Mobile Tech Podcast
The Neonode N1m established finger-driven swipe navigation and swipe-to-unlock controls years before Apple's handset debut by tracking gestures through an infrared diode grid.
AI-assisted summary of Neonode N1m review — original source. Check the original for full context.
Source published:
Key ideas
- Reviewed on the eve of the original iPhone release, the Neonode N1m was highlighted as a direct touch-interface pioneer, introducing finger-based navigation and swipe-to-unlock gestures years ahead of mainstream adoption. (0:01)
- Instead of resistive or capacitive touch panels, the N1m detects input through an optical 9x9 infrared diode matrix that registers touch coordinates when a finger breaks intersecting light beams. (0:01)
- Built on Windows CE 5.0 with Neonode's proprietary Neno shell, the operating system incorporates haptic vibration feedback for typing and supports true background multitasking. (1:43)
- The handset was severely constrained by its connectivity, lacking both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth while relying strictly on 2G GPRS data speeds over triband GSM. (4:32)
Detailed notes
## Background Published on YouTube by Mobile Tech Podcast (reviewer tnkgrl) on June 29, 2007, this video was released on the eve of the original Apple iPhone launch. The page description frames the Neonode N1m as an appropriate pre-iPhone review subject, pointing out that both devices share an intuitive, touch-based user interface powered by gesture recognition.
## TL;DR Reviewer tnkgrl showcases the Neonode N1m as a pioneering ancestor of the modern touchscreen smartphone, highlighting its finger-first interface operated by an optical 9x9 infrared sensor matrix rather than a conventional touch panel. Running the custom Neno shell over Windows CE 5.0, the device demonstrates swipe-to-unlock mechanics, directional navigation gestures, haptic virtual typing, and true background multitasking. The review also candidly addresses hardware constraints of its era—including the absence of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and reliance on 2G GPRS data—before demonstrating built-in tools like the media player, touch-based Tetris, and GPRS web browsing.
## Atmosphere & style The presentation carries an authentic, intimate late-2000s tech blog atmosphere, marked by palpable excitement and prescience as the mobile industry stood on the brink of the iPhone revolution. Delivering a steady, hands-on hardware tour, tnkgrl speaks with seasoned technical curiosity, delighting in tactile nuances like haptic feedback and optical beam tracking. Watching the video feels like stepping into a pivotal historical time capsule where quirky, experimental mobile platforms were actively laying the groundwork for the future of mobile interaction.
## Bulletin - [00:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj-KS2kfIr0&t=1s) Reviewed on the eve of the original iPhone release, the Neonode N1m was highlighted as a direct touch-interface pioneer, introducing finger-based navigation and swipe-to-unlock gestures years ahead of mainstream adoption. - [00:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj-KS2kfIr0&t=1s) Instead of resistive or capacitive touch panels, the N1m detects input through an optical 9x9 infrared diode matrix that registers touch coordinates when a finger breaks intersecting light beams. - [01:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj-KS2kfIr0&t=103s) Built on Windows CE 5.0 with Neonode's proprietary Neno shell, the operating system incorporates haptic vibration feedback for typing and supports true background multitasking. - [04:32](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj-KS2kfIr0&t=272s) The handset was severely constrained by its connectivity, lacking both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth while relying strictly on 2G GPRS data speeds over triband GSM.
## Key takeaways - [00:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj-KS2kfIr0&t=1s) The Neonode N1m served as an early precursor to modern smartphones by implementing a finger-only gesture interface without requiring a stylus. - [00:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj-KS2kfIr0&t=1s) Touch detection is powered by an optical frame of 9 horizontal and 9 vertical infrared diodes that detect coordinates when light beams are broken. - [00:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj-KS2kfIr0&t=1s) Hardware provisions include a 1-megapixel rear camera, SD card expansion up to 4 GB, a 2.5 mm headset jack, and physical Yes/No buttons flanking a directional pad. - [01:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj-KS2kfIr0&t=103s) The device runs Windows CE 5.0 beneath Neonode's proprietary Neno interface, which restructures the OS for finger-friendly touch navigation. - [01:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj-KS2kfIr0&t=103s) The bottom USB port functions as a direct mass-storage SD card reader when powered off, but automatically switches to Windows CE ActiveSync mode when turned on. - [01:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj-KS2kfIr0&t=103s) Core system navigation is standardized around directional swipes: right-to-left confirms or accepts ('Yes'), while left-to-right cancels or goes back ('No'). - [01:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj-KS2kfIr0&t=103s) Three bottom-screen drawers swipe upward to reveal the main application launcher, contextual app settings, and a numeric keypad with haptic vibration feedback. - [01:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj-KS2kfIr0&t=103s) The handset features an early swipe-to-unlock mechanism, waking with the power button and unlocking with a right-to-left sweep across the bottom bezel. - [04:32](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj-KS2kfIr0&t=272s) Local and cellular connectivity are limited, omitting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth while restricting data connectivity to 2G GPRS on triband GSM frequencies. - [04:32](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj-KS2kfIr0&t=272s) Neonode designed the upcoming N2 successor to resolve these hardware limits by adding Bluetooth, EDGE data, quad-band GSM, and an upgraded 2 MP camera. - [05:35](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj-KS2kfIr0&t=335s) A diagonal swipe from the top-left to the bottom-right corner acts as a universal force-close gesture to terminate running background applications. - [05:35](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj-KS2kfIr0&t=335s) The system provides genuine multitasking, allowing Windows Media Player-based music to continue playing in the background while navigating other apps. - [05:35](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj-KS2kfIr0&t=335s) An Internet Explorer-based web browser enables mobile web surfing and vertical finger-scroll navigation over GPRS networks.
## Detailed walkthrough ### [00:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj-KS2kfIr0&t=1s) Hardware Tour and Optical Touch Technology
On the eve of the original iPhone launch, reviewer tnkgrl introduces the Neonode N1m as a direct predecessor to modern touchscreen smartphones. As she explains: “The reason I'm reviewing the Neonode N1m is because it is an ancestor of the iPhone it is one of the first devices to use purely a finger based interface um for navigation.”
The Neonode N1m is a compact handset featuring a 1-megapixel rear camera alongside an external speaker. Storage expansion is handled through an SD card slot supporting cards up to 4 GB in capacity. The SIM card bay is hidden behind a manual sliding release lever. Along the bottom edge sits a 2.5 mm stereo audio jack with microphone headset support, as well as a multi-purpose proprietary USB connector. The front face houses physical "Yes" (call/talk) and "No" (end/hang-up) buttons flanking a directional navigation pad (d-pad), placed just beneath a large touchscreen display.
Unlike contemporary resistive touchscreens or Apple's capacitive design, the N1m utilizes an optical infrared matrix. An array of nine infrared diodes running vertically and nine diodes running horizontally frames the screen perimeter, tracking input coordinates whenever a finger breaks the intersecting beams. Because it relies entirely on optical beam obstruction rather than electrical conductivity or mechanical pressure, styluses do not work, but bare fingers track reliably across the glass.
- 1-megapixel rear-facing camera and integrated speaker - SD card expansion slot supporting capacities up to 4 GB - Sliding lever mechanism for SIM card tray access - Proprietary bottom USB port and 2.5 mm stereo audio/microphone headset jack - Front hardware controls: "Yes" button, "No" button, and directional pad - Touch sensor: 9x9 infrared diode array intersecting beams along the X and Y axes
```mermaid flowchart LR accTitle: Neonode Infrared Touch Matrix accDescr: Diagram showing how vertical and horizontal infrared diodes detect finger position through intersecting beams. subgraph Emitters["Optical Grid"] V["9 Vertical Diodes"] H["9 Horizontal Diodes"] end subgraph Detection["Touch Processing"] B["Intersecting IR Light Beams"] F["Finger Breaks Beams"] C["Touch Coordinate Registered"] end V --> B H --> B B --> F F --> C ```
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[01:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj-KS2kfIr0&t=103s) Operating System, Dual USB Modes, and Core Gesture System
Powering on the unit reveals an operating system built on Windows CE 5.0, running a proprietary front-end shell named Neno. The underlying Windows CE core allows the handset to run modified Windows Mobile software, though applications require user interface adaptations to accommodate the finger-driven input scheme. The bottom USB connector functions dynamically depending on power status: while the handset is switched off, plugging it into a PC exposes the SD slot directly as a USB Mass Storage card reader; when powered on, it defaults to a Windows CE ActiveSync data connection.
Once booted and registered to the Cingular Wireless network, the home interface serves as the launchpad for a suite of Windows CE-adapted applications, including a web browser derived from Internet Explorer and a music player built on Windows Media Player components.
The Neno interface relies on standardized directional finger swipes. Swiping horizontally from right to left serves as "Yes" (accept/confirm), while swiping from left to right executes "No" (cancel/back/hang up). Swiping upward from the bottom of the display activates three contextual drawers mapped to bottom-screen anchor icons: 1. **Left anchor swipe up:** Opens the main applications menu. 2. **Center anchor swipe up:** Pulls up the on-screen numeric keypad. Every screen tap on this keypad engages the internal vibrator motor, delivering tactile haptic feedback to confirm text entry without physical buttons. 3. **Right anchor swipe up:** Accesses contextual settings panes specific to the running foreground application.
The lock screen mechanism also mirrors early gesture designs. Sliding down reveals a lock icon; tapping it locks the display. Tapping the top power button wakes the device, prompting a right-to-left unlock sweep across the bottom of the glass. Remarking on the swipe-to-unlock mechanism on the eve of the iPhone release, she highlights the similarity: “Look at that does this look familiar you sweep from right to left and it unlocks let me do that again I lock it Wick it up left right to left sweep and there it is so that's very iPhone like and and I think see most more the other way around.”
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[04:32](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj-KS2kfIr0&t=272s) Network Specifications and Hardware Limitations
Examining the radio hardware highlights the compromises of its era. The primary omission is local wireless connectivity: the device lacks Bluetooth entirely, as well as Wi-Fi. Cellular data relies strictly on 2G GPRS rather than faster 2.5G EDGE networks. The internal cellular radio operates on triband GSM frequencies, utilizing the 1900 MHz band for North America alongside European 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands. While unlocked for any compatible GSM carrier worldwide, the network speeds remain constrained.
She notes that Neonode has an upgraded successor in development, the Neonode N2, designed to address these hardware shortcomings. The upcoming N2 model promises quad-band GSM support, EDGE data speeds, built-in Bluetooth, a thinner physical chassis, and an upgraded 2-megapixel camera sensor.
- Triband GSM connectivity: 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz - Cellular data: 2G GPRS only (no EDGE, no 3G UMTS) - Missing wireless protocols: No Bluetooth, no Wi-Fi - Fully carrier-unlocked for worldwide GSM network use - Successor details (Neonode N2): Quad-band GSM, EDGE, Bluetooth, slimmer profile, and 2 MP camera
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[05:35](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj-KS2kfIr0&t=335s) Built-In Application Walkthrough and Web Browsing
A tour of the onboard software highlights gesture-based task control. Dragging a diagonal line across the display from the top-left corner down to the bottom-right corner acts as a force-close command, terminating an active process entirely so it stops consuming background memory.
The software suite includes: - **Camera:** Direct viewfinder interface for capturing 1 MP still photos. - **Contacts & Phone Dialer:** Swiping across horizontally placed tab dots along the top banner switches between address book views. Calling her voicemail demonstrates in-call controls, where swiping left-to-right immediately ends the active call using the "No" gesture. - **Recent Calls & SMS:** Quick access to the call history list is tied to a quick press of the hardware power button, alongside a dedicated SMS messaging utility. - **Media Player & Multitasking:** An MP3 audio player powered by Windows Media Player. The N1m supports true multitasking; starting audio playback and sweeping up to the main menu keeps the track playing continuously while navigating into other tools, verified inside the system Task Manager. - **Utilities & Entertainment:** Built-in apps include Notes, a File Manager, Calendar, an Alarm Clock, a vibrating Calculator with haptic feedback, and a touch-controlled port of *Tetris* that lets the player tap and swipe to rotate and slide falling tetromino blocks.
The demonstration wraps up with the Internet Explorer-based web browser. Using Cingular's MediaNet APN over GPRS, she opens Google and uses the on-screen text pad to type out a search query for "tankgirl mobile." Once submitted, search results populate the window, allowing the user to scroll through web pages by sweeping up and down on the display. She concludes the demo by urging viewers to remember the Neonode's gestural innovations as the iPhone arrives in stores.
## Notable quotes > [00:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj-KS2kfIr0&t=1s) The reason I'm reviewing the Neonode N1m is because it is an ancestor of the iPhone it is one of the first devices to use purely a finger based interface um for navigation. — tnkgrl
## Mentioned Neonode N1m, iPhone, tnkgrl, Mobile Tech Podcast, Neonode, Windows CE 5.0, Neno, Windows Mobile, Microsoft ActiveSync, Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, Cingular Wireless, Neonode N2, Google, Tetris
## Video description On this iPhone eve, I bring you a video review of the Neonode N1m - how appropriate!
After all, both devices feature an intuitive touch-based user interface with gesture recognition...
For more information visit http://tnkgrl.wordpress.com/2007/06/29/neonode-n1m-video-review/
[Source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj-KS2kfIr0)