Abstract: A computing environment in which devices interoperate with a plurality of hardware components. Inconsistencies in user experience when operating devices that may use different components are avoided by generating a signature for the components. The signature may be computed as a function of a first key and one or more parameter values obtainable from the component. The signature and parameter values may be stored in the component's memory, and may be obtainable while the component is in operation as part of the computing device. The device may validate the component by performing at least one function based on the signature, the one or more parameter values obtainable from the component, and a second key, which may or may not be identical to the first key. The device may change its interaction with the component, depending on whether the component was successfully validated.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a unified pointer message 300 may describe in a single type of pointer message a coordinate input from a user via multiple types of pointer devices. An input device interface 150 may receive a coordinate input 350 from an input device. A processor 120 may execute an application programming interface layer 430 that creates a unified pointer message 300 for the coordinate input 350. The processor 120 may send the unified pointer message 300 to an application. The processor 120 may process a device specific data set 244 unhandled by the application.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a unified pointer message 300 may describe in a single type of pointer message a coordinate input from a user via multiple types of pointer devices. An input device interface 150 may receive a coordinate input 350 from an input device. A processor 120 may execute an application programming interface layer 430 that creates a unified pointer message 300 for the coordinate input 350. The processor 120 may send the unified pointer message 300 to an application. The processor 120 may process a device specific data set 244 unhandled by the application.

Abstract: A computing environment in which devices interoperate with a plurality of hardware components. Inconsistencies in user experience when operating devices that may use different components are avoided by generating a signature for the components. The signature may be computed as a function of a first key and one or more parameter values obtainable from the component. The signature and parameter values may be stored in the component's memory, and may be obtainable while the component is in operation as part of the computing device. The device may validate the component by performing at least one function based on the signature, the one or more parameter values obtainable from the component, and a second key, which may or may not be identical to the first key. The device may change its interaction with the component, depending on whether the component was successfully validated.