# Invitation to Play Along

DevFeed: [Invitation to Play Along](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/invitation-to-play-along-34818.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://pine64.org/2020/07/29/invitation-to-play-along/>)

Published: 2020-07-29T00:00:00Z

Content type: opinion

Language: en

Sources: [Community blog on PINE64](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/community-blog-on-pine64.md>)

Topics: [Pinephone](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/pinephone.md>), [Hardware](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/hardware.md>), [keyboard](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/keyboard.md>), [interface](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/interface.md>)

Tags: [game](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/game.md>), [hardware](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/hardware.md>), [keyboard](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/keyboard.md>), [pine64](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/pine64.md>), [pinephone](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/pinephone.md>), [requirements](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/requirements.md>), [usb](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/usb.md>)

## AI overview

Pine64 invites the community to design add-on hardware for the PinePhone, focusing on a Nokia N900-style slide-out keyboard and a gamepad. The keyboard has defined mechanical and electrical requirements, while the gamepad remains at an earlier exploratory stage.

## Source excerpt

Image from: Дмитрий Куртуков - Keyboard for PinePhone We are currently in talks with a number of hardware vendors regarding a Nokia N900-style, slide-out-design keyboard for the PinePhone. They'll have to produce mock-ups or prototypes for us to consider in the next few weeks. The requirements specify that the new device needs to: Interface with the PinePhone's rear pogo pin expansion connector Fit the PinePhone's form factor Seamlessly replace the current back cover and snap onto the phone Be similar, mechanically and functionally, to the Nokia N900 keyboard We are simultaneously also exploring a gamepad for the PinePhone. The criteria we're seeking in a gamepad are much vaguer than those of the keyboard: The gamepad must use the PinePhone's pogo pins (at least for power) It must attach mechanically to the phone. Preferably in an elegant way - velcro or adhesive are not an option. This add-on project is at an earlier exploratory stage than the keyboard, and therefore there is also some leeway regarding the general direction and shape it can take. Now, we'd like to invite you to play along. While we're waiting to see what the commissioned vendors will come up with, we'd also like to give you a chance to go at it. For the keyboard, we have settled on a 5-row key-arrangement design - a STP of the layout can be downloaded here. If you'll have a go at creating a keyboard then do keep in mind the general guiding points outlined above, but at the same time do not take them as commandments carved in stone. I guess what I am trying to say is - don't let the criteria restrict your creative vision. Suggested keyboard layout (filled in by hand) Regarding the game controller; since we're at a very early exploratory stage, you're welcome to explore a variety of approaches to creating such an add-on for the PinePhone. In other words, 'anything goes' as far as the controller's design is concerned. Functionality wise, the controller will have to be powered via the pogo pins but I t