There are several trends that almost all smartphone manufacturers are adhering too. Large displays is one of them, and so is the removal of excess buttons. These days most smartphones only have buttons for the most crucial of tasks. Some of us still prefer having hardware buttons. Dimple aims to fill that gap. Its basically a sticker with four hardware buttons that can be attached to an Android device. The buttons are customizable so users can make them do whatever they like.
Buttons can be configured through Dimple’s application which is available on the Google Play Store. It relies upon NFC to program them. It only requires NFC connection once to configure the buttons after which it is free to be used for any other connection.
This makes it compatible with all NFC enabled Android devices, though its mentioned on Dimple’s website that its not compatible with HTC One and HTC One M8 due to antenna placement on these smartphones.
Kickstarter backed Pressy recently offered a similar solution. It adds one hardware button to any Android device which slots in the device’s 3.5mm headset jack. Dimple is more practical because not only does it offer more buttons, it also doesn’t hog the headset jack.
Dimple isn’t available for sale just yet. An IndieGoGo campaign to crowdfund its production will be started on May 6th. Initial backers will be able to get one for $26.99. Retail cost is expected to be $28.99.