---
# System prepended metadata

title: iiPhone

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# iiphone.org

---
## Background
### Linux CONFIG_USB_GADGET=y

In 2001, Linus Torvalds went to work for Transmeta (I was an early investor). The USB Gadget subsystem was added, which allowed Linux devices to function as USB peripherals, such as storage devices, network adapters, rather than just as hosts.

While this access to music/photos on a phone as well as tethering. It also added a feature not made available via Android, the emulation of keyboards, mice, cameras.

### Web USB

https://ii.nz/post/flashing-hardware-with-software-from-the-web/



### https://github.com/ii/iiphone/

### https://pid.codes/1209/CAFE/ iiGadget

https://github.com/pidcodes/pidcodes.github.com/blob/master/1209/CAFE/index.md

###

---

The Universal Serial Bus transports our typing, touching, mousing, talking, faces and body movements via **H**uman **I**nterfaces for **D**evices of all types.

Some common HID protocols :
- 
- FingerPrints
- Pointing Devices


The aging members of our community need support being able to use a myriad of tech to do everyday tasks. Keeping in touch with loved ones, paying bills, and much of today's activity that require devices.

Boulder Elder Care and support community noted that they often have to install remote access, which works on some computers, but still feels invasive. They were looking for solutions that it would be obvious to the person being supported that no one was connected to their machine when they didn't need help.

However with the plethera of devices out there, iPhones, Androids, iPads, Tablets, laptops, desktops etc it can be a bit overwhelming to support.

What if we had the ability to remotely connect a keyboard, mouse, touchpad to any of these devices and be able to type, touch, and see their screen regardless of the technology. They could even include cellular connectity the case of helping when other connections are not working.

That is where the iiPhone comes in. It could be installed in nursing homes, elder care centers, and cheap enough that we could have them in many peoples homes as a dedicated remote support device.

# Boulder Startup Week Demo

> Introducing the iiPhone for Remote Assistance Anywhere on any Device - May 14

[**VIEW RECORDING - 48 mins (No highlights)**](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK)



---
## Meeting Purpose

[Introducing the iiPhone concept for enabling remote assistance and cooperation on any device anywhere](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?tab=summary&timestamp=342.0 "PLAY @5:42")

## Key Takeaways

  - [The iiPhone aims to enable remote assistance and cooperation by allowing sharing of keyboard, mouse, and screen control over any device](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?tab=summary&timestamp=593.0 "PLAY @9:53")
  - [It builds on previous work providing educational computing environments via bootable USB drives](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?tab=summary&timestamp=361.0 "PLAY @6:01")
  - [The vision is to create a cooperative public broadcasting model for technology assistance, inspired by Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?tab=summary&timestamp=1671.0 "PLAY @27:51")
  - [The goal is to help people, especially the elderly, get technical support and stay connected through a community-driven cooperative](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?tab=summary&timestamp=1506.0 "PLAY @25:06")

## Topics

### Background on Educational USB Drives

  - [Developed bootable USB drives with educational environments for kids in Cambodia and France](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?tab=summary&timestamp=378.0 "PLAY @6:18")
  - [Allowed repurposing old computers by booting directly into a custom Linux environment without installing anything](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?tab=summary&timestamp=519.0 "PLAY @8:39")

### The iiPhone Concept

  - [Allow remotely booting any device (Mac, PC, iPad etc.) into a custom environment from a USB drive](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?tab=summary&timestamp=764.0 "PLAY @12:44")
  - [Share keyboard, mouse, and screen control over that device from another location](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?tab=summary&timestamp=612.0 "PLAY @10:12")
  - [Enable remote assistance by taking control of the remote device](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?tab=summary&timestamp=1253.0 "PLAY @20:53")

### Prototype Demo Attempts

  - [Attempted to demo remotely booting an old Mac into a custom "orange" environment and sharing control](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?tab=summary&timestamp=796.0 "PLAY @13:16")
  - [Ran into technical difficulties with the prototype hardware and software](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?tab=summary&timestamp=654.0 "PLAY @10:54")
  - [Highlighted the need for a simple, reliable remote assistance solution](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?tab=summary&timestamp=1233.0 "PLAY @20:33")

### Vision for a Technology Cooperative

  - [Create a community-driven cooperative model like PBS for technology assistance](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?tab=summary&timestamp=1654.0 "PLAY @27:34")
  - [Allow people to help others, especially the elderly, with technology remotely](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?tab=summary&timestamp=1506.0 "PLAY @25:06")
  - [Build on the philosophy of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood of creating meaningful programs for our neighborhoods](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?tab=summary&timestamp=1671.0 "PLAY @27:51")
  - [Foster cooperation, trust and auditing for secure remote assistance](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?tab=summary&timestamp=1700.0 "PLAY @28:20")

## Next Steps

  - [Continue developing the iiPhone concept and prototype](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?tab=summary&timestamp=1619.0 "PLAY @26:59")
  - [Explore funding sources like grants to build out the cooperative model](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?tab=summary&timestamp=1654.0 "PLAY @27:34")
  - [Engage the community at ii.coop and iiphone.org to collaborate on the vision](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?tab=summary&timestamp=1623.0 "PLAY @27:03")
  - [Identify partners like service organizations to help deploy the solution](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?tab=summary&timestamp=1654.0 "PLAY @27:34")
## Action Items

- **Unlock the iPad so Peter can play some games** - [WATCH (30 secs)](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?timestamp=1424.539899)
- **Switch over to the zoom call** - [WATCH (30 secs)](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?timestamp=1571.9199)
- **Go to ii.coop website and subscribe to mailing list** - [WATCH (30 secs)](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?timestamp=1578.299899)
- **Show the prototype rig** - [WATCH (30 secs)](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?timestamp=2274.9999)
- **Catch up sometime later this week** - [WATCH (10 secs)](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?timestamp=2842.4399)

# Introducing the iiPhone for Remote Assistant Anywhere on any Device - May 14
[**VIEW RECORDING - 48 mins (No highlights)**](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK)

---
## Q\&A

### Technology Demonstration

  - **How is the audio coming through?** 
Hippie Hacker is troubleshooting getting Peter Hart's audio to come through the room speakers. After trying a few things, he is able to get the audio working by routing it through his laptop speakers.

  - **Can you see me now?** Hippie Hacker is sharing his phone screen to give the audience a view through his phone camera. He asks if the audience can see his phone screen.

  - **What's the problem?** Hippie Hacker asks Peter Hart to show him the problem he is having with logging into the iPad. Hippie Hacker then attempts to remotely control the iPad to troubleshoot the issue, but runs into problems connecting with the right cable.

  - **Do you want to play some games now?** Peter Hart, roleplaying as Hippie Hacker's son, asks if he can play games now that the device is unlocked. Hippie Hacker tells him to go ahead and play.

  - **Can you hear me?** After the demo, Hippie Hacker checks that the audience can still hear him after switching from the Zoom call back to his own audio.

### Cooperative Technology Vision

  - **How do we create space for us to create cooperation?** Hippie Hacker explains his vision for creating cooperative technology modeled after PBS and inspired by Mr. Rogers. He wants to rewrite the philosophical statement that led to the creation of PBS to outline a similar vision for cooperative technology today.

  - **Any questions?** Hippie Hacker asks if there are any questions after outlining his vision. An audience member thanks him for bringing people together.

### Assistive Technology for Elder Care

  - **How can we help elderly people make sure they connect with their families?** Hippie Hacker talks about using cooperative technology to help elderly people in nursing homes connect with their families. He gives an example of using remote access to help an elderly person turn on a device.

  - **How do we build the right tools?** The audience discusses what a remote assistive technology solution would need, like a walker or stand to hold a phone/tablet. They talk about training caregivers on using it properly and securely.

  - **What does it look like to my representative, who's this year's target?** An audience member redirects the conversation back to concrete next steps for lobbying representatives about funding cooperative technology. Hippie Hacker agrees to continue the conversation offline.

-----
## Action Items

- **Unlock the iPad so Peter can play some games** - [WATCH (30 secs)](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?timestamp=1424.539899)
- **Switch over to the zoom call** - [WATCH (30 secs)](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?timestamp=1571.9199)
- **Go to i.coop website and subscribe to mailing list** - [WATCH (30 secs)](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?timestamp=1578.299899)
- **Show the prototype rig** - [WATCH (30 secs)](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?timestamp=2274.9999)
- **Catch up sometime later this week** - [WATCH (10 secs)](https://fathom.video/share/X6xWzw8jCUzDsR2Ac3mqLCZjgEM8_JBK?timestamp=2842.4399)
