerts pressure on an edge of the kickstand, providing stability and vibration dampening to the kickstand.

Abstract: Mobile communications devices having moveable housings are described. In an implementation, a mobile communications device includes a first housing that includes a display device; and a second housing that includes a keyboard. At least one of the first or second housings are moveable between a first configuration in which the first housing substantially covers the second housing so the keyboard is covered and the display device is viewable and a second configuration in which the keyboard is exposed and positioned such that an outer plane of the keyboard is positioned in a substantially similar plane to that of an outer surface of the display device.

Abstract: A system that integrates navigational device (e.g., mouse) functionality into a cellular telephone or other handheld device (e.g., personal organizer, personal media player). A device can employ existing optics from an image capture device (e.g., camera) as the optics for the mouse. A mouse engine can receive an input from the optics and route the input via a Bluetooth™, or other existing connection (e.g., wired or wireless) to transfer the mouse coordinates to a desktop. In another example, a device can employ a touch sensitive pad to supply motion input to a mouse engine. Further, a device (e.g., personal organizer, pocket personal computer) can utilize an existing touch screen as a touch sensitive input to a mouse engine. A laser pointer can be integrated into a device thereby enabling presenters to use the device to point to slides and other target visuals.

Abstract: An electronic device, such as a handset for providing telephonic communication, having a semi-translucent finish is provided. The handset generally includes a front cover with a display region, an input region and a back cover. The front cover may be formed of a transparent material, such as plastic and be covered by a semi-translucent vacuum metallized thin film. The handset includes an active mode wherein a display panel is illuminated and is visible through the thin film, and a standby mode wherein the display panel is not illuminated and not visible and, instead, the front cover appears as a continuous surface with a metallic finish. The handset also includes a base unit with an outer area that may change color to indicate the handset is properly positioned within the base unit. The base unit also includes electrical contacts to act as a charging unit.

Abstract: The subject innovation and/or methods relate to a compact durable communication device that can include a plurality of improvements to provide durability and thinness. The devices can be a clamshell smartphone, a messenger device, a thin smartphone, and/or any other suitable mobile communication device. The improvements can include a magnesium plate, an opening for an electrical component associated with the plate, internal antenna placement, an extended backlight for a dual display, and/or a mono hinge to provide connectivity.

Abstract: The subject innovation and/or methods relate to a compact durable communication device that can include a plurality of improvements to provide durability and thinness. The devices can be a clamshell smartphone, a messenger device, a thin smartphone, and/or any other suitable mobile communication device. The improvements can include a magnesium plate, an opening for an electrical component associated with the plate, internal antenna placement, an extended backlight for a dual display, and/or a mono hinge to provide connectivity.

Abstract: An ergonomic pointing device receives user commands for controlling an electronic device. Typically three switches are provided underneath a navigation wheel. The two side switches are typically located towards the back right and left corners of the navigation wheel body, whereas the select/enter dome switch is typically located in an area that is at or substantially near the front midsection of the wheel body. A pivot pin is typically provided in a back center area of the navigation wheel body. The navigation wheel is arranged to slightly rock in response to a user's downwards force. The left and right switches operate when the wheel rocks left and right about the pivot pin. The select/enter switch operates when the wheel rocks frontward and backwards about the pivot pin. An optional plastic cap can be used to secure the navigation wheel assembly to a base such as a printed circuit board.

Abstract: A device has a moving display that alternatively hides two keyboards. As the display is moved to expose one keyboard, the device may take on different functionality than when the other keyboard is exposed. The sliding mechanism has a back plate with two guides, onto which are mounted the two keyboards. A sliding plate engages has at least two legs that engage the guides. Electrical signals are passed from components attached to the sliding plate to components attached to the back plate through signals routed along one of the sliding plate legs. A loop of cable is able to roll beneath the keyboard when the sliding plate is moved from one position to another. A spring may also be used between the sliding plate and back plate to hold the sliding plate at either extreme of its travel.

Abstract: An electronic device, such as a handset for providing telephonic communication, having a semi-translucent finish is provided. The handset generally includes a front cover with a display region, an input region and a back cover. The front cover may be formed of a transparent material, such as plastic and be covered by a semi-translucent vacuum metallized thin film. The handset includes an active mode wherein a display panel is illuminated and is visible through the thin film, and a standby mode wherein the display panel is not illuminated and not visible and, instead, the front cover appears as a continuous surface with a metallic finish. The handset also includes a base unit with an outer area that may change color to indicate the handset is properly positioned within the base unit. The base unit also includes electrical contacts to act as a charging unit.

Abstract: An electronic device, such as a handset for providing telephonic communication, having a semi-translucent finish is provided. The handset generally includes a front cover with a display region, an input region and a back cover. The front cover may be formed of a transparent material, such as plastic and be covered by a semi-translucent vacuum metallized thin film. The handset includes an active mode wherein a display panel is illuminated and is visible through the thin film, and a standby mode wherein the display panel is not illuminated and not visible and, instead, the front cover appears as a continuous surface with a metallic finish. The handset also includes a base unit with an outer area that may change color to indicate the phone is properly positioned within the base unit. The base unit also includes electrical contacts to act as a charging unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented herein for creating and using a multi-function device that allows a user to transform the device into the desired feature-set form which permit access to that feature's functions, without a need for a user to traverse a series of interface menus to get to the desired functionality. In an exemplary embodiment, the device can be transformed into a phone, a media player, and a camera.

Abstract: A mobile device contains a case to rigidly secure and protect components of the mobile device, especially against large shock forces that can occur when the mobile device is dropped. The case is typically formed using a material that is generally rigid, lightweight (i.e., less dense), and relatively inexpensive, such as magnesium. The case further comprises rigid sidewalls that surround the peripheral edges of the device display. The sidewalls are arranged to protect the display by absorbing incidental shock forces. The case further comprises a surface is configured as a platform to receive a keypad. The surface is arranged to prevent forces from being transmitted from the keypad to an internal print circuit board, which provides protection against the internal printed circuit board from being flexed to the point of failure. The mobile device may further comprise a boot that is slidably coupled to the frame.

Abstract: The subject innovation and/or methods relate to a compact durable communication device that can include a plurality of improvements to provide durability and thinness. The devices can be a clamshell smartphone, a messenger device, a thin smartphone, and/or any other suitable mobile communication device. The improvements can include a magnesium plate, an opening for an electrical component associated with the plate, internal antenna placement, an extended backlight for a dual display, and/or a mono hinge to provide connectivity.

Abstract: The subject innovation and/or methods relate to a compact durable communication device that can include a plurality of improvements to provide durability and thinness. The devices can be a clamshell smartphone, a messenger device, a thin smartphone, and/or any other suitable mobile communication device. The improvements can include a magnesium plate, an opening for an electrical component associated with the plate, internal antenna placement, an extended backlight for a dual display, and/or a mono hinge to provide connectivity.

Abstract: The subject innovation and/or methods relate to a compact durable communication device that can include a plurality of improvements to provide durability and thinness. The devices can be a clamshell smartphone, a messenger device, a thin smartphone, and/or any other suitable mobile communication device. The improvements can include a magnesium plate, an opening for an electrical component associated with the plate, internal antenna placement, an extended backlight for a dual display, and/or a mono hinge to provide connectivity.