MIT Unveils Smallest Wearable Trackpad Ever [Video]

Researchers at MIT have devised a way to turn the thumbnail into a wireless trackpad that will allow users to control their devices when their hands are busy.

The developed prototype, dubbed NailO, can be used to achieve multiple tasks such as scrolling through a website recipe or drawing illustrations while gliding the index finger across.

Cindy Hsin-Liu Kao, a media arts and science graduate student, got the idea for NailO from colorful stickers women in Asian countries apply to their nails.

"It's very unobtrusive," Kao said in written statement released by MIT. She is one of the lead authors of the paper being presented in Seoul. "When I put this on, it becomes part of my body. I have the power to take it off, so it still gives you control over it. But it allows this very close connection to your body."

Researchers will present their work at an upcoming computer-human interaction conference in Seoul, South Korea.

The developed trackpad would have a thin, detachable surface with patterns and colors to match any wardrobe.