This is the third post about a cell phone design project that started here.
Extending the interface
The settings of the phone numbers assigned to the keys and the ring tone adjustments are made through the other interface the phone offers through its USB abilities : the computer to which it's plugged in when need be.
Here is a mock ups of the interface that would appear on the screen once the phone is plugged in. I guess an auto launch of a dedicated app sitting in the phone flash memory is something possible, so you could use the computer based functionalities on any computer you could use.
It displays the battery charge level and the reception level, and an eject button so you can unplug safely the phone when you need it.
There is also a text field where you can enter a phone number followed by a "send" button to allow you to place calls from the computer, using its mic and speakers if they are recognized by the software. The connection to the network is still made by the phone which acts like an antenna. Of course, this makes sense only if you can't make a good use of VOIP while using your computer.
When you click on 'Memorized numbers" in the bottom bar of the window, you are presented an interface with which you can set the phone numbers to the key numbers.
You can add the name of the contact so you can remember which contact has which fast dialing key the next time you get to set them. Clicking "Collapse panel" resizes the window to its original appearance.
When you click on "Ringtones", you get access to their settings.
You can choose from internal ringtones, or choose a sound file to be played instead. The sound file is copied on the phone's flash memory when you select it. To set the phone on vibrate, just lower the volume fader to its lower position.
I've been thinking of adding the ability to send sms from this interface, but it would make no sense since you wouldn't be able to receive them when you're not connected to the computer. You'd be better using email in this case.