A mount configured to removably and interchangeably receive a plurality of different expandable accessories attached to a portable electronic device. The mount includes an attachment mechanism, a receiving member, and a connecting member having a first end coupled to the attachment mechanism and a second end coupled to the receiving member. The receiving member includes a plurality of legs that are adapted to removably receive a first expandable accessory of the plurality of different expandable accessories and to interchangeably and removably receive a second expandable accessory of the plurality of different expandable accessories, where the second expandable accessory is different from the first expandable accessory.

A device case computer mouse includes a body including a cavity configured to attach the device case to a handheld computer, a motion sensor connected to the body, a battery connected to the body, and a charging port connected to the body and electrically connected to the battery, the charging port being configured to be connected to a case charging cable. Also included is a processor electrically connected to the battery and communicatively connected to the motion sensor, wherein the processor is configured to be communicatively connected to the handheld computer wirelessly and to a portable computer to transmit motion data from the motion sensor to the portable computer and to transmit input data from the handheld computer to the portable computer.

An electronic device includes one or more sensors to determine when the device is in use (e.g., being held or worn by the user) and when the device is not in use (e.g., is in a pocket or purse). Examples of such sensors include a capacitive sensor, a thermal sensor, a light sensor, etc. The device can be placed in a mount that allows the device to be more easily worn by the user. The mount extends the capabilities of the sensors on the device so that the sensors on the device can sense information through (or notwithstanding) the mount. The mount also optionally changes the viewpoints of one or more of the sensors, such as by re-directing a sensor that points to the side of the device so that rather than sensing information at the side of the mount information at the bottom of the mount is sensed.

A method is provided for locking and unlocking an electronic power tool. The method includes receiving, at a locking device, information associated with the electronic power tool, and generating, at the locking device, a lock code based on the received information. The method further includes transmitting, by the locking device, the lock code to the electronic power tool. The lock code is configured to lock the electronic power tool upon being received at the electronic power tool.

Computing devices, input devices, keyboard assemblies, and related systems include a set of conductive traces or leads configured to transfer a capacitive load from an appendage of a user or another capacitive load source from a remote location, such as on a keycap of the keyboard, to a conductive portion or electrode on the keyboard that is positioned near a touch-sensitive interface of a computing device. The capacitive load is thereby transferable through the conductive traces or leads to the touch-sensitive interface without having to directly apply the load, such as by touching a finger to the interface. This can reduce or eliminate the need for on-screen controls or keyboard interface elements in a touch screen device without having to use a more expensive and energy-draining wired or wireless connection between the computing device and a keyboard case or accessory for the computing device.

A locking element for use with a cable having a plug insertable into a plug receiver of a housing is provided. The locking element includes a connector body connected to the plug and including a receiving feature insertable through an aperture of the housing. The locking element further includes a locking feature configured to assume one of a locked condition in which the locking feature locks onto the receiving feature or prevents insertion of the receiving feature through the aperture and an unlocked condition in which the locking feature unlocks the receiving feature or permits insertion of the receiving feature through the aperture and an actuator coupled to the locking feature and configured to control the locking feature to assume the one of the locked and unlocked conditions.

A device case computer mouse includes a body including a cavity configured to attach the device case to a handheld computer, a motion sensor connected to the body, a battery connected to the body, and a charging port connected to the body and electrically connected to the battery, the charging port being configured to be connected to a case charging cable. Also included is a processor electrically connected to the battery and communicatively connected to the motion sensor, wherein the processor is configured to be communicatively connected to the handheld computer wirelessly and to a portable computer to transmit motion data from the motion sensor to the portable computer and to transmit input data from the handheld computer to the portable computer.

Techniques are disclosed for facilitating providing of sensor capability in devices using device attachments. In one example, a sensor device includes an attachment body configured to be disposed along a side of a user device when the sensor device is coupled to the user device. The sensor device further includes an actuator configured to selectively apply a force. The sensor device further includes a connector block coupled to the actuator and configured to selectively extend from or retract into the attachment body in response to the force. The sensor device further includes a connector configured to couple to a connector port of the user device and provide data communication between the sensor device and the user device. The connector is at least partially disposed in the connector block. Related systems and devices are also provided.

A housing for an electronic device can include a metallic component at least partially defining an external surface of the device. The metallic component can have an average grain size less than 45 nanometers in a first region that extends from the external surface to a depth of at least 100 microns below the external surface, and an average grain size greater than 45 nanometers in a second region adjacent to the first surface.

A locking element for use with a cable having a plug insertable into a plug receiver of a housing is provided. The locking element includes a connector body connected to the plug and including a receiving feature insertable through an aperture of the housing. The locking element further includes a locking feature configured to assume one of a locked condition in which the locking feature locks onto the receiving feature or prevents insertion of the receiving feature through the aperture and an unlocked condition in which the locking feature unlocks the receiving feature or permits insertion of the receiving feature through the aperture and an actuator coupled to the locking feature and configured to control the locking feature to assume the one of the locked and unlocked conditions.